The Garden City News (2/28/25)

S EVENTH S TREET S WEETS

On February 24, Kindergarten Daisy Troop 1445 held a sale of Girl Scout cookies on Seventh Street outside of Coquette. The cookie boxes sold out in 20 minutes! Thank you to Lisa Smith of Coquette for hosting the troop. The troop looks forward to hosting another sale in March. Pictured: Back row Reese Hannan, big sister Jane Mantyla, Renny Leach, Jane Mantyla, Riley Overby, Millie Thorton, and big sister Maeve Burns. Front Row: Reilly Campbell, Dylan Flecker, Alice McKeever, Caroline Furman and Catherine Burns. Missing fellow Daisies Quinn Reilly, Lila Groarke and Olivia Finneran.

BOE kicks off budget development

BY KASSARA MCELROY

The Garden City Board of Education has begun budget planning for the 2025-2026 school year, outlining a proposed $137,410,845 budget — a 2.56% increase, or $3.42 million, over the current year. The projected tax levy increase is 2.42%, which is the maximum allowable under state regulations.

Superintendent Dr. Kusum Sinha emphasized the district’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with its mission to provide high-quality education, ensure student safety, and equip schools with the necessary resources for student success.

Breaking down the budget

The district serves 3,935 in-district students, 26 out-

of-district students, and 107 Universal Pre-K (UPK) students, supported by over 900 employees, including 689 fulltime positions. It operates seven school buildings, an administration and transportation hub, and two cafeterias.

The Garden City school district maintains a AAA bond rating, reflecting strong financial management.

See page 50

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At recent Village Board of Trustees meetings, residents have repeatedly questioned why the much-anticipated St. Paul’s Survey will be distributed to every Garden City household, including both homeowners and renters. Some argue that only property owners should have a say in decisions affecting the historic St. Paul’s building.

During the February 18th meeting of the board, resident Leo Stimmler, a former member of the Environmental Advisory Board, presented some concerns he has about distribution of the St. Paul’s Survey. He questioned why the survey is being sent out to every residence of the village.

Mr. Stimmler told the Board he’s lived in Garden City for 45 years, and his son Colin and family also made the village their home, but he doesn’t think allowing renters to fill out the surveys is fair. Having lived in Garden City for 45 years, he believes it is unfair for renters to participate.

He explained to the Board of Trustees, “Renters are moving into Hampshire House, at 67 Hilton Avenue, and at 555 Stewart.

BY MEG MORGAN NORRIS

Three different judges who were assigned to a lawsuit that the Village of Garden City filed against Nassau County over the proposed Sands Las Vegas Casino have recused themselves from the case. Two of the judges did not give reasons for their recusals; the third said that a member of his staff had a conflict that required recusal.

The suit, an Article 78 action, challenged approvals granted by the Nassau County Planning Commission and the Legislature

In her column this week, Garden City Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan outlines the process by which voters can be included in the process when

Whenever municipal bonds are issued in New York State, the voters have 30 days to organize a “permissive referendum” by gathering a petition of at least 20 percent of the registered voters. To be sure, that’s a pretty high bar to clear, and permissive referendums are rare.

However, the mayor describes an alternative method to hold a referendum, and that would be for the Board of Trustees to vote to hold a “mandatory referendum.”

A mandatory referendum would allow voters, during a regular or special

election, to vote on whether to issue bonds on a project.

If such a mandatory referendum were used in regard to St. Paul’s, it would have to be after the plans for the building, whatever those end up being, are finalized. Voters would choose “yes” or “no” on a specific bond-financed project.

On such a community-changing project as St. Paul’s we think it would be prudent to include the voters in the final decision, and we hope the board considers this path.

Members of the board have promised that residents would be involved in every step of the St. Paul’s project. This would be a concrete way to keep that promise.

To the Editor:

A Fair Survey

While many letters have been written to the GCNews and posts on social media in the past few weeks  regarding the poll of the 6 POA BOT members insistence on abandoning the BCI professional approach to a survey that the Mayor had been pursuing for over a year, perhaps the residents should take solace in a few courageous and honorable residents.

Many have spoken up for a fair and representative survey, rather than a single selection, even when these individuals support that single selection themselves.  Leo Stimmler, a long-time resident of Garden City, and unabashed “Save Every Bricker” made clear at the last BOT meeting his unhappiness with a survey that doesn’t allow his neighbors to express their views, but instead has only one selection, Adaptive Reuse in various forms, the very choice that Mr.  Stimmler personally prefers.  Mr. Stimmler made very clear his dissatisfaction with the 6 POA Trustees, lecturing Trustee Finneran that he will not be voting for him for Mayor,  but instead will be writing in Mayor Flanagan as a result of Trustee Finneran’s support of an unfair survey with only one choice. That fact that Trustee Finneran continues to hypocritically call it a “resident driven” survey is just adding insult to injury.  Mr Stimmler makes the point that residents will not support the outcome of this biased survey.  Perhaps many other residents will be following Mr Stimmler’s lead.  If Trustee Finneran refuses to allow residents to have a vote regarding St. Paul’s, it seems contradictory to give Trustee Finneran our vote. It seems many will be following Mr Stimmler’s lead.

Another past “Save Every Bricker” defended the Open Letter circulating, pointing out the lack of credibility the upcoming Survey will have.  The individual posted on social media that “the fact that this survey we will be receiving is flawed and should include ALL

options regarding St. Paul’s.  It’s not about transparency, it’s about ensuring the BOT presents all viable options regarding the fate of St. Paul’s.  The BOT has heard numerous requests from residents to include demolition and facadism on the survey.  It’s a very simple solution-just include the choices!  And that’s all this letter to the BOT is asking for.  And it seems to have been signed by hundreds of residents.   We, as residents and taxpayers deserve all choices.”

And it appears that the Open Letter has the support of residents  that are for Demo, Facadism or to Save Every Brick, as well as those that are indifferent between those choices, as long as the survey is fair to their friends and neighbors and fellow taxpayers.

It is unfortunate that the six POA BOT members; Trustees Finneran, Harrington, Muldoon, Torino, Tai and Courtney, cannot demonstrate the same concerns and honor that these thoughtful residents have demonstrated.

Donald MacLeod

Information

about the survey

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to share what I have learned about the upcoming St. Paul’s survey. I have reviewed information available on the Village website, listened to discussions at the BOT meetings and reached out to the six trustees for clarification. Further, I am concerned that there is a lot of misinformation and exaggeration about the process, including the roles, integrity and competence of the St. Paul’s Committee and the six Trustees.

First, I hope those reading this letter are aware that the survey is NOT a vote. Second, the restoration of all or part of St. Paul’s is not definite as it will be determined after careful review of the results of the upcoming survey. Third, the financial reputation and financial standing of the Village is not at risk. The Village has

St. Paul’s roof repair approved, details aired at meeting

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Village Board of Trustees, at its meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, ratified a payment of $6,750 for emergency work done on the roof of the St. Paul’s main building by Merrick-based contractor G & V Roofing.

This expense came under scrutiny, as the roof had already been the subject of a previous emergency repair, which included window repairs, approved at a special board meeting on December 30, 2024. The February 18 meeting agenda noted that the original contractor, Statewide Roofing Inc., was unable to repair a specific hole in the roof. However, the board confirmed that funding for the new repair was available in the budgeted “St. Paul’s Recreation Facility” account.

During public comments resident Steve Gorray questioned the Village’s funding of the roof repair and related work that took place at St. Paul’s since winter began. He says that from his perspective and what’s been previously stated by the village, following the initial evaluation “a lot of work needs to be done to repair the roof.”

Gorray asked about the December

allocation of $19,250 for Statewide Roofing Inc.

“Now there is an additional $6,750 for a different contactor….Does that mean for some reason, Statewide (the initial contractor) was unable to repair it?”

Trustee Vinny Muldoon, who owns a construction and renovation firm, provided clarification.

“The initial contractor (Statewide) was contracted to repair the hole in the roof, and he also agreed to barricade some of the windows with plywood that had been broken or where people gain could access to the building. He did the windows, but when he attempted to repair the roof, in the way he decided he would have done it, it was without a large lift (machinery) that would go up to access that section of roof. After trying it, he felt that the lift was not big enough and it was not safe, and so he decided to back out,” Muldoon said.

As the status of payment was questioned, last week Trustee Muldoon said he would verify with Village Treasurer Irene Woo and the Finance Department. Muldoon noted the potential difference, if Statewide was paid or will be paid for

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Board sets public hearing on changes to tree ordinances

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At their its on February 18, the Board of Trustees scheduled a public hearing for an amendment to the Village Code regarding trees in the community. The hearing will take place during the board’s second monthly meeting in March, which is set for Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m.

Garden City Village Attorney Gary Fishberg commented, “There’s been a revision of the Local Law regarding Trees that has been worked on by Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi, Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni, Superintendent of Building Giuseppe Giovanniello, Asst. Superintendent of Recreation and Parks Andy Hill and Village Arborist Joe Umana and myself, dealing with the planting, ownership and maintenance of trees. We wanted to schedule this public hearing for one month from now,” he explained.

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan thanked the staff who have worked on the proposed amendment, and noted “We know we’re well overdue to update our tree code, and we are all happy to

see this happening.”

Copies of the amendment will be posted along with the March 20th Board meeting agenda, on the village’s website www.gardencityny.net.

Library security contract extended,

Garden City Public Library Director Marianne Malagon attended the February 18th Board of Trustees meeting, and spoke about agenda item which sought the Board’s authorization for Doyle Security Services, a company based in Rockville Centre, to receive an extension of its contract providing security services (guards) at the library. The extension would follow the existing contract terms and conditions and would run from February 10 through May 31, 2025. The total cost is approximately $39,000 for the four months and there is funding available in the library’s contractual service account. Village council reviewed and approved this agreement to form before it was presented for Board authorization.

The contract extension runs through the end of the 2024-25 village fiscal year. Malagon noted that in the interim, the

See page 49

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Home Happens Here

205 Weyford Terrace

Open House Saturday & Sunday March 1st & 2nd • 12-2 pm

Welcome home! This thoughtfully designed 2013 Craftsman Colonial is an artful blend of modern functionality and timeless architecture. A welcoming bluestone portico entrance sets the tone for this wonderful home. The open concept first floor is bathed in natural light featuring high ceilings and an airy open floor plan, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A huge open kitchen, complete with center island and spacious eating area, beautiful cabinetry and high-end appliances leads to a wonderful backyard, with more terrific entertaining space. Perfect for family gatherings and alfresco dining, as well as an outdoor TV entertainment zone. With four large bedrooms, including a WOW primary suite, plus 2nd floor laundry, 2 ½ beautiful baths and so much more this home is a perfect opportunity to make your dreams a reality. Located in the GC Estates, with mid-block location, close to parks, schools and railroads, is a fabulous opportunity to make your own Offered at $2,199,000

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Chmil

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The future of St. Paul’s: Community engagement and next steps

SUBMITTED BY GARDEN CITY VILLAGE TRUSTEES COURTNEY, FINNERAN, HARRINGTON, MULDOON, TAI AND TORINO.

As the future of St. Paul’s continues to be a topic of significant importance, the Board of Trustees has undertaken a series of strategic steps to gauge public sentiment and outline potential plans for the use of the main building. Here is a detailed look at what has already been accomplished and the next steps in this vital project.

Step One: Opinion Poll Reflects Public Sentiment

The first step in this process was an opinion poll conducted in October 2023 by the then sitting Board of Trustees, designed to better understand public sentiment. This opinion poll had two options to choose from – either “part or all preservation” of the St Paul’s main building or demolition. The results were clear: 61% of the village residents voted in favor of preserving “part or all” of the building, demonstrating a strong community preference for its preservation.

Step Two: Formation of the St Paul’s Advisory Committee

Following the poll, Mayor Flanagan appointed a St Paul’s Advisory Committee that included five non-Trustee residents. This committee embarked on months of research and proposed the idea of converting the St Paul’s building into a Community Center. Based on the Committee’s input, in March 2024, the BOT hired BCI, a recreational planning company, to conduct comprehensive research on two crucial matters: a full needs assessment of the village’s recreation and parks department, and a detailed plan for the use of the St Paul’s building.

Step Three: Surveys to Shape Future Plans

Advisory Committee so it can incorporate the findings/information into their final report, which will also be shared with the public. After incorporating the survey analysis, we would expect the Committee report to be published approximately six to eight weeks later.

Step Four: Presentation and Open Discussions

The BOT will present its findings and recommendations to the residents, ensuring transparency and thorough understanding. To facilitate this, open discussions will be held at Board meetings, and Town Hall meetings will also be convened. These forums will allow residents to probe the recommendations, ask questions, and become fully informed of the conclusions and plans. It is crucial to note that at this stage, the BOT will not have made any commitment to allocate or approve funds for the project. This decision will come later in the process when a Village-wide vote on potential financing options and the necessary funds to undertake the projects at St. Paul’s will be held.

Step Five: Next Steps Post-Survey

The subsequent steps in this process will hinge on the survey outcomes, the Advisory Committee’s report, the BOT's analysis, and resident comments. Generally, the next steps include hiring architectural, engineering, and other necessary firms to design a project for the building and the activities and programs the majority of residents wish to see in St. Paul’s Community Center. Following this, the project will be put out to bid to several qualified general contractors under the control of the architects and the Heads of the appropriate Village Departments.

Over the past 10.5 months, BCI has collaborated closely with the 20242025 BOT to develop two surveys. The first survey, focusing on recreation and parks, was completed in the early summer of 2024 and those results were shared with the BOT and residents. The second survey, which will address the future of the St Paul’s main building, will be mailed to every household in the Village in the Spring of 2025. This survey will be mailed to all households in the Village. Once the survey closes, the results will be tabulated and analyzed. (This process could take up to two months.)

Once the BOT receives the survey analysis from BCI, we’ll study and share it with all residents. Additionally, the BOT will provide the analysis with the new St Paul’s

Only after all these chores and duties are completed and a budget developed, would the Board go to the public for a vote on a bond or the best financial vehicle we can obtain “to put a shovel in the ground” at St Paul’s. We will always do what is in the best interest of the Village, long-term. We will continue to provide you with as much information as possible via social media, the Garden City News and other forms of communication.

In summary, these steps outline a comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent approach to the future of St. Paul's, ensuring that every resident has a voice in the process and that the final project garners widespread community support. We encourage everyone to attend Town Hall meetings (scheduled for March 8th, 1:00PM at the Senior Center), complete the upcoming survey and make sure your voices are heard.

Cathedral of the Incarnation announces Lenten services, opportunities

The Lenten season is a perfect time to experience the Cathedral.

As the Lenten season approaches, the Cathedral of the Incarnation invites the community to join in reflection, worship, and renewal. On Shrove Tuesday, March 4, weekday Masses will return to Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m., in addition to the usual Wednesday healing Mass, also at noon.

The Solemn Liturgy of Ash Wednesday will be on Wednesday,

March 5, with two services: the regular Wednesday Mass at noon, and a Choral Mass with the Cathedral Choir at 7:30 pm, both of which will include the imposition of ashes.

Throughout Lent, the Cathedral offers numerous opportunities for worship and growth. Worshippers are encouraged to explore new prayer practices, engage with one of the Cathedral’s

Solemn liturgies and inspiring music during this holy season.

outreach ministries, or participate in the Dean’s Forum for meaningful conversations. During this holy season, Dean’s Forum discussions will center around Barbara Brown Taylor's novel,“Learning to Walk in the Dark,” a guide to the “spirituality of the nighttime,” with chapters drawing from everyday life to discovering ways of finding God in the darkness.

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For those seeking quiet and contemplation, the Cathedral’s sacred spaces are open for moments of reflection and prayer. Additionally, the Center for Spiritual Imagination offers several programs to prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Visit the Cathedral website at www.Incarnationgc.org for schedules and events in the coming season.

Tina O’Keeffe, U.S. Peace Corps Alumna To Speak on March 11

Rotarian Tina O’Keeffe will speak of experiences in the U.S. Peace Corps on

On Tuesday, March 11, 12:15 at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant, fellow Rotarian and newly appointed club secretary, Tina O’Keeffe, will speak about joining and serving in the U.S. Peace Corps. Tina will report on her experience in Ukraine as an American woman along with the impact of this service had on her life when returning to the United States.

According to its website, the mission of the U.S. Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship through community-based development and international understanding.

Tina’s story: In 2000, Tina O’Keeffe was a published author employed in marketing when she met her future husband, Thomas O’Keeffe, a private wealth manager. During their engagement, Tina and Tom worked on their Peace Corps applications, and in 2002,

just before their wedding, Tina and Tom were assigned to the Economic Development Program in Ukraine where they worked at the Lviv Youth Employment Center and found short and long-term employment opportunities for young people.

During her two years in Ukraine, Tina helped open the first youth hostel in Lviv where she wrote and published a training manual on using the internet. She had also secured grants for her agency, and founded a youth Leadership Program still in existence today.

Tom worked at the Lviv Credit Union and then at the Ukrainian Catholic University helping to start their NonProfit Management Program which continues to flourish today as part of the UCU Institute of Leadership and Management.

In 2005, Tina and Tom returned to New York to work in their respective fields of communications and finance. Today, Tina runs her own company, Stow and Behold which provides organizing and move assistance to seniors and to those with physical challenges. Tom works for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as a Deputy Team Lead in Bank Supervision and Risk Mitigation. Tina and Tom reside in Stewart Manor and are the parents of three daughters.

NC Legislator John Giuffre Reports Last Tuesday, February 25, NC Legislator John Giuffre provided for Rotarians and guests, a comprehensive report on the workings and activities of the NC Legislature.

As the arm of the NC Government, single legislative representatives serve

See page 39

From left: Althea Robinson, Publicity Chair; Diana O’Neill, club president; Tina O’Keefe, newly appointed club secretary; and NC Legislator John Giuffre, guest speaker.

March 11.

WPOA annual membership drive

The Western Property Owners Association is conducting its 2025 Membership Drive. Your annual contribution of $25 helps defray the organizational expenses, which include the high school scholarship awards, Christmas Tree lighting, community engagement activities, insurance, mailing notifications, and meet and greet events to provide updates on current events impacting Garden City.

If you are a Garden City resident living in the Western Section (bordered by the LIRR, Tanners Pond and Edgemere Roads, Cambridge Avenue, and Jefferson Street) please consider making your annual donation via the following payment options:

• Check: Western Garden City Property Owners Association, P.O. Box 7976, Garden City, New York 11530

• Online: gcwpoa.com/membership or scan the QR code:

The WPOA appreciates your continued support. If you have any questions please contact Membership Director, Steve Costello at scmc66@yahoo.com.

Town offers safe boating classes in March

Boating season may be several months away, but with a New York State law now in effect that requires all operators to be certified in safe boating, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board are now offering safety certification classes. As boating is one of Hempstead Town’s most enjoyable pastimes, Supervisor Clavin and Town Board colleagues want to ensure that all residents remain safe and prepared while setting sail.

The Town’s Bay Constables will lead a Boater Safety Course for adults (ages 18 years and older) in two sessions –Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – at the Department of Conservation and Waterways (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate.

“Whether you’re a seasoned captain or just starting to learn, obtaining a

boater safety certification is the law of the sea in 2025,” said Supervisor Clavin.

“We in America’s largest township want to ensure that all local mariners practice safe boating, and we encourage them to sign up for the Town’s upcoming safe boating course.”

The New York State law governing these new boating safety requirements is known as Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Long Island resident Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005.

Additional safe boating courses for youth and adults will be announced in the near future. To register for an upcoming Boater Safety Class, please call the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

Residents who are already certified but cannot locate their card can obtain new documentation at https://www.ilostmycard.com/records?state_cd=NY&cert_ type=Boating

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Stewart Manor Real Estate Market Information

40 Chester Avenue, Stewart Manor

RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN STEWART MANOR

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

Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS

Date: 02/21/2025

Sold price: $873,000

3 bedrooms, 1 full bath

Architectural Style: Colonial Property size: .18 acres

Annual taxes: $13,828

MLS number: L3554364

The Seller’s Team: Laura Carroll, Compass Greater NY

The Buyer’s Team: Nancy Slavin, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Discover this hidden gem in the heart of Stewart Manor-a single-family home on a rare, oversized corner lot. Full of colonial charm, this residence offers spacious rooms bathed in natural light. Located near Covert Avenue shopping, the Stewart Manor Pool, and the Stewart Manor train station, with a convenient 35-minute LIRR commute. Move-in ready, the home features gleaming hardwood floors, a beautiful fireplace, new roof 2022 and elegant moldings throughout. The expanded kitchen provides ample space for dining, ideal for both gatherings and daily living. A separate entrance from the driveway leads to a cozy yet spacious den. Additionally, a bonus finished area includes a full bathroom and staircase with a private entrance. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to own a large property in the picturesque village of Stewart Manor.

Date: 02/21/2025

Sold price: $730,000

3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Semi-detached Colonial Property Size: .12 acres

Annual taxes: $11,619

MLS number: L3583282

The Seller’s Team: George Athanasopoulos, Breezes Brokerage

The Buyer’s Team: Caroline Kohen, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies

42 Salisbury Ave., Stewart Manor

Semi detached colonial featuring 3 bedrooms 1 full 1 half bath 3 bedrooms porch living room formal dining, steps to Stewart Manor Country Club

We Know and Love Garden City

Grace abounds at Garden City Community Church

Grace is a free and unmerited favor that God has provided us through Jesus Christ. Grace is a gift that God gives without regard to a person's worthiness or actions.  It is a gift from God to all humans, that is undeserved, free, and generous. It is a central part of the Christian faith.

It is more than a character trait; to have grace means to act with kindness, understanding, and thoughtfulness,

especially in difficult situations. It can also mean to show forgiveness, compassion, and composure.

At Garden City Community Church (GCCC) Grace abounds through its members as they practice their Godgiven gifts as they interact with each other and with those they meet in the secular world. Grace is not confined within the walls of the church but more so when worship on Sunday ends, and

We bring a unique perspective to the table, blending traditional values with modern expertise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we are dedicated to providing personalized service tailored to your needs. When you choose our Mother/Son team, you gain a partner who truly understands the importance of long-term success and building a legacy for generations to come.

service begins.

Grace is manifested when folks gather to study the message that Jesus gave us. This is what is happening on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. at GCCC.  ‘The Chosen’ Series 2, is the second part of the groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus. It expands the knowledge about Jesus' teachings, by exploring one’s faith while enjoying fellowship with other church and community members. The viewing of the episodes starts at 7:00 p.m. and the discussion starts at 7:45 p.m. Karin Melkonian facilitates the discussion. All are invited to attend. Season 2 centers of how the Disciples learn to work as a community and follow Jesus focusing on the struggles they encounter working together. If you cannot join us at 7:00 pm to watch the show, you can watch it at home and then join us at 7:45 for the discussion. You can watch the series at home free on Prime Video or https://watch. thechosen.tv/page/seasons%201-3.

Grace comes when the faithful meet to celebrate and observe the liturgical seasons of the church. Ash Wednesday will be observed on March 5th at noon in the Chapel with Communion service which includes the imposition of ashes.  Ash Wednesday ushers in the Christian

journey to the Lenten season. Grace comes when a child is brought by their parents for baptism. Grace abounded last Sunday when Anabella Marie and Charlie Arcella brought their son for baptism. Baptism is one of the two sacraments of the United Church of Christ (UCC) in which GCCC participates. Through water at baptism, God embraces us and brings us into Christ’s Church. Baptism makes us a vital member, not only to a local church, but to the wider church. We share in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. The church also promises to love, support, and care for us throughout our whole life. Baptized, we now participate fully in life of the Church and God’s realm. Visit GCCC and join a community of God’s people! No matter who you are or where you are in your journey in life, you are welcome at GCCC. Its Sunday worship services are 10:30 a.m. in-person and live-streamed. GCCC also has programs for all ages. The church is located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road. For more information email  churchoffice@thegccc.org or call 516-746-1700. You may also visit its website, www.the GCCC.org

St. Paul’s Town Hall Meeting

All residents are invited to attend the second Town Hall meeting concerning the St. Paul's building survey on Saturday, March 8, at 1:00 at the Senior Center. The session will also be available via Zoom.

The meeting will provide detailed background information on the Board’s work with BCI on the St. Paul’s building survey, including descriptions of the various options for the Main Building, “ballpark costs” and initial estimates of the impact on residents Village taxes of

the options presented. Additionally, the presentation will tie in the results of last spring’s Recreational Survey and how it shaped the outline of some of the activities and programs which are highlighted in a handful of the survey questions. This meeting is a terrific opportunity for all residents to learn more and ask questions. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation about the future of St. Paul’s. Your input and engagement are invaluable in shaping the decisions that will affect the Village.

Scene from “The Chosen” Series 2: Mary telling Mary Magdalene the stories of Jesus as a child.

Sunday Baptism: Marilyn M. Yasus, Rev John Livingston, Anabella Marie & Charlie Arcella.

“Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon”

BY MELISSA JAEGER

“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall softly upon your field.” Traditional Irish blessing (ancient Celtic prayer).

Revered as the patron saint of Ireland, “St. Patrick” is a myth of many contradictions. First of all, he was not Irish – but English. Actually, he was kidnapped from the British Isles and brought to Ireland as a slave. Patrick was no saint. For sainthood, one must have two miracles to his or her credit. And the Catholic Church did not have these “rules” during his lifetime. Patrick purportedly banished snakes from Ireland with his staff atop a mountain. There is no evidence that snakes ever existed in Ireland. Historians believe it was an allegory created to show how he brought drove out “evil” pagan traditions. He was likely proclaimed a saint by popular acclaim after becoming a priest and helping to spread Christianity.

And, up until the 1700s, St. Patrick’s Day was a Roman Catholic feast, observed only in Ireland, spent in quiet prayer at church or at home. That began to change when Irish immigrants living in the U.S. began to organize parades and other events on March 17 as a show of pride.

Another fabrication? You’re supposed to eat corned beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day.  The original Irish “go-to” meal was bacon, served with cabbage. After the 1800’s, when many Irish people emigrated to the U.S., they were forced to substitute bacon with corned beef brisket (pickled and fermented). They were able to purchase corned beef, an affordable alternative, from Jewish butchers on the Lower East side. I don’t know why we only seem to eat it once a year, but I love it. To me, nothing compares to a corned beef sandwich!

Don’t forget to come into the Exchange and pick up your tickets for the Garden City Historical Society “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon” show. On Sunday, March 16, at 3:00 p.m., John Kouri and the Hambones will perform at the Garden City Historical Society Museum. Between them, the members of the group have over 150 years of musical experience, playing in individual bands. They united in 2010 with a simple “desire to play the music we love.” For the past 15 years, they have been on a musical journey cap -

John Kouri and the Hambones will perform at the Garden City Historical Society Museum on Sunday, March 16.

tivating their audiences with their diverse styles. If the name sounds familiar – it is if you go to the GC Pool! They have an extensive range of over 250 songs spanning across Irish, Americana, Pop, Classic Rock, and Country, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The performance will be 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The TGCHS Museum located at 109 Eleventh Street.

We are also pleased to announce that the family of Maureen Clancy (1932-2021) will sponsor this program. She and her husband, Cummin, started Clancy & Clancy Brokerage which has been around for more than 67 years. She was also an extremely active and respected member of the GC community, both in private and professional circles. Maureen was a past president of The Garden City Historical Society and an avid supporter of its music programs. As such, The Garden City Historical Society is dedicating its “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon” March 16th performance to the memory of Maureen.

Be sure to get your tickets (only $40 per person) soon, as it is our most popular show and sells out quickly. Light refreshments -- including Irish soda bread and Irish coffee -- will be served after the show. Tickets can be purchased at the A.T. Stewart Exchange (MonFri 10–4; Sat 12–4 and Wed until 6 p.m.), located at the rear of the TGCHS Museum (the yellow Victorian house on 11th Street).

Patrick’s Day: Monday, 3/17

Corned Beef & Cabbage

Shepherd’s Pie • Bangers & Mash Guinness Draught Full Selection of Jameson Irish Whiskey Tullamore Dew Baileys Irish Cream Sweeney’s Famous Irish Coffee

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

Stephen Baymack

Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent

Laura Baymack

Lauren Grima Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Pedro “Pete” Diaz Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Karen Guendjoian Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Patricia Ottati Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent

Athena Menoudakos Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent Alexander G. Olivieri Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Maureen

Lauren Canner Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Alexandra Parisi Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

Catherine Anatra Lic. RE Salesperson

Menoudakos Team

Demetrios Arnidis Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Kathy Thornton

Jennifer Sullivan Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Danielle Nero Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Daniel Niebler Lic. RE Salesperson Baymack Team

Kate Russo Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Julie Whicher Lic. RE Salesperson Baymack Team

Christina M. Hirschfield

Team

Susan Gillin Lic. RE Salesperson Jen Sullivan Team

Adrienne McDougal

Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Ryan Mullins Lic. RE Salesperson Jen Sullivan Team

Frank Morabito Lic. RE Salesperson Pete Diaz Team

Amanda Keller Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Kerry Flynn Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Denice Giacometti Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Mairead Garry Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Carolyn Fowler Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Alyson B. Esposito

Chelsea Costello

5

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

The Laura Carroll Team

48-51 193 Street, Fresh Meadows

Road, Garden City

Road, Garden City

Manor Road, Garden City

Avenue, Garden City

James Street, Garden City

Avenue, Garden City

Avenue, Stewart Manor 5 John Street, Garden City

126 Arthur Street, Garden City

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

By John L. Gomes, MD

John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained 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. All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staff is on call 24/7.

He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.

Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.

He is both Board Certified and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.

GC Kiwanis announces scholarship

The Garden City Kiwanis Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now available for the 2025 Kiwanis Service Scholarship. The scholarship is open to any high school senior residing in the Garden City School District and is awarded in recognition of a student’s commitment to community service. Applications have been provided to

the Guidance Department of Garden City High School and to many of the private high schools in the vicinity. Interested students should contact their guidance department. The application may also be obtained by emailing Carole Russo at cartaxpro@aol.com. The deadline for submitting an application is April 11, 2025.

Calling all GC senior citizens

The Garden City school district invites Garden City senior citizens to a complimentary dinner and preview of Garden City High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid” on Thursday, March 13.

Dinner will be served in the Garden City High School Cafeteria at 3:30 p.m. hosted by the GCTA. Raffles and more supported by the Garden City PTA will

Council 1869

plans Casino Night

Council 1869, a local charitable group, will host its 3rd annual Casino Night on Friday, March 14, from 7–11 p.m. at the Garden City Casino. Enjoy casino games, an open bar, music, food and more!

also be available.

The event will also feature live music by the High School Jazz Band.

Be sure to reserve your free ticket by March 7. To reserve your complimentary ticket, vist gchsny.booktix. com Choose “senior citizen” ticket type and use the code “preview”

Note: Tickets are limited to the first 150 requests. Limit two tickets per order.

An annual subscription to one of our papers costs less than buying a copy each week. Call 516-294-8900 to subscribe!

Stephen Baymack

The Baymack Team

Licensed Associate RE Broker stephen.baymack@compass.com M: 516.216.0244

Laura Baymack

The Baymack Team

Licensed RE Salesperson laura.baymack@compass.com M: 516.537.3050

Listing

Perfectly situated midblock on a quiet tree lined street, this gorgeous new colonial is perfectly designed for today’s modern family lifestyle. The home boasts an impressive 2900 square feet of living space on the first and second floors plus a full finished basement. The first floor features a spacious living room, an elegant formal dining room, and a gourmet kitchen with sleek white cabinetry, quartz countertops, top of the line appliances and a sizable island that is completely open to the family room with a fireplace. A powder room and a mudroom with radiant heat complete this level. The second floor boasts a spacious primary bedroom suite with a walk-in closet, a gorgeous bathroom with radiant heat, and 3 additional nicely sized bedrooms with generous closet space that are serviced by 2 beautiful bathrooms with radiant heat and a laundry room. The basement provides a spacious recreation room, a full bathroom and a gym or home office room. The extra deep 126-foot lot provides plenty of backyard space for outdoor activities. The location, layout and top-quality craftsmanship make this the perfect place to call home!

Valentine’s vow renewal

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for Kent and Karen Reiter of Garden City on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Reiters have been married 53 years. Also attending was Supervisor Don Clavin (left). Town Clerk Murray officiated the vow renewal ceremonies for more than 75 couples during her annual Valentine’s-themed event, which this year included several couples who celebrated alongside their dogs! All guests received roses, a wedding cake, a champagne toast, and a doggie bag full of goodies.

WPOA –

A call for volunteers

The WPOA is looking for volunteers!

Whether you’re interested in education, traffic, safety, or any other aspect of living in the Village, you can make a difference by serving with the WPOA!

Right now, the WPOA is looking for a new website manager. Its previous volunteer built us a brand-new website, and now help is needed to keep the content current and relevant.

The WPOA is also looking for a new group of Student Ambassadors, high-schoolers who assist with WPOA meetings and work with Village government. It's perfect for students interested in seeing how local government works!

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with WPOA, please e-mail ravernice26@gmail.com.

American Legion meeting on

Boys,

Girls State programs

The William Bradford Turner American Legion Post # 265 will resume its monthly meetings on Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Garden City Senior Recreation Center at 6 Golf Club Lane. At 7:30, there will be a presentation on the highly competitive Boys State and Girls State programs for high school juniors.

This year Boys State is scheduled for June 28 through July 3 at SUNY Morrisville; Girls State is scheduled for June 30 to July 6 at SUNY Brockport. High school juniors and their parents are invited to attend this informative and timely presentation.

on March 18th for Mayor of Garden City

**Will continue to aggressively oppose casino development at the Nassau Coliseum in all forums

**Will look forward to learning residents views on St Paul’s, with the goal to develop a plan with widespread community support

**Will address traffic issues across the Village and employ traffic calming strategies when possible

**Will steadfastly work to highlight water issues and provide timely updated advice and inform ation on any mitigation

**Will always be prudent with Village “coffers" and balance with new programs and improved services

**Will work to improve our grass ball fields and engage in capital improvements at the Field House and Cluett Hall

www.gardencitycap.org

Old World Quality Corp.

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

Does the Village Board have to hold a bond vote prior to issuing bonds for a St. Paul’s renovation project? The simple answer is no, they do not. Why have I as your Mayor and other Trustees said publicly, of course there will be a vote before any project is decided upon? Because to me and many others it would seem foolish to assume support for a project as big as a St. Paul’s project, and the legal advice provided that I am sharing below will help explain why as a policy matter most elected officials would choose to have a vote.

- Where there is a public vote, either by permissive referendum or mandatory referendum, the outcome is determined by a simple majority of the voters present and voting at the election for approval.

- Notably, bond resolutions generally require at least a 2/3 supermajority of the Board for adoption. However, if the Board decides to make the resolution subject to a mandatory referendum, only a 3/5 majority is required.

The Village bonds many projects, and the rules surrounding village bonding include the following:

• Unlike school districts and fire districts, there is no circumstance under which a referendum of Village residents would be required by law for the approval or disapproval of the issuance of debt to finance a St. Paul’s Project, or any other Village project for that matter.

• There are rules surrounding voter approval of debt issuance, and they are as follows:

- Any Village bond resolution authorizing the issuance of debt with the proposed maturity of the bonds in excess of five years is subject to a permissive referendum.

• Permissive Referendum means that the residents have a 30-day period from the date of adoption of the bond resolution, after due notice by publication and posting of a summary of the bond resolution, in which to petition for a Village election for approval or disapproval of the bond resolution (subject to certain legal requirements regarding notices, timing and other matters). If a valid and timely petition were received, the Village would be obligated to hold a referendum, although the Board of Trustees could determine to reconsider and rescind the bond resolution rather than hold a referendum. To be valid, a petition must be signed and acknowledged by registered voters of the Village in a number equal to at least 20 percent of the registered voters as shown on the register of electors for the previous general Village election.

• Alternatively, the Board of Trustees may determine that the bond resolution shall be subject to a mandatory referendum, meaning that it would be subject to a public vote to be held at a general or special Village election.

As has been pointed out before and the reason we have spoken of polls and surveys surrounding St. Paul’s, the determination to undertake the project and/or spend Village funds for the project cannot be the subject of a public vote. It is only the bond resolution that can be the subject of such a vote.

The question of whether the Board should opt for a mandatory referendum is a policy question rather than a legal question. I and others on the Board have expressed that we think it is good policy considering the project and it is something I feel strongly about. I have suggested to other Trustees that we pass a Board Resolution to reassure residents of our commitment to holding a mandatory bond referendum before moving forward with a St. Paul’s project, and I am hopeful that this resolution will come at one of the March meetings before my term as Mayor ends.

Village app is here

I am thrilled to announce that the new Village App - MyGardenCity - is now available for residents to download! This new mobile citizen engagement app allows residents to have a direct line of communication to access information, submit service requests, get notifications and more! Now you will all be in the know about what’s happening around the Village.

Police Department Drone

The Police Department has purchased a drone with funds from a (Law Enforcement Technology) LETECH grant obtained through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The model is a lightweight, portable drone equipped with an infrared system, multiple high-resolution cameras, and the capability to take pictures and videos.

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Overweight truck violation

On February 19, a truck driver on Clinton Road was charged with driving an overweight vehicle.

Alarm triggered by construction

Both GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence after a fire alarm was activated by construction workers on February 19.

Water main breaks

Garden City Police and Water Department personnel addressed water main breaks on Franklin Avenue and Edgemere Road on February 19.

Basement flood response

A basement flood prompted a response from GCFD and GCPD on February 19. Firefighters secured the home by shutting off the electric and water supplies.

Multiple traffic violations

On February 19, a motorist on Stewart Avenue was charged with several infractions, including driving over hazard markings, making an unsafe turn, and unsafe lane use.

Carbon monoxide alarm

After Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a residence for a CO alarm on February 19, the GCFD determined the home to be safe.

Stop sign violation

A motorist on Meadow Street was charged on February 19 with passing a stop sign and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Arrest for unlicensed operation

On February 20, police say a motorist on County Seat Drive was arrested for two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation. The individual reportedly had 18 license suspensions and a prior conviction for the same offense.

Faulty boiler shut down

Officers assisted firefighters in responding to a carbon monoxide alarm on February 20. Firefighters shut down a faulty boiler, vented the residence, and rendered it safe.

Suspended registration

A New Hyde Park motorist was charged on February 20 with driving an unregistered vehicle and operating with a suspended registration.

Cooking smoke alarm

A fire alarm at a restaurant was activated by cooking smoke on February 20, prompting a response from GCFD and GCPD.

Burst water pipe assistance

On February 20, GCFD and GCPD

responded to a residence where firefight ers assisted the homeowner in dealing with a burst water pipe.

Fraudulent check investigation

On February 21, officers investigated a case involving a fraudulent check that had been cashed against a victim’s bank account.

Multiple traffic violations

A motorist from New Hyde Park was charged on February 21 with multiple violations, including operating a vehicle with a suspended registration.

Fire alarm caused by vaping

GCFD and GCPD responded to a business on February 21 after a fire alarm was triggered by vaping smoke.

Truck troubles

Two truck drivers on Clinton Road were charged on February 21 with driving with suspended licenses, along with additional traffic violations.

Open door investigation

Officers responded to a residential alarm on February 21 and discovered an open door. After inspection, everything appeared to be in order.

Suspended registration charges

On February 21, two motorists on Washington Avenue were charged with driving with suspended registrations, along with other violations.

Juvenile assault arrest

Following an investigation into an incident on Seventh Street during August, Garden City Detectives arrested a 14-year-old on February 22. During the incident, a youth was accosted by a group of juveniles and struck in the face

The arrested juvenile was charged with assault.

Hit-and-run

A white pickup truck reportedly fled the scene after striking a parked vehicle inside a Franklin Avenue parking garage on February 22.

Fraudulent plates and speeding

A motorist on Clinton Road was charged on February 22 with excessive speed, fraudulent license plates, unregistered auto, and uninsured operation.

Stove fire response

GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence on February 22 for a stove fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire and ensured the home was safe.

Suspended license, registration

On February 22, a motorist on Clinton Road was charged with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and uninsured operation.

False medical alert Officers investigated a medical alert activation on February 22 and determined it had been set off in error.

Uninsured vehicle

A motorist on Washington Avenue was charged on February 22 with passing a red light and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Reckless driving on rooftop

On February 23, an officer observed multiple vehicles entering a Franklin Avenue garage. Upon investigation, one vehicle was seen doing donuts on the rooftop in a reckless manner. The driver was charged with reckless driving and multiple other traffic violations.

Steam, aerosol cause alarms

GCFD and GCPD responded to two separate fire alarms on February 23— one triggered by cooking steam and another set off by aerosol spray.

Multiple traffic violations

A Clinton Road motorist was charged on February 23 with unsafe speed, a suspended license, and a suspended registration.

Natural gas odor

On February 23, GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a reported natural gas odor. Firefighters determined the source was an outdoor grill that had been accidentally left on and rendered the area safe.

Unlicensed and unsafe driving

A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and making an unsafe turn on February 23.

Domestic incident arrest

Following an investigation, police arrested a 36-year-old man on February 24 for allegedly striking his girlfriend and taking her phone to prevent her from calling for help. He was charged with criminal mischief

See page 44

Quick

Trusted

Trusted

Lenten Food Drive at the Garden City Community Church

BY REV. BONNIE MCDOUGALL OLSON

Ash Wednesday, March 5th marks the beginning of Lent, a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Food insecurity remains an urgent need that we all can help address by making donation of food to feed our neighbors in need.

Beginning March 5, The Garden City Community Church (GCCC) will be holding a Lenten food drive to benefit the Long Island Council of Churches

(LICC) food pantry. Donations are urgently needed. Please drop off your donations to the GCCC at 245 Stewart Avenue (cross street is Whitehall Blvd), Garden City, NY 11530. Please bring the items to the Whitehall Blvd. entrance between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. For more information, please contact the church office at (516) 7461700.

Please help families in need this Lent. Here is a list of their most needed items:

• Plastic bottles of nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter) and jelly

• Any kind of pasta and pasta sauce

• 1 or 2-pound bags/boxes of rice

• Canned items (fruit, soup, vegetables)

• Canned meats/fish

• Shelf stable milk

• Cereal

• Toiletries (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine products, razors, shampoo, conditioner)

• All sizes of diapers, baby supplies (wipes, lotions), formula, baby food

POAs celebrate 150 years of the Garden City Hotel

Special Event with Chef David Burke

The Garden City Property Owners Associations are excited to present another event celebrating the history of our Village. Residents are in for a treat to help celebrate a significant milestone—the 150th anniversary of the Garden City Hotel. This event will take place on Tuesday, March 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Senior Center on Golf Club Lane.

The evening promises to be a memorable one, featuring a special guest appearance by the renowned hotel chef, David Burke. Known for his innovative culinary skills and contributions to the hospitality industry, Chef Burke ’ s presence adds a touch of culinary excellence to the event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an array of memorabilia from the hotel's rich and storied past. This collection will offer a glimpse into the hotel's evolution and its role in shaping the community over the past century and a half.

This event is open to all Garden City residents at no charge, though

attendance is limited. Beverages and light refreshments will be served. Make sure to mark your calendars and join in the festivities to honor the legacy of the Garden City Hotel, a true cornerstone of the community for the past 150 years.

Space is limited for this event, so please register here.  For further information, contact the POA Events team at gcpoaevents@gmail.com. https://shorturl.at/m0r38

MORTALITY RATES. HOW’S THAT FOR AN ICEBREAKER?

Our health system maintains the lowest mortality rates in the nation. And at the end of the day, this is what matters. We apply the highest standard of care to every factor that impacts patient recovery and survival, so more people who come here, go home. No wonder we were named #1 for quality care in the U.S.

Better health starts with a better health system.

The Garden City Welcoming Club

Galentine’s Day!

On February 13, the Welcoming Club hosted a fun and festive Galentine’s Day event!  This amazing event featured a variety of local vendors showcasing their many goods and services.  Ladies were able to sip, shop, and mingle all while supporting local businesses and the Ethan Falkowitz Foundation.  With so many vendors in attendance, there truly was something for everyone.  Thank you to everyone who attended, and a huge thank you to all the amazing vendors who went above and beyond to make this event so special!

Follow Us!

Facebook: The Welcoming Club of Garden City

Instagram: @gcwelcomingclub

Join a Group

Book Club

Enjoy a good book amongst friends. The book club meets every 6 weeks to discuss the page-turner of choice. For upcoming book club events, please email WelcomingClubBookClub@ gmail.com.

Craft Club

The craft club is a great way to meet with friends and get crafty. No experience necessary. We meet every few months to create a seasonal craft. If you are interested in joining, please email GCCraftClub@gmail.com.

Supper Club

Bring your significant others out for this one! This is a great way to make new friends as a couple. You will

Continued on page 28

Lauren Likes To Cook provided tasty samples of her food.

Jewelry from LAE Jewelry showed their pretty items.

Raffle and drink tickets were for sale.

Welcoming Club members at the Galentine’s Day event

Luccarelli & Barrese Orthodontics were at the event.

Francine’s Outrageous Foods was one of the vendors.

Lifesaving Heart Care Close to Home

In 1993, Anita Rothenberg of Valley Stream was first admitted to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ER in Oceanside and treated for a heart attack at the age of 37. She recovered, raised a family and worked as a teacher on Long Island for the next 29 years. Then, in November of 2022, an angiogram showed three blocked arteries. She underwent triple bypass surgery a few days later at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan and completed her cardiac rehabilitation close to home at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Mount Sinai South Nassau o ers comprehensive heart care for Long Islanders, and has received the following ratings and quality awards:

• Rated High Performing in heart attack and heart failure from U.S. News & World Report ® for 2024-2025

• Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention™

• Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™

• Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures

• Named among the top five percent in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures by Healthgrades

L ea r n mo r e a t mountsinai.org/southnassauheart

The Garden City Welcoming Club

Continued from page 28

be paired up with 3-4 other couples to set up a rotation of dinner events. Host your new friends at home or head out to try local restaurants. Please email GCSupper@gmail.com for more information.

Bunco

This simple dice game is usually played in a group of 12. It is a great way to meet people and make new friends. The game is easy to learn and fun to play. If you are interested, please contact WelcomingClubBunco@gmail.com.

Toddler Activities

A great way for you and your little

ones to make new friends. Activities include stroller walks each week around our beautiful village and a visit to the park. We also set up playgroups with kids of similar age. Please email welcomingclubtoddleractivities@gmail. com for more information.

Come join the fun and make a difference! We invite you to join the club! For just $50 a year you will have access to lots of great events and many fun members-only clubs and events. Complete the easy online membership form today at www.thegardencitywelcomingclub. org in the “Join” section of the website. While you are there, browse the site for lots of great information about the club.

Town offers safe

boating classes in March

Boating season may be several months away, but with a New York State law now in effect that requires all operators to be certified in safe boating, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board are now offering safety certification classes. As boating is one of Hempstead Town’s most enjoyable pastimes, Supervisor Clavin and Town Board colleagues want to ensure that all residents remain safe and prepared while setting sail.

The Town’s Bay Constables will lead a Boater Safety Course for adults (ages 18 years and older) in two sessions –Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – at the Department of Conservation and Waterways (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate.

“Whether you’re a seasoned captain or just starting to learn, obtaining a

boater safety certification is the law of the sea in 2025,” said Supervisor Clavin. “We in America’s largest township want to ensure that all local mariners practice safe boating, and we encourage them to sign up for the Town’s upcoming safe boating course.”

The New York State law governing these new boating safety requirements is known as Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Long Island resident Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005.

Additional safe boating courses for youth and adults will be announced in the near future. To register for an upcoming Boater Safety Class, please call the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100. Residents who are already certified but cannot locate their card can obtain new documentation at https://www.ilostmycard.com/records?state_cd=NY&cert_ type=Boating

The Trump Administration and the Democrats

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

As President Trump and his administration (plus Elon Musk) have dominated most political headlines since the elections, many Democrats are expressing dissatisfaction with the strength of opposition put up by their party’s leaders.

A recent  article in The New York Times described `a feeling among many Democrats that the party  is failing to curb Mr. Trump or to offer a meaningful counter message.  The piece describes recent polls,,including a new CNN poll finding that 73 percent of Democratic respondents believe that Congressional Democrats were doing too little to oppose Mr. Trump.  The Democratic leaders in Congress, Hakeem Jeffries in the House and Chuck Schumer in the Senate, have come in for particular criticism..

My personal opinion, however, is that the Democratic party is in reasonably healthy shape, at least  for a party that just lost a presidential election  as well as both houses of Congress. For one thing, they are within easy striking distance of winning the House in 2026, and not that far away in the Senate.  By way of comparison, Republicans were in a similar mood in 2009 after Barack Obama got the political trifecta and the GOP was unable to head off Obamacare legislation. Nevertheless, the Republicans got themselves organized by the 2010 midterms, won control of the House and organized a fairly effective movement to counter Mr. Obama, the Tea Party.

It certainly has been quite  an eventful time since President Trump took his oath of office.  Mr. Trump and team were probably worried that the beginning his second administration would resemble the early days of his first term, which were frequently marked by lack of direction and disorganization, as well as dealing with (basically false) allegations of Russian collusion.  This was the heyday of the “resistance”, with large demonstrations and a refusal of much of the media to normalize relations with him.

Against this background,  Mr. Trump was determined to hit the ground running in 2025, dominating

media coverage with one initiative after another and was generally successful in this strategy. Just to name a few, Mr. Trump got almost all of his cabinet picks approved, issued orders sealing the border, ramped up deportation of illegal aliens., weighed in on “woke” social issues, started the Department of Government Efficiency, largely in the hands of Elon Musk, imposed or threatened to impose numerous tariffs, played a role in the Gaza cease fire.  Most recently, Mr. Trump has been heavily involved in trying to bring peace to the Ukraine, while also negotiating a treaty on Ukrainian mineral rights.

I actually think that the immediate future of both the Democratic and Republican parties are more dependent on the success of President Trump’s initiatives than the intensity of Democratic rhetoric, and that the Democrats would serve themselves best (and the country as well)  by generally holding their fire  and limiting their broadsides to generic criticism of Mr. Trump (for example, opposing any efforts to trim Medicaid benefits) for a few months and then seeing what develops.

By the first few months of  next year, it will  be much more clear how well many of President Trump’s initiatives are doing and their level of public approval. The best guess is that some of the efforts will be viewed as quite successful (for example, reducing illegal immigration and Ukraine, if there is a reasonably fair end to the war), while other initiatives may be viewed as markedly less successful (DOGE, for example, may be seen as inflicting too much pain and not providing enough deficit reduction).  Meanwhile, the direction of inflation will be very important for both parties as a key economic and political barometer .

It is still over a year and a half until the midterms, and both parties (but particularly the Democrats) should gauge the current situation, avoid bitter end rhetoric in the short term, and sharpen their message to one that will resonate in November 2026.

J O I N O U R 4 T H A N N U A L

FASHION SHOW | MARKETPLACE | BREAKFAST

de la Salle Murphy

Sister de la Salle Murphy, RSHM

Sister de la Salle Murphy, RSHM died peacefully at Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, NY, Tuesday, December 24,

IN MEMORIAM

2024. She was 93 years old and had been a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for 75 years. Sr. de la Salle taught at St. Anne's School in Garden City from 1986 through 2008.

She was born Catherine Murphy in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, on January 2, 1931, one of nine children born to Michael and Ellen Lee Murphy.

Sister de la Salle received a BA in Liberal Arts from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, and held Diocesan and New York State Teaching Certifications.

She entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary at the RSHM Novitiate in Tarrytown, NY, on February 7, 1948. She made her first vows on August 30, 1949, in Butler Memorial Chapel, Marymount, Tarrytown, where she made her final vows on August 26, 1954.

Sister de la Salle began her many years of teaching elementary school students in New York. She taught at St. Mary’s School, Long Island City, NY (1949-1953) and then at St. Catharine of Alexandria School, Brooklyn, NY (1953-

IN MEMORIAM

Raymond J. Voulo, M.D.

Raymond J. Voulo, M.D. passed away at the age of 95 on February 22, 2025.

He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Ann; Loving father of Raymond (Joan), Nadine, Gene, Thecia (Charles) Casolaro, Christopher (Christine), Damian (Jeanette), Daria (Frank) Palumbo and Jared (Trish); Cherished grandfather of 14 and great grandfather of 9;Dear brother of Dolores Tranchino.

Raymond practiced family medicine for 45 years in Canarsie, Brooklyn. He served proudly as a Captain in the US Army. Upon retirement he served as a physician at Manhattan Correctional Center and Police Surgeon for Nassau County Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

1959).

She taught in Italy at Marymount International School in Rome (19591963). When she returned to the United States, Sister de la Salle taught at St. Colette’s School, Rolling Meadows, IL (1963-1967). She was superior of the community at St. Bridget’s School, Richmond, VA (1967-1973).

She returned to Rome to participate in the ARC renewal program (1973-1974), before moving to Paris, France to teach at Marymount International School. In addition to teaching, she was an enthusiastic hostess for the many RSHM and their families and friends visiting Paris (1974-1986).

Before retiring from classroom teaching, Sister de la Salle taught at St. Anne’s School, Garden City, NY (19862008). She then moved to St. Catharine of Alexandria Parish, Brooklyn, NY, where she devoted herself to parish outreach (2008-2015).

She retired to Marymount Convent, Tarrytown in 2015.

Sister de la Salle was filled with energy and brought joy wherever she was. She loved singing and dancing and sharing that love of music with others. She sang with the Marymount Convent Singers until shortly before her death.

Sister de la Salle is predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Gerard Murphy, William Murphy, Brendan Murphy, and Gabriel Murphy. She is survived by her brothers, Rev. John Murphy and James Murphy, and sisters, Carmel Murphy Lynch and Johanna Murphy Quinn, many nieces and nephews, and by her cousins, Sisters Bridget, Genevieve, and Kathleen Murphy RSHM, and all the members of her religious family.

Services were held at Marymount Convent, 32 Warren Avenue, Tarrytown, NY. Burial followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery, White Plains to follow.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name may be made to Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 50 Wilson Park Drive, Tarrytown, NY, 10591.

Save the date:

RotaCare Caregivers Ball

RotaCare, a service which provides free healthcare for people in need, will be holding its annual Caregivers Ball on Thursday, April 10, at the Inn at New Hyde Park. The ball will honor Dr. Francis Faustino, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at NYU Langone, and Tom Crowly, the immediate past district governor of Rotary District 7255.

Founded in 1992 by members of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, RotaCare was created to serve the needs of the uninsured on Long Island.  Working with the Mary Brennan Interfaith Nutrition Network in Hempstead,  volunteers recognized that, in addition to food, the medical needs of their clients were not being met adequately by the health care system.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club, local health care professionals, area residents and an initial grant from Grumman Corporation, a   “MASH” team was formed to operate weekly at the INN's soup kitchen.  RotaCare was born.

Uniondale in January 2009.  A staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, clerical staff and translators volunteered and continue to give selflessly of their time and talent to help uninsured individuals and families receive access to vital health care services. As a result of its integral involvement and benefit to the community, RotaCare Incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization and became  a Rotary District 7250 project.

In September of 2022, RotaCare leased new space at a location in Hempstead. This 2,500 sq ft facility houses an EKG, equipment for nurses to perform more specialized testing and a medical supply room for distribution to patients on-site. Approximately 40 volunteers have the space they need to provide excellent care.

Since its inception, RotaCare has been supported by concerned companies, organizations, individuals and grants to sustain its good works and benefits to the community by facilitating free health care to people in need.

If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.

When more space became necessary, RotaCare moved to the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in

To obtain more information about Rotacare, you can go to their website at www.rotacareny.org

Raymond J. Voulo, M.D.

Sister

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

The film "Conclave" will be shown at the Library on Monday, March 3.

Monday Movies

Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.: March 2025

3/3/25 - “Conclave”, 120 mins, 2024

3/10/25 - TBA

3/17/25 - “Once”, 85 mins, 2006

3/24/25 - “Wicked”, 160 mins, 2024

3/31/25 - “Enchanted April”, 90 mins, 1992

Programs

Below is our schedule for Adult Services. More programs and information will be available soon.

Crafts & Games Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Thursday, March 6, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Small Meeting Room

Each session will feature a different craft, game or activity.  The activity will be determined closer to the date of each event.  Day Habs & special needs Groups are welcome with prior registration.   Individuals can also register to participate.

Registration is required on LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/

If you would like your special needs group to participate, please register.   When registering please indicate the name of your Day Hab, how many special needs adults will be attending, and how many caregivers will also be attending.

Individuals not associated with a Day Hab or special needs group are also welcome to register.

Mah-Jongg

Thursday, March 13, Thursday, March 27, Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room

To register, 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.

Music Entertainment with Marc Berger Saturday, March 8, from 1–2 p.m. in the  Large Meeting Room

Marc Berger presents his one-man show featuring his brand of “American West Music.”  Marc has performed at Austin’s South by Southwest Music Festival and The Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals and has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. His song “THE LAST ONE” was a staple of Richie Havens’ concerts and has been quoted in the NY Times and featured on The CBS Evening News.

Marc Courtade Presents Julie Andrews! Tuesday, March 11, from 2–3 p.m. in the  Large Meeting Room

The incomparable Julie Andrews is a multi-award-winning English actress, singer, author and entertainment icon, and a Dame Commander of the British Empire. Julie Andrews has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including one British Academy Film Award, one Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and three Grammy Awards. In this presentation, Marc Courtade will outline the beloved performer’s life and work, and will include many examples of the voice that has entertained millions for over 60 years.

Yoga with Kimberly Tuesdays. March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8; 7 p.m.–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Kimberly Mercadante is back with her popular Yoga Series! Join her for a Yoga Class for beginners and more. All are welcome! This is a series of eight classes continuing through April.. To register, please register online at gardencitypl.org.   For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Chairobics and Strength with Debbie Kryzminski Wednesday,  March 5, (Please note this has been changed

from the old date of February 26) 12 p.m.–1 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Debbie Kryzminski from Fitness Figures, NY, Inc. will be teaching "Chairobics and Strength." 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 sixweek session; a separate registration is required for each class. To register, please go to  www.gardencitypl.org/calendar or call the Reference desk at (516) 742-8405 x 5236.

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Museum Pass Information

Print From Home for Some Passes!

Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, the Library offers free passes to select museums and cultural institutions. 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.  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. Passes for the following museums still need to be picked up at the Library: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NYC (2 adults & 2 children); Empire Pass, Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City (2 adults & 2 children); MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), NYC (5 visitors) and Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage. 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 done in person at the Reference Desk or over the phone at 516-742-8405 x5236.

Additional rules and information are available at the library.

Garden City Public Library Board

to meet

There will be a Regular Meeting of the Board of Library Trustees on Monday, March 10, 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.

News from the Children’s Room

STEAM Club For Children in Grades K–2 will meet on March 5, at 4:00 p.m.

Upcoming  March Library Programs for Children

These programs are for children ages birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Visit https://www.gardencitypl.org to view our Events on LIBCAL for registration forms for the month of March 2025.

• Saturday, March 1, at 11:00 a.m.: Writers Workshop for Grades 2–5

• Monday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 3, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

• Monday, March 3, at 4:00 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime (Grades 2–5)

• Wednesday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m.: Duplo Lego

• Wednesday, March 5, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Wednesday, March 5, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Wednesday, March 5, at 6:00 p.m.: Nighttime Storytime

• Thursday, March 6, at 11:30 a.m.: Tiny Tots Storytime

• Thursday, March 6, at 4:00 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Yarn Group (Grade 4–12)

• Thursday, March 6, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Friday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m.: Chess4Community

• Friday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime

• Friday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms Storytime

• Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 10, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

• Tuesday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime (Birth to 17 Months, Non-Walkers)

• Tuesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime (3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m.: Lego Club (Grades K–5)

• Wednesday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Wednesday, March 12, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Thursday, March 13, at 11:30 a.m.: Tiny Tots Storytime

• Thursday, March 13, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Saturday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime

• Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms

• Monday, March 17, at

Children ages 2–5 enjoyed making crafts on Wednesdays, February 12 and February 19.

10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

• Tuesday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m.: Matters of the HeART (Ages 2–5)

• Wednesday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Wednesday, March 19, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m.: Nighttime Storytime

• Thursday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m.: Tiny Tots Storytime

• Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Friday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime

• Friday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms

• Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m.: Play Hooray

• Monday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 24, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

• Monday, March 24, at

3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Tuesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime (Birth to 17 Months, Non-Walkers)

• Tuesday, March 25, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime (3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, March 25, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays Bracelet Making

• Wednesday, March 26, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Monday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

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.

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

Teens and tweens can make Perler Bead Art at a program on March 12.

Make Perler Bead Art to Display in Tweens and Teens Room for Community Service

On Wednesday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m., join us for a new volunteer program, Perler  Bead Art for Community Service! Teens will make Perler Bead Art to display in the Tweens and Teens Room. Perler Bead art teens make must be left for the Library to display in the Tweens and Teens Room in order to earn community service. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, March 4, online at 10 a.m. on LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com. Pictured above was the last Teen Crafternoon, which was Perler Bead Art and was held during Winter Break on Friday, February 21. The teens' creativity during this Crafternoon helped to inspire this new community service program!

Poetry for Community Service

Tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 can earn community service by writing poetry for the Tweens and Teens Department National Poetry Month Display in April! Each volunteer can submit up to five poems and volunteers must use a different shape for each poem they submit. Volunteers’ poems will be displayed as they are submitted outside the Tweens and Teens Room throughout the months of March, April, and May.

Volunteers must come to the Library to pick up a volunteer form and shapes to write their poem on. Shapes to write poems on and the volunteer form can be found inside the Tweens and Teens Room at the Library. If supplies are low, please check back another day for more supplies.

Volunteers must use the shapes provided by the Library to write their poem on and must cut out their shape before submitting their poem. Poems

should be legible and written in large enough print and with a dark pen, sharpie, marker, etc so they can be read from a distance. Volunteers can also decorate their shape. All poems should be original work.

Volunteers must return a volunteer form with their poems; volunteers do not have to submit all five poems at once and should do an additional form for poems they submit at a later date. Poems will be accepted until April 30. Please return poems and volunteer forms to the Community Service DropOff Box on the metal cabinet in the Tweens and Teens Room.

Volunteers will receive one hour for every poem they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department.

If you have questions, please contact the Tweens and Teens Department at: https://www.gardencitypl.org/ young-adult-department/contact-theyoung-adult-tweens-teens-department/.

Tweens & Teens Art & Poetry Showcase for Community Service

Earn community service by submitting work for a Spring Tweens & Teens Art & Poetry Showcase!

Each volunteer can submit up to three pieces of art and up to three poems. All submissions should be original work. Poetry submissions should be different than those submitted for the Poetry for Community Service Display and should not use the shapes set-aside for that project.

Artwork and poetry will be displayed at a special one-day Showcase held at the Library on Saturday, April 26. Prizes will be awarded as part of the Showcase!

Volunteers must return a volunteer form with their artwork and poetry, which can be found at the Library. Volunteers do not have to be present

Teens spent time at the Library playing games with friends while enjoying snacks and drinks during Teen Game Night, which was held on Wednesday, February 19, during Winter Break. Besides Teen Game Night, the Library holds a monthly Teen Gamers program, with the next program being held on Friday, March 21, at 3:30 p.m. Registration is required online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m.

at the showcase to participate or to win a prize, but all prizes and submissions must be picked up by May 16 and will not be held longer than May 16. Volunteers will receive two hours for each submission, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department.

Submissions are due by Wednesday, April 23. Please submit poems and/or artwork and volunteer forms to the Community Service Drop-Off Box on the metal cabinet in the Tweens and Teens Room.

If you have questions, please contact the Tweens and Teens Department at: https://www.gardencitypl.org/ young-adult-department/contact-theyoung-adult-tweens-teens-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.

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:

• Saturday, March 1, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Puffy Paint and Rainbow Science with

Chris Buchman

• Monday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime Volunteers (Grades 9–12)

• Tuesday, March 4, at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, March 6 at 4 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Yarn Group (Grades 4–12)

• Friday, March 7, at 10 a.m.: Chess4Community: Play and Learn (All Ages)

Registration begins Tuesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 4–Thursday, March 13: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m.: LEGO Club Volunteering (Grades 6–12)

• Wednesday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.: Perler Bead Art for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, March 13, at 4 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons

• Friday, March 14, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: DIY Model Magic Air Dry Clay (Grades 6–12)

• Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m.: Video Editing with Sharper Training Solutions (Grades 6–12)

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

Registration begins Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 18, at 5 p.m.: Teen Money Night with Welcome to RealLife (Grades 6–9)

• Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m.: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, March 20, at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)

• Friday, March 21, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)

• Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m.: Jumpstart College Admissions in Today's Challenging Environment with Michael Binder (Grades 9–11 and Their Parents)

Registration begins Tuesday, March 18 at 10 a.m. online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 18–Thursday, March 27: Egg Scavenger Hunt Project for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, March 25, at 4 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays: Bracelet Making (Grades 4–7)

• Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (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: Kindness Cards for Community ServiceNo registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• Ongoing to Wednesday, April 23: Tweens & Teens Art & Poetry Showcase for Community Service - No registration required. Up to three pieces of art and three poems can be submitted per volunteer.

• Ongoing to Wednesday, April 30: Poetry for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five poems can be submitted per volunteer.

• Ongoing to Monday, May 5: Around the World Recipe Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five recipe cards can be submitted per volunteer.

Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, like classes, lectures, concerts, movie screenings, and more, all for free or cheap!

GCHS juniors awarded Adelphi leadership prize

Garden City High School students and award recipients Kayla Cherney, Daniel Curley, Isabella Fuertes, Sarah Phinney, Jisha Samuel, XinXin Tu and Sarah Tusiani-Eng.

Seven Garden City High School juniors— Kayla Cherney, Daniel Curley, Isabella Fuertes, Sarah Phinney, Jisha Samuel, XinXin Tu and Sarah TusianiEng— received the Adelphi University Prize for Leadership award for their exemplary academic achievement and leadership in volunteer community service.

These winners will receive a prize of $1,000, an inscribed award, the oppor-

courtesy of the Garden City School District

tunity to enroll as a commuter in the summer pre-college program tuition free in summer 2025, Adelphi University library privileges and an invitation to attend an event in honor of a leading scholar, artist or political figure who will be visiting the university during the 2025 academic year. They will also qualify for the Adelphi Advantage Award if they matriculate to Adelphi University.

Candidates need to submit an application which can be accessed from the EPOA website at www.gcepoa.org or obtained from the Garden City High School Guidance Department.  Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 516-248-1486. All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply.  The deadline for applications is April 16, 2025. See what’s happening at your library!

EPOA scholarship 2025

The Eastern Property Owners’ Association has announced that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2025 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section.

The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA.  They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall.  The focus of this scholarship is community service.

Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.

Photo

12 months of service projects mark Rotary’s 100th anniversary

To mark its 100th year anniversary of service to community and far beyond, the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club will provide a series of services to various charitable organizations each month throughout 2025.  The culmination will be a gala centennial celebration in the planning for December 17.

To commence  the 2025 service lineup, In January, Rotary volunteers collected a large array of toi -

letries for MOMMA ’ S HOUSE, a nonprofit which provides housing and support services to young mothers and their babies.  This February, Rotary volunteers ran a drive to collect cleaning products for General Needs, another nonprofit which provides support for veterans and their many needs. March will find Rotarians assisting RotaCare in its mission to provide free medical care for those in need as it holds its ben -

Rotarians Bob Schoelle, longtime organizer and Club President Diana O’Neill, assisted by Scouts, ring the bell to benefit the Salvation army each December for more than 40 years.

Rotarian Katherine Perrera displays toiletry items collected to benefit Momma’s House.

From left: Rotarians Peter Marshall and Althea Robinson with General Needs co-founders Lonnie and Susan Sherman and Club President Diana O’Neill display buckets filled with needed cleaning items collected for General Needs.

Club President Diana O’Neill with Rotarian Lynne Maimone Kaszalka were among Rotary volunteers who collected toiletries for Momma's House.

12 months of service projects mark Rotary’s 100th anniversary

Past Rotary president and Asst. District Governor Diane Marmann displays the many items collected to benefit Momma's House.

efit Caregivers Ball set for April 10, This April, Rotary will interview both Garden City and Mineola High School seniors to determine college scholarship for deserving graduating seniors.  In addition, in commemoration of its 100th anniversary, Rotary will donate an 8 ft. Linden tree to the Village of Garden City on Arbor Day, April 25.  Additionally, an 8 ft. Peace Pole will be presented to the Village of Mineola to be erected on its park land.

May will find Rotarians assisting with a project to benefit General Needs and Long Island Cares.  Additional projects to carry out its theme, “Service Above Self” are planned for June through October.

An Election Day charity food drive will be held in November along with Rotary’s support of the Alford fam -

ily’s Thanksgiving Day food collections for seniors and those in need.  Rotary volunteers will again provide on-going assistance to the efforts and mission of the Salvation Army with support of its Red Kettle project in December.

Rotary’s 100th year lineup of service projects will culminate in a gala Holiday Dinner and Community Service Awards celebration on Wednesday evening, December 17 at the charming and holiday adorned Stewart Manor Country Club.  It’s not too soon to mark your calendar for what is promised to be a most spectacular holiday event.  For information about the above service projects or Rotary’s 100th Anniversary Holiday Diner celebration, please visit mineolagardencityrotaryclub@ gmail.com.

FOR SENIORS fyi

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!

Nassau County Office for the Aging

On Friday, March 7, at 1:15-3:15, Nassau County Office for the Aging will be at the Senior Center for an informational session, and will also bring equipment to make Senior I.Ds. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 3858006.

Preparing for Emergencies

On Tuesday, March 11, 11:00 a.m., at the Senior Center, NYU EMS Long Island Presents: Preparing for Emergencies. Informational Session - The anatomy of a 911 call, free health information packets, review of essential documents, and time for Q&A. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Mobility and Flexibility Maintenance

Tuesday, March 25, at 11:00, PT Timothy Caputo from Spear Physical Therapy will be at the Senior Center, giving a presentation about Mobility and Flexibility Maintenance. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 3858006.

Pop-Up Exercise Class

Friday, March 28, at 12:15, join us at the Senior Center for a complimentary 50 minute pop-up class with new instructor Cathy. Includes a mix of cardio, resistance training, and work using a small Pilates ball. Space is limited, to register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Chair Yoga

New Chair Yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center. Beginning TUESDAY, March 4, 9:15–9:45 Meditation, 9:45–10:45 Chair Yoga class.

Trip to West Point

Tuesday, June 10

Trip to West Point for a tour and lunch at the Thayer Hotel. Tuesday, June 10, charter bus leaves from across the street from the Senior Center at 8:00 am, and it will depart West Point to return home at 3:00. To register visit the Senior Center, $153. oo check made payable to “Amazing Destinations”. DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 4TH. We are now opening up this trip to non-residents.

Save the Dates for Future Trips:

Sunday May 4: “Fiddler On the Roof” (Argyle Theatre)

Sunday, June 8: “Legally Blonde” (Madison Theatre at Molloy University) Sunday, August 3: “The Music Man” (Argyle Theatre)

Chess 4 Community

Join us for Chess 4 Community’s Play and Learn at the Senior Center, every other Friday 3:00–4:00. This program will resume in the fall, dates to be announced. All ages and levels are welcome. No registration is required, just stop by and play!

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!!

Monday Night

Duplicate Bridge Results

The winners of the Monday, February 24, 2025 games: North / South:

1st Place: Athena Philippides and Carol Cook East / West:

1st Place: Carrie Flapan and Dian Kendrick

Teens support NYU Langone with Holiday Project

Teen Project’s Steven and Matthew Spirakis, and the Charlie’s Champions Foundation’s T.J., Luke, Charlie, and Tanner Schmitt raised funding and awareness for teen patients during the holiday season through NYU Langone’s giving platform.  Last month, with substantial local community support, Holiday Project raised over $24,500 to provide age-appropriate gifts to hospitalized teens.  This is the fundraiser’s 11th consecutive year which has funded over $195,000 for NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island through the Child Life Program and the Cancer Center for Kids—Mineola (CCFK).

The Garden City community and schools participated in the Holiday Project in a variety of ways through retailer partnerships, online fundraising, club involvement and school events. Local establishments Iavarone Bros Quality Foods and Coquette, distributed flyers to their patrons in support of the campaign.  At the Garden City High School, students Kate Connolly and Kiera Ruoff coordinated this project with their peers.  Kate coordinated efforts within the Italian Club with the support of its moderator, Mr. D’Ambrosio, and its principal, Mr. Steingruebner.  While Kiera liaised with the athletic director, Mr. Ramirez, who

Zach Zander, Nicole Almeida — NYU Director of Child Life Program, Steven Spirakis, Kim Krupa-NYU Child Life Specialist, Kate Connolly and Will Buccellato.

posted our campaign on the department’s social media platform and distributed flyers to athletes.

Family support over the years continues  to contribute greatly to Holiday Project’s success.  The Zander and Connolly families have raised $37,000 over the past nine years for the project, spearheaded through Zach Zander and Kate Connolly.  Additionally this year, Will Buccellato and his family helped to support the Teen Project as a student representative at the Garden City High

School and through direct donations of Chick-fil-A gift cards for the patients. Their actions demonstrated how teens can truly support one another in times of need.

Through its GC Cares-a-thon event last month, the Garden City Middle School also continued its participation this year. Students Charlie Ruoff and Braden Parker accepted gift cards and hosted a card creation station, where students wrote inspirational messages of support for teen patients.  More than

130 cards were written, and over $700 was collected in donations.

The collaborative effort of all participants strengthens the well-being of teen patients and lifts their spirits. Thank you for partnering with Teen Project and Charlie’s Champions Foundation to make this Holiday Project possible to benefit teen patients.   For more informatio,n please email: teenprojectgc@ gmail.com.

GC students stay engaged through SCOPE Winter Program

Students participated in various activities from sports, to fine arts, to STEM exploration. Garden City students participated in SCOPE’s Winter Enrichment Program.

Garden City families enjoyed an action-packed February break with SCOPE’s Winter Enrichment Program.

Hosted at Stewart School from Tuesday to Friday, this dynamic program provided students with an engaging, active and creative way to spend their time while school was out. This year was the district's first year offering this program, which was a major success. With 120 students enrolled in the

morning session and 60 in the afternoon, the program provided an enriching experience for children in grades Pre-K through 8. Each day, students participated in a well-rounded rotation of activities including 45 minutes of sports, fine arts (canvas painting), STEM exploration and hands-on arts and crafts. Whether they were conducting science experiments, bringing their creativity to life on canvas or staying

active through sports, students had a blast in this fun-filled program. A particular favorite was the edible science curriculum, where students created imaginative food-based projects such as constellations, crystals and marine life.  Families appreciated the convenience of the full-day option, which included a supervised lunch for those enrolled in both sessions. Parents expressed their gratitude for the program’s engaging

curriculum, structured activities and the opportunity for their children to socialize, develop new skills and enjoy their winter break in a safe and stimulating environment.

The February Break Enrichment Program has quickly become a standout experience for the Garden City community, leaving students with lasting memories of fun, learning and creativity.

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

GC Cares-a-thon at the Garden City Middle School: Charlie Ruoff and Braden Parker.

Environmental Tip of the Week STOP Program

The Town of Hempstead helps residents dispose of hazardous materials from their homes in a manner that is safe and environmentally acceptable. By disposing of household toxins correctly, we help to protect our groundwater and also help to preserve our bays and estuaries.

The Town of Hempstead’s S.’T.O.P. schedule for 2025 is below. See their website for further details: hempsteadny.gov

This Week at Rotary

From page 8

from each of the county’s 19 districts. Both the villages of Mineola and Garden City are included among towns and villages within Legislator Giuffre’s District 8.

Legislator Giuffre’s report focused on the many concerns continually encountered by the NC Legislature, including the challenge of matching revenue

with expenses and addressing the many traffic concerns and incidents – always with the aim to provide the best possible service to the constituents of Nassau County. He was delighted to report that Nassau County was designated the best place to live in New York by Niche Magazine.

Upcoming Speakers & Dates

March 25, 12:15pm - Lunch

meeting, Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant. Shannon Boyle, Executive Director, New Ground organization serving veterans, guest speaker. April 8, 8am – Breakfast Meeting, Carle Place Diner, speaker TBB.

April 22, 12:15pm –Lunch meeting, Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant. Congresswoman Laura Gillen, guest speaker.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Aunty Shan. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/01/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Joshua Renfroe: 42 Orleans Rd, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU.   THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-16, Plaintiffagainst- CHRISTOPHER J. LENNON, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 2, 2025 and entered on January 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court "Rain or Shine" located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Garden City, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 33-326-96

Said premises known as 57 DARTHMOUTH ST., GARDEN CITY, NY 11530

Approximate amount of lien $2,171,885.88 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 004195/2007. SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556

NASSAU COUNTY BIDS

Sealed bids MUST be RECEIVED BY & DELIVERED TO:

PURCHASING DIVISION

Inc. Village of Garden City 351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, UNTIL 11:00 AM EDT THURS, MARCH 20, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:

WATER DEPARTMENT

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS Specifications, Form of Bid, and other information may be obtained from the office of the Purchasing Division at the above address or you may download the bid specifications from the New York State Contract Reporter website at the following web address: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:

Garden City, Inc. Village of Dated: 02/28/24

351 Stewart the Board sell the following thereon, to be due thereon assessments tax liens for provisions amended, described real bids to the Section 1454 upon such purchased of Garden Therefore, The following unpaid, with thereon to

much junk your house? an ad for it in our classifieds section! 516-294-8900 more details. for it section! 516.294.8900 details.

COUNTY be DELIVERED

DIVISION Garden City Avenue 11530 of 8:30 AM PM, AM EDT 20, 2025 they will be and read furnishing the

DEPARTMENT

RENOVATIONS of Bid, and may be office of the Division at the you may specifications York State website at address: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm specification will be Agency Name Village of

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY

GARDEN CITY, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE FOR UNPAID 2024 VILLAGE TAXES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, in the Village of Garden City, New York, pursuant to direction of the Board of Trustees of said Village, I, the undersigned, Treasurer of said Village, will sell the following described real estate in said Village together with any improvements thereon, to discharge the unpaid 2024 Village tax, interest and other charges which may be due thereon at the time of the sale. Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid assessments thereon levied by said Village prior to the date of such sale and any unpaid tax liens for years prior to 2024 purchased and held by said Village, and subject to the provisions of the New York State and Federal Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, as amended, insofar as the same may be applicable to the owners of any said following described real estate. Purchasers will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned within ten days after the sale, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1454 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, as amended, and upon such payment shall receive a written certificate of sale describing the real estate purchased and the sum paid therefor. Please be advised that the Incorporated Village of Garden City intends to bid-in for any and all parcels to be sold at this year’s sale. Therefore, any and all tax liens sold at this sale will become village-owned tax liens

The following is a list or statement of the real estate upon which such 2024 tax is unpaid, with the amount of such 2024 tax, together with interest and other charges due thereon to March 14, 2025.

Directory the right the job!

The Incorporated Village of Garden City does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission to, access to, or participation in its programs, activities or public meetings, and has designated Kelly Galanek, Village Clerk, as Disability Compliance Coordinator. Persons in need of any special accommodation for a disability who wish to attend a meeting should contact Kelly Galanek at least 24 hours in advance of meeting at:

351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

RUBIN

On Day 4 of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip, after breakfast at our base at the Silver Mountain Resort, we are shuttled to Shoshone Park in the mining town of Mullan for an easy downstream ride through the “Silver Valley,” home to several historic mining communities.

We soon pick up the official start of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, enjoying views of the rocky, forested mountains, as we make our way to the utterly charming “wild west” town of Wallace.

We have been primed for Wallace’s character (and humor) when we had a talk by a local historian at the Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d’Alene so are prepared for the “history (and some hilarity!) that await us as citizens of Wallace have tenaciously preserved their town amidst an ever changing landscape of fortunes lost and gained.”

Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho on the last day of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com BY KAREN

Now, we stroll around the town looking for some of the sights she pointed out, like the town’s last brothel, a mining museum, a silver shop, before we join the Sierra Silver Mine Tour. It begins with a delightful narrated tour of Wallace in an open-air trolley that takes us up to the mine.

Who knew that Wallace was the “Silver Capital of the World” – some $138 billion worth taken out of these mines –$20 billion of metals just last year (did I hear that right?) – 1 million ounces of silver. In the 1960s, incred-

was discovered.

You would be forgiven if you thought Wallace was a theme park creation (the 1997 movie “Dante’s Peak” was filmed here), but the history and the heritage are real, as is the miner, “Fast Freddie,” who is our guide into the silver mine.

“Fast Freddie” is a colorful character (he looks as if he came from Hollywood casting), with a marvelous sense of humor, amusing and engaging, but most important, he is authentic, speaking of his own experience working 21 years underground in these mines. “You need a good sense of humor in a mine,” Freddie tells us. “We used to play tricks.”

After the collapse of the silver market and the closure of mines, Wallace looked to tourism to compensate. This mine was turned into an attraction, getting as many as 18,000 visitors a year.

ulously, Wallace was the “richest little city” in America with the highest number of millionaires per capita, as well as a thriving brothel industry. (The last running bordello was shut down in 1989 when the FBI raided tax dodgers – there is still resentment in the town - but you can visit the Bordello Museum.)

When mining began in 1886, Wallace’s population was 500; at its peak, in 1940, when some 200 mines were operating (quartz, gold, silver, copper, zinc), the population peaked at 4000, but, with the collapse of silver prices in March1980, most of the mines closed, the miners left and the population fell to the present number of 800. Today, there are still four

active silver mines, including the Lucky Friday and the Galina mines, and one gold mine.

In 1890, a chimney fire destroyed most of the town – the buildings we see today date from 1890-1920. Indeed, Wallace has the rare honor of the entire town being listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Other tidbits: only one sitting president has visited Wallace: Theodore Roosevelt came in 1903 on a campaign whistle stop; the town spent $5000 just on flags to welcome him. There was a shootout on Valentine’s Day, 1951 –one of the tommy guns is on display in the museum. And Wallace’s most famous native is Lana Turner went one day to a grocery store where she

As we enter the mine and pass a skeleton sitting on a chair and we actually see a canary cage – used to let the miners know when oxygen is low (the proverbial “canary in a coal mine.”)

This mine was only briefly used, he says, because the silver was very low grade and not worth the expense. It was turned into a mining school, where students learned the techniques of mining and could be hired right into a job. Future miners were taught to run the jack, the drill, and to blast. The miners work alone at different levels, so each one has to do everything – digging, setting the dynamite charge, moving out the ore. “You have to get everything done so you

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

Continued from previous page

can blast before the next shift arrives.”

After being returned by the trolley, we have time to wander around Wallace before biking back on the trail on our own to the Silver Mine Resort.

Wallace is really interesting - like a time warp and not really just “tourist quaint”, quirky and fun. Just strolling around, you find the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Idaho Silver Shop, Northern Railroad Depot Museum, and everyone’s favorite, the Oasis Bordello Museum.

These folks in Wallace have a sense of humor – and an eye for a profit-making tourism-promoting gimmick: they designated a manhole at the crossroads in the middle of town as the “Center of the Universe” (that’s what is engraved on it). Based on what? “What’s the evidence that it isn’t?” comes the reply. I find a shop that sells guns, antiques, curios, and collectibles. In a glass cabinet is a large mummified “mermaid” (calling to mind a similar fantastical creature displayed in a store in Banff, Canada, and P.T. Barnum’s museum of oddities).

It’s a delightful bike ride from Wallace to the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, where we have dinner together in the mountain village base.

DAY 5: 39 or 46 miles, Cataldo Mission and the Coeur d’Alenes

The plan on Day 5 is to set out from the Silver Mountain Resort biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and after 11 miles or so, to visit the Cataldo Mission, Idaho’s oldest standing building, lunch at the Rodehouse before continuing biking, with a choice of 39 or 46 miles of cycling to Harrison, where we are to be shuttled back to the resort for

a celebratory dinner in Kellogg for our last night together.

But it is a drenching rain.

Our guide, Clarista, says “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” and says her job is to cheerlead for biking, but we can choose to shuttle the first 11 miles instead of bike to the Cataldo Mission. After assuring us we won’t be missing much in the way of scenery and that the portion from Cataldo to Smelterville is the pretty part, we vote to take her up on her offer to drive us to the Mission.

The visit at the Cataldo Mission starts with an excellent video that explains how the local tribe invited the Jesuits (“Black Robes”) to come here and build the mission. At the time, the introduction of the horse meant that tribes that had coexisted in their own land before, began to encroach on each other’s territory. The tribe believed that the “Black Robe” missionaries had a superior power, a Great Spirit, who would enable them to triumph over their enemies.

The Mission of the Sacred Art was built in 1850-1853, by Father Pierre Jean De Smet, chief of the “Black Robes” who answered the tribe’s invitation to come, along with Father Ravalli, an Italianborn religious leader who designed the building and supervised construction with simple tools and without nails.

The Old Mission church is simple and beautiful – the wood-beamed ceiling painted blue with huckleberries, to make the native people more comfortable since they were used to praying outside. We learn that the walls were decorated with fabric bought from the Hudson Bay Company and a hand-painted newspaper from Philadelphia that Fr. Ravalli had received in the mail. Tin cans were used to create the chandeliers. Both wooden statues were carved

by Fr. Rivalli with a knife to look like marble.

What I find most fascinating, though, is the museum there that better represents the tribe’s point of view – how they were initially drawn to Christianity with its values of “comfort, community” the sense of miraculous to be found in nature, and a Great Spirit with power to grant protection, like their own spirits, which seemed (at first) to conform with their own values and beliefs.

The Coeur d’Alene people - the Schitsu’umsh, meaning “Those who were found here” or “The discovered people” - were initially drawn in because the early Jesuits were tolerant of native culture and traditions, even blending the cultures together.

Over time, the Coeur d’Alene people regretted the decision to give the Black Robes a stronghold when they realized the Jesuits’ mission was to create an Empire of Christianity. At the same time, white settlers looking to exploit the region’s resources, who brought guns and small pox, were taking territory and pushing out the indigenous tribes. In 1877, even the mission was forcibly relocated from the ‘House of the Great Spirit.”

The Cataldo Mission became a state historic park in 1935, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

We have lunch at the Rodehouse, right across the road from the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. By this time, the rain has all but ended – it is grey and humid – and we get back on the trail for the 16-mile ride back to the resort. The cloud formations make for dramatic scenes.

We cycle along an enchanting stretch of wetlands – part of the trail is a berm with marsh on either side. We have

Lowering Your Sodium Intake

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us eat too much salt. We may not use the salt shaker, but we eat out too often and we eat too many processed and packaged foods.

Three slices of bread or one teaspoon of table salt gives us all we need for a day. More than 90% of Americans consume too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, hypertension and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

We only need around 450 milligrams of sodium per day, and the recommended maximum amount is 2,300 milligrams, or 1,500 milligrams for those at risk for hypertension. But average consumption exceeds 3,000 to 3,500 milligrams per day -- or 50% to 100% above the upper limit. More than 70% of our sodium intake comes from

processed and packaged foods, primarily cured meats, bread, cheese and soups.

Researchers at the University of Illinois are trying to help reduce the amount of sodium Americans consume by helping companies lower the sodium in processed foods. In a new study, researchers did a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production.

“Sodium overconsumption is a huge health concern, and the FDA has recommended sodium reduction in food since the 1980s, but we haven’t succeeded yet. While the unit volume of salt in the food supply has not increased, the amount of sodium consumption has gone up, because we just consume a lot of food,” says Soo-Yeun Lee, professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Univer-

been told “just after Metamonk Village (mile 20) to be on lookout for moose, and sure enough, when we are almost at the end of the trail, we come upon a moose with her baby.

DAY 6: 16 miles to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Day 6 is our final day of riding. We pack up our luggage, have breakfast, and shuttle to Harrison, the point on the trail where we ended yesterday’s ride. Today, we bike the last section, 16 miles, through a series of chained lakes to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is glorious.

It’s a perfect day - sunshine, cool temp (60 degrees), a bit of a headwind. We ride along the Lake Coeur d’Alene, then cross over the Chatcolet Bridge, a really interesting bridge which was once a swinging trestle (the challenge is to ride over the hump), then into the forest where we climb for about seven miles, through the Coeur D’Alene reservation, to finish at the trail’s end, at a moving Indian Warriors and Veterans Memorial. Here we have a picnic lunch, feeling extremely satisfied and happy, before we pack into the van again for an hour-drive back at Spokane Airport or downtown.

Discovery Bicycle Tours has just joined Austin Adventures, a Montanabased North America National Parks small group tour company, under the umbrella ownership of  Active Adventures , a New Zealand-based small group adventure travel company. These companies primarily offer hiking and multi-sport options, and just like Discovery Bicycle Tours, focus on small groups (averaging 12 guests).

Discovery Bicycle Tours, 800-257-2226, www.discoverybicycletours.com

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

sity of Illinois and co-author of the paper.

The researchers identified five main strategies: Salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification and functional modification.

Why not just remove salt from a recipe? It’s not possible to completely eliminate sodium because it has both sensory and functional properties. Salt is used for meat preservation and to make bread dough rise.

The team found many of the studies combined more than one method, such as salt removal with salt replacers and flavor modification or salt removal with physical modification.

Salt replacers include potassium chloride, calcium chloride or other chloride

Continued on page 6

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

March Is Women’s History Month

Kristin Chenoweth is a star of the stage, the big screen and TV. She is also an author. Born on July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, she was adopted five days later by Junie and Jerry Chenoweth who both worked as chemical engineers in Broken Arrow which is a suburb of Tulsa.

At an early age, Kristin Chenoweth performed gospel songs for local churches. A performing highlight of her childhood was a solo appearance at the Southern Baptist Convention national conference at the age of 12. People realized that Chenoweth could sing.

At Broken Arrow Senior High School she participated in school plays then she attended Oklahoma City University where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre in 1990 and a Master’s degree in opera performance in 1992. That same year Chenoweth participated in a studio recording of “The Most Happy Fella.”

While she was in college and working towards her master’s degree Chenoweth performed at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, among other regional theatres, in roles such as June in “Gypsy,” Liesl in “The Sound of Music,” Fran in “Promises, Promises” and Tuptim in “The King and I.”

It was also while studying at Oklahoma City University that her voice instructor and mentor, Florence Birdwell, suggested that “Kristi” add an “n” to her name to make it Kristin. That made her name sound more professional in the entertainment business.

As she completed her master’s degree, Chenoweth participated in several vocal competitions and was named “most promising up-and-coming singer” in the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, which came with a full scholarship to Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts.

Two weeks before school started she went to NYC to help a friend move. While there, she auditioned for the 1993 Paper Mill Playhouse production of the musical “Animal Crackers” and was cast in the role of Arabella Rittenhouse. She turned down the scholarship and moved to New York City in 1994 to play the role and pursue a career in musical theatre.

As someone coming from a small town, Chenoweth had to adjust to living and working in NYC but she did. She said it wasn’t always easy but for her work on Broadway, in 1999 Chenoweth won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Sally Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

In 2003, Chenoweth was nominated for a second Tony Award for originating the role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked.” On TV Chenoweth has played Annabeth Schott in NBC’s “The West Wing,” April Rhodes in “Glee” and Olive Snook on the comedy drama “Pushing Daisies.” For that role she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009.

In 2001 Chenoweth had her own sitcom called “Kristin” and she has guest-starred on many shows, including “Sesame Street” and “Glee,” and she was nominated for Emmy Awards in 2010 and 2011. She also starred in the ABC TV series “GCB” in 2012, played Lavinia in “Trial & Error” in 2018, and she was also in the musical comedy TV series “Schmigadoon!” from 2021 - 2023.

In films, she has played mostly character roles, such as in “Bewitched” in 2005 and “The Pink Panther” in 2006. In TV movies, Chenoweth has played roles in “Descendants” in 2015 and several Christmas shows. She’s also done voice work in several animated films.

On July 24, 2015, Kristin Chenoweth’s parents, Junie and Jerry Chenoweth, were pleased to attend her star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. She was honored in the category of Live Theater/Performance and the guest speakers for the event were Carol Burnett and Kenny Ortega.

After dating musician Josh Bryant for five years, he and Kristin Chenoweth married on September 2, 2023, at a ceremony in Dallas. Their dog, Thunder, served as the ring bearer and 140 guests attended the celebration at a private home.

An Arkansas native, Bryant is a guitarist for the country band Backroad Anthem. Chenoweth says that Bryant is a talented musician. Chenoweth and Bryant met for the first time at her niece’s wedding and they hit it off. Two

years later Chenoweth’s nephew got married and he also booked Backroad Anthem for his wedding reception.

Chenoweth said they had become online friends. She’d gotten to know the whole band and they became friends so by the time they met at the second wedding is when sparks flew.

Kristin Chenoweth splits her time between Nashville and Broken Arrow where she hosts the annual Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp. The camp is held at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center which is a 1,500 seat venue for major Broadway tours, concerts, specialty shows and other events while also acting as the official location for the Broken Arrow Public Schools fine arts programs.

The boot camp is a week-long program for students in grades 8-12. Students participate in acting, dance, and singing activities. The camp ends in a student-faculty performance called the “Kristi Awards.”

In honor of Kristin Chenoweth’s many accomplishments, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center renamed one of its theaters the Kristin Chenoweth Theater in 2012.

About her career and her life Kristin Chenoweth has said:

“I’m constantly learning, and that is

the greatest gift of life in my opinion - to always be learning and growing.”

“I love live theater; I like the relationship between the show and the audience. That’s my comfort zone, but more than anything, it’s what makes me happy.”

“I auditioned for a solo in church and got it. I was about seven and I sang a song called, ‘Jesus, I Heard You Had a Big House’ and I remember people standing up at the end and me thinking, ‘Oh, I think I’m going to like this.’ That’s how it all began. Sounds funny to say you got your start in church, but I did.”

Clarifying the DOGE Allegations About Social Security

BY TOM MARGENAU

Many readers have been emailing me asking for my help in understanding the allegations made by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency about sloppy recordkeeping at the Social Security Administration. Here are three typical questions.

Q: What is going on with the DOGE reports about Social Security recipients who are supposedly 120 years old?

Q: Elon Musk says that there are millions of people in Social Security files who are at least 150 years old. Who is cashing all the checks sent to these obviously nonexistent people?

Q: I’ve heard that millions of people well over 100 years old are being sent Social Security checks every month. What’s going on?

Let me begin by making this key point. The Social Security records in question are NOT Social Security benefit payment records. Those records are meticulously maintained and updated constantly. Every single study I’ve ever seen, by both government and private sector oversight groups, has shown that Social Security benefit payments are remarkably correct -- with about 99.8% accuracy.

So, despite all these ridiculous rumors to the contrary, Social Security benefit checks are NOT being sent to people who died a long time ago.

The mismanaged records in question belong to a completely separate set of files maintained by the Social Security Administration. They are the Social Security number files. Internally (within the SSA), it is called the Numident file. This is a file of every Social Security number that has ever been issued and some corresponding data about the person to whom that number was issued.

I’m in that file. You’re in that file. Anyone who has ever had a Social Security number is in that file. The data in that file comes from the form you filled out when you got your first Social Security card. To refresh your memory (because most people reading this probably got their SSN card 50 or 60 years ago), the form asked for your name, your date and place of birth and your parents’ names.

So, all those records (hundreds of millions of them) make up the Numident file. Now, I can’t stress enough that the Numident file has nothing to do with other key files maintained by the SSA, such as earnings record files for all working Americans and the beneficiary payment files for everyone getting a monthly Social Security check.

The problem is that even though Social Security earnings records and beneficiary payment records are constantly maintained and updated, especially when someone dies, those reports of death did not always get transferred over to the Numident files.

I can think of an example of how that might happen. Say John Doe was born in

1900 and got a Social Security number in 1935. Then, he died in 1938, having never been married or had children. Back then, there was no need to report that death to the Social Security Administration because there were no benefit payments to stop and no survivor benefits to apply for. So, the Numident file for John Doe will show no date of death. And that means you could look at that file and say that the SSA has a record of a guy (John Doe) who is 125 years old.

And then you multiply that John Doe story by a million other instances like that and you come up with a Numident file that has not been properly maintained. (But to be fair and put things in perspective, those incorrect files are a small percentage of the whole universe of SSN records.)

On the one hand, you could say, “What’s the big deal if John Doe’s date of death is not recorded in the Numident file if it has nothing to do with the SSA’s other, more important files such as earnings records and beneficiary payment data?” On the other hand, it is still a case of sloppy recordkeeping by the SSA, and those Numident files should be updated to show proper dates of death for everyone.

Here’s another way of looking at this story. Suppose Betty Crocker was proud of the fact that she maintained an absolutely immaculate house. Every room is meticulously cleaned each day, everything is in its place and there is never a spot of dust to be found anywhere. But Betty does have one room down in the corner of the basement that she rarely enters. It’s a storage room of sorts where, because of her scrupulous habits, everything is mostly in order. But she still has some stray clutter in it that she’s been meaning to get to someday. Because Betty spends so much time keeping the rest of her place in tip-top shape, she just hasn’t had the time to get down to the storage room to clean it.

Then, one day, Betty learns that the people at Good Housekeeping Magazine are coming over to inspect her house. When they arrive, she proudly opens the door, ready to show off all her hard work. But lo and behold, they head straight for the basement and go into her storage room. They are shocked by the disarray and proceed to write a story accusing Betty of being a sloppy housekeeper. The story goes viral, and now poor Betty is shamed across the country. Furthermore, the Good Housekeeping people are threatening to send in their own people to clean up Betty’s alleged mess.

Of course, in that little story, Betty is the Social Security Administration. Her meticulously kept home is all of the SSA’s many data files. But that basement storage room is the Numident file. The Good Housekeeping people are Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.

It’s just too bad for Betty that Good Housekeeping has dwelled on the only unclean room in her home and besmirched her reputation. And it’s too bad for the So-

cial Security Administration that its reputation for benefit payment accuracy has been muddied by a DOGE story taken out of context.

Having said all that, it obviously would be wise for Betty to clean her storage room and for the SSA to clean up its Numident files.

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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Feng Shui and its impact and influence on Real Estate

For many years segments of the real estate purchasing population around Long Island and throughout the U.S.A. have used the 5000+ year old Asian custom called Feng Shui. The word Feng (wind) and Shui (water) are two important facets of human survival and most real estate Brokers, agents and homeowners do not understand or know the custom in preparing their homes for sale for that specific audience. But it is a serious and well adapted custom that many buyers or financially supporting relatives use when searching, examining and inspecting a home or even commercial property for sale.

This column will not delve into every aspect, because many books have been written about it and there would not be enough space in this column to explain it all. That being said, I will go into some of the basics, since I am a C.I.P.S. (Certified International Property Specialist), GRI (Graduate of the Realtor Institute, what I call my Masters Degree of Real Estate, as well as Green certified by the National Association of Realtors. I have studied and learned much of what is crucial for those who practice Feng Shui as well as a multitude of other international customs.

By the end of 2024 the Chinese were the second largest segment (11%) plus Mexicans of the international buyers of residential real estate in the U.S., behind Canadians. International home buying activity complied by the National Association of Realtors, 1.2 million Realtors, (now 1.55 million strong), saw the Chinese buy 28.6 billion of residential properties in 2015;

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: I received a Phalaenopsis orchid as a present last fall, and it is still blooming. I have never tried growing an orchid even though I do have some other house plants. I am wondering what I should do with it this summer when it is warmer outside. Are there other orchids that grow in similar situations that also bloom for a long time?

A: Yes, there are other orchids that grow in similar conditions as the common Phalaenopsis orchid that we see in grocery and hardware stores. Phals, as we commonly call them, are the gateway drug into orchid growing. Let me list the best conditions for the phals and then the deviations for some other common orchids that are grown as houseplants. If I don’t mention a change, then it grows the same as the Phals.

Phals like daytime temps 75 degrees and over during the day and mid-60s at night year-round. They start a flower spike

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

decreasing in 2024 to 7.5 billion, most likely due to much higher interest rates.

Obviously, one must be well versed, knowledgeable and practiced at knowing Feng Shui. Having this expertise in this cultural form makes a direct and monumental and impactful connection to the Asian audience. They are still purchasing with a voracious appetite for primary residences, as well as commercial properties on Long Island as well as in Queens, the 5 Boroughs of NYC and many other areas around the U.S. To tap into that audience one should be aware that the Asian Real Estate Association of American (AREAA), did a study and concluded that Feng Shui is the second most important consideration, only behind schools and neighborhood safety for their community. Eighty-six percent state that the crucial practice would play a critical role in home purchasing decisions and 79% would be willing to invest in a home that incorporated Feng Shui principles. Moreover, respondents were willing to pay 16%+ more for a home that complied with the philosophy and 90% of these Chinese buyers feel the resale value would be increased by implementing these practices. According to N.A.R.,36% of Chinese purchasers would not work with Brokers or agents who were not knowledgeable in Feng Shui.

In 2015, I enrolled in a course that spanned 5 days: and for me it was

the most enlightening subject matter I had ever undertook in the 43 years of being involved in Real Estate, as well as having the best and most knowledgeable instructor/mentor to convey the valuable and pertinent information. My instructor was Mr. David Lauster, who became the top banana, Branch Chief for our U.S. State Department who had been in charge of all the purchasing, leasing, sales and construction of all the U.S. embassies in 100 countries around the globe. He has the total and complete responsibility for managing with his staff at the State Department. Our U.S. government currently owns thousands of properties worldwide. As of 2024, it had 271 Diplomatic posts around the globe.

I made a video of a segment of one of our classes, of his first encounter with a very serious Chinese couple in 2005 in Orlando, Florida, who were looking to purchase a home. It is an extremely hilarious and a very profound and mind opening video due to the content and his lack of knowledge of Feng Shui, at that time. To learn more about Feng Shui, go to this link: bit.ly/4k7zfHf Come back next week for part 2 and the link to my video from our class in 2015 that you will never forget!

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate

Easy-To-Grow Orchids

when exposed to temperatures in the upper 40s to 50s for a couple of months in the fall when left outdoors. However, you should never expose them to frost.

They are an epiphytic plant, meaning they grow on other plants. They grow in the bright shade near the top of jungle forests, so bright shade indoors or out is best. Bright shade would be enough to barely see your shadow.

If they are planted in a bark mix, they may need to be watered every five to 10 days depending on the temperature. Don’t let the roots dry out. If they are planted in only sphagnum moss, watering intervals may stretch to 10-21 days. Be careful to not overwater. If you want to do the ice cube watering method, poke a few holes in a paper cup and put the ice cubes in the cup.

Fertilize following label directions with an orchid fertilizer. Repot them in the spring if the plant is growing over the sides of the pot. They like humidity in the

industry and has earned 3 significant designations: (What I consider a Master’s degree in real estate) expert in consulting and completing international transactions, eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate.com

50-70% range.

Oncidiums have long sprays of small flowers that last a long time. They grow well in normal home conditions: 70s in the day and 60s at night are good. The best situation is 2,000-3,000 foot-candles of light. Don’t let them dry out in the summer, but reduce watering in the winter.

Cattleya orchids are known for the huge flowers often used for corsages. They need temperatures in the 80s during the day and 60s at night, so find the hottest room in the house for them. They need 2,0003,000 foot-candles of light. Direct sun will burn the leaves, and they shouldn’t get extra light at night. Water them before they dry out. They have a pseudo bulb that helps them through dry spells, so don’t overwater.

The Paphiopedilum orchids are also known as Lady Slippers. The ones from tropical regions can be grown in continuous 70-80 degrees, and some of the tem-

perate region ones need to have low temperatures in the 50s to initiate flower buds. They are forest floor orchids, so they do best in 900-1,500 foot-candles of light. They need to stay humid with damp soil.

Cymbidiums are perfect for people who have cool homes with temperatures no higher than the 70s during the day in summer and the 60s at night. The night temperature needs to drop into the 50s in the fall for flowers to form. They love light up to 8,000 foot-candles. They love water and fertilizer.

A few other orchid genera you may want to read up on are the Dendrobiums, Miltoniopsis and Vandas. A couple of good books to read are “Understanding Orchids” by William Cullina and “Orchid Modern” by Marc Hachadourian.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

A GREENER VIEW

BY MARY HUNT

Fun (Cheap) Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids

Some time ago, I got a message from Elaine G., who had recently joined a mom’s group. With all of her newly minted friendships, she and her child are getting invitations to lots of toddler birthday parties.

Her dilemma took me back to when our boys were small. Birthday parties for all their friends were challenging. That’s why Elaine’s message grabbed my attention. “Can you help me with ideas for birthday gifts for young children that will score with the kids without breaking our budget?” You bet, Elaine. Try these ideas on for size.

THE STORY OF ME

Give the birthday girl or boy everything they need to write (or draw) the story of their life. For children just learning to read, write or draw, include a list of “prompts” that might include instructing the child to draw a picture of a favorite animal, a place to visit or something that makes them laugh. Package it with a pad or book of drawing paper, markers, crayons and enough prompts to complete all the pages in their book.

PLAY KIT

Spark the interest and imagination of the birthday child with a custom play kit you put together. “Design” the kit on paper by making a list of contents, and then go “shopping” in your home, garage or attic. Visit thrift stores, garage sales and consignment stores for items that can be

laundered and sanitized. Make kits for boys or girls and feature themes such as dress-up, kitchen, handyman, restaurant, doctor, cowboy and entertainer.

PIGGY BANK

Start your recipient on the debt-proof road early with a piggy bank. Add a starter fund of coins (or cash, if it’s in your budget) to encourage regular deposits that will make the pig noisy when shaken.

PHOTO JIGSAW PUZZLE

Mount an enlarged photo of your child and the birthday boy or girl onto a piece of foam board. Cover the photo with a piece of tracing paper and lightly draw a jigsaw pattern, making the number of pieces appropriate for the recipient’s age. Carefully cut through the paper, photo and board along the puzzle lines. Separate the pieces, and place in a gift box.

BUCKET OF STUFF

Personalize a bucket or container with

the birthday child’s name, and fill with age-appropriate art and craft supplies like paper, crayons, pencils, glitter, paste, scissors, ruler, tape and a pencil sharpener. A dollar store is a great place to fill a birthday bucket because it’s quantity that counts!

COUPON BOOK

Create a book filled with coupons for play dates with your child and the birthday boy or girl. Include trips to the park, your home, sleepovers, treats, games, crafts and activities.

JUMP ROPE AND RHYMES

This gift is a fun one for elementary-aged kids -- and very budget-friendly. Purchase a colorful jump rope, and add the free printable jump rope rhymes you can easily find online with a simple search for “jump rope rhymes.”

COLORING KIT

Coloring is popular right now for kids and adults. Putting together a coloring

Lowering Your Sodium Intake

use new and different strategies.

Continued from page 2

or acid salts. However, the researchers found these substitutes tend to have a bitter taste, so they are often used in combination with flavor modifications, such as umami substances or bitter blockers.

With physical modification, another method of reduction, salt crystals are encapsulated, which changes how the salt is dissolved in the mouth. This can alter the saltiness perception, allowing for a reduction in the amount of sodium necessary to create a salty taste. You can also create an uneven distribution of the salt in a product that can further help enhance the perceived saltiness of the food product through taste contrast.

With functional modification, researchers found you could move away from a sodium-based preservative in cured meats, perhaps by using a celery-powder preservative instead of sodium nitrate.

The team is hoping their work will provide insight into the wide variety of salt-reducing technologies that exist to help food companies be more informed to

So, what’s the best strategy for reducing your salt intake? Cook at home (controlling the amount of salt you add and using herbs and spices instead) and limit your consumption of processed and packaged foods. Buy a low-sodium version of canned soups or no-salt-added canned vegetables.

Q and A

Q: Is sparkling water good for you?

A: There are a few different kinds of fizzy water. Club soda contains added minerals including sodium (12 ounce of a leading club soda has 4% of the Daily Value for sodium). Mineral water contains natural minerals like magnesium and calcium. Tonic water contains quinine, a bitter compound from the bark of a tree, plus sweetener (sometimes several teaspoons per serving). Sparkling waters like LaCroix and Bubly are carbonated water and contain added flavoring but no sodium or sweeteners. Sparkling water is better than soda, for sure. In research, sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with a higher risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And a research

kit makes for an inexpensive gift. Items for the kit might include colored pencils, markers, crayons and one or two coloring books. Purchase them during the fall, when school supplies are on sale for ridiculously awesome prices.

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

study in the U.K. (testing 13 different drinks) found that sparkling water is just as hydrating as plain water. It may be a bit more acidic than regular water and therefore affect the enamel on your teeth, but you can always drink it through a straw. The bottom line: If you enjoy it, it’s a great way to stay hydrated.

RECIPE

Who doesn’t love a great chicken salad? Here’s a recipe for Waldorf Chicken Salad (created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York and still popular). It’s refreshing with apples, walnuts and celery. The recipe is adapted from Good Housekeeping magazine.

WALDORF CHICKEN SALAD

Servings: 4

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons light sour cream

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 heads Boston lettuce

3/4 cup flat leaf parsley (roughly

chopped)

2 rotisserie chicken breasts, sliced

1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1 cup small red seedless grapes, halved

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, salt, sour cream, mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard and pepper. Separate the leaves on the Boston lettuce and toss with half of the dressing to coat, then toss with the parsley. Divide among bowls along with the chicken, apple, celery and grapes. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with the walnuts. Serves 4.

Per serving: 345 calories; 26 grams protein; 20 grams carbohydrate; 15 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated); 4 grams fiber; 614 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. . COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

Shadow on the Moon!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 2-8, 2025

If you’ve got plans for Friday, March 14, you may want to cancel them now. I’ve already done so because next week’s amazing celestial show will keep stargazers up most of the night.

On the night of Thursday/Friday, March 13/14, we in North America will enjoy our first total eclipse of the moon in several years, and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

The cosmic show begins at 1:09 a.m. ET (10:09 p.m. PDT), when the Earth’s dark inner shadow (the umbra) appears to take a bite out of the moon’s eastern limb. I know this partial eclipse will appear like the shadow is moving across the full moon’s face, but it’s actually the moon that’s drifting through the shadow.

The moon will continue to dim as it enters deeper into our planet’s shadow until 2:26 a.m. EDT (11:26 p.m. PDT), when the moon becomes completely engulfed. If the sky is clear, we will see it take on a coppery hue.

This deep orange color occurs becaus sunlight passing through our planet’s atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the totally eclipsed moon. Just how colorful and bright it appears will depend on the clarity of our planet’s atmosphere at the time. During totality, the moon’s appearance could range anywhere from bright orange to practically invisible.

Little more than 30 minutes later -- around 2:59

a.m. EDT (11:59 p.m. PDT) -- the eclipse will reach its midpoint. For another 33 minutes or so, the moon will continue drifting out of the Earth’s umbral shadow until it exits at 4:48 a.m. EDT (1:48 a.m. PDT).

To find the times for your town, visit te interactive map at timeanddate.com. Once there, click on the heading “Sun, Moon & Space,” scroll down and click “Eclipses”; then select the eclipse of March 13-14. Here you’ll be able to scroll around, zoom in and click on your location to get more details for your area. You’ll also find helpful links there for some terrific animations and even a link to watch the eclipse via livestream in case your sky is cloudy.

Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may find viewing to be even more enjoyable.

You’ll be able to watch the sky show even from under bright city lights, but for a truly special display, venture out under the dark wilderness skies. Here the sky will darken during totality, and the moon will appear suspended eerily between the springtime stars of Leo and Virgo.

To find links about the workings of lunar eclipses or how to try your hand at photographing this celestial spectacle, check out Fred Espenak’s webpage at mreclipse.com. And to learn if anyone in your area is hosting a free lunar eclipse viewing party, check with your local planetarium, college or amateur astronomy club.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

A Half-Baked Column

Stargazers in North America will be treated to a total eclipse of the moon the night of Thursday/Friday, March 13/14.

Of course, I wish everyone clear skies that night, but if the weather causes us to miss the show, North American skywatchers will get another chance in early September!

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

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“I think it’s time we retired this oven,” I said to my husband as I displayed a sheet of blackened sweet potato fries. “Even the dog won’t eat these.”

“Sure he will,” he said, tossing some fries on the floor. The dog immediately sucked them down.

“Not my point,” I said.

We had known our oven was on its last burners for quite some time. But it still worked, sort of, which was more than we could say about the prehistoric dishwasher or fridge, so those got replaced first. For years, I tried to convince myself that I really wasn’t jealous of my friends with their fancy stainless steel ovens with enough BTUs to power a rocket ship. But the truth was, I had major cooktop envy. I want-

ed a stove that could boil water in 6.2 seconds. I wanted an oven that not only cooked my salmon perfectly but caught it off the coast of Alaska, skinned it and cleaned it for me.

OK, maybe I wanted something that didn’t exist. But I at least wanted a stove that had actual numbers that weren’t rubbed off the dials so I didn’t have to guess whether I was baking or broiling.

And thus began our quest for the perfect oven. Armed with our pretty little internet oven pictures, we headed off to the appliance store.

“My old stove had one oven on top and a separate oven on the bottom so I could cook two things at one time,” I told the salesman. “Do you have any 30-inch stainless steel stoves like that?”

“Was your old oven 7 feet high and pale yellow?”

“Yes!” I said excitedly.

When he was done rolling on the floor laughing out loud, he helped us find something that was actually better than what I’d had and was also from this millennium. Then he showed us the price. I choked.

“You know, for this price, the thing really should be able to go to Alaska and catch us some fish,” I said.

“That’s the next model up,” he replied.

Finally, we had our stove. We set up a delivery time, then I waited home for eight hours so it could be delivered and installed.

When the big, new, shiny, stainless steel oven arrived, I immediately knew how my husband feels when he goes into a car dealership. I stared in reverence for a full minute, then I caressed

the knobs, stroked the burners and polished a little streak away with the edge of my sleeve. It was truly a thing of beauty.

“So how’s the new stove?” asked my husband when he got home that night.

“It’s pretty!” I gushed.

“I know it’s pretty,” he said. “But how does it cook?”

“Oh. Um,” I stammered. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I was so excited to get it, I forgot to go food shopping.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

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SERVICES

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 16-222-1122

www.dangelolawassociates. com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com

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MASONRY

All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates

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TVs Mounted. Phone, TV, Computer Wires, HD Antennas, Starlink Dishes, Stereos Installed And Serviced. FREE Estimates.

Lic#54264-RE and Ins. Call Dave 631-667-9473 (WIRE), 516-353-1118 (TEXT)

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

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Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

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Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications

516-248-9323

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901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

FLORAL PSYCHIATRY

MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC

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PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

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If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Go to Last Hope’s Chewy page at https://www.chewy. com/g/last-hope-animal-rescue_ b100553681 for info on Last Hope and to shop for items and necessities on the shelter’s wish list.

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

Warm up one spoonful at a time

Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup

Makes 8 servings

People who live in cold climates understand that it can sometimes be challenging to warm up after a day spent combatting snow, wind or freezing rain. Luckily, eating hot soup is a very effective means to returning the body to a lesschilled temperature. Soup also tends to be easily digested and nutrient-dense, making it an ideal meal at any time.

This recipe for “Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup” from “The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups” (Lebhar-Friedman Books) by The Culinary Institute of America is thick, creamy and full of savory flavor.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped (about 1⁄2 cup)

1 onion, coarsely chopped (about 11⁄4 cups)

1 garlic clove, minced (about 1⁄2 teaspoon)

1⁄2 leek, white and light green parts, coarsely chopped (about 3⁄4 cup)

1 1⁄2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1⁄2-inch thick (about 3 cups)

1 quart chicken broth

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1⁄4 cinnamon stick

1 1⁄3 cups heavy cream, divided

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons molasses

Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

3⁄4 cup peanuts

1) Preheat the oven to 325 F. Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, garlic, and leek. Stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 4 to 6 minutes.

2) Add the sweet potatoes, broth, peanut butter, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fully tender, about 25 minutes.

3) Meanwhile, spread the peanuts in a single layer in a pie pan. Toast the peanuts in the oven until light brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally and watch carefully (nuts can burn quickly). Let the peanuts cool, chop coarsely, and set aside.

4) Remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Puree the soup and strain it. Return the soup

to the soup pot and place over low heat. Add 1⁄2 cup of the cream. Season with salt. Keep warm, but do not boil.

5) Combine the remaining cream with the molasses, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whip until stiff peaks form.

6) Serve the soup in heated bowls, garnished with the whipped cream and chopped nuts.

Serves 10

Ice cream is a beloved dessert. The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.

For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.

200 grams pitted cherries (about 1 cup)

450 milliliters double (heavy) cream (about 2 cups)

397 grams condensed milk (14 ounces)

1 teaspoon almond extract

1⁄2 teaspoon pink food coloring (optional) Cherries and toasted flaked almonds, to serve

1) Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside.

2) Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks.

3) Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container,

like a large loaf tin. Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture.

4) Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.

Photos from the Village Archives

LIRR Garden Cabin & Country Life

Diner

Facing northwest across Franklin Ave. to the LIRR Garden Cabin and the Country Life Diner to its right. The cabin was established in 1939 when the switch tower to its east was removed. It controlled the two nearby track switches, and the crossing gates until that operation was automated in 1965. The cabin existed until after 1986, when switch control was provided by the LIRR facility at Jamaica. The diner existed from 1936 until 1949, when it was replaced by the current stores. Archives identifier: str43

German Fasching and Valentine’s Day

Students in sixth grade German class with Mrs. Basile learned about the German holiday of “Fasching”.

The students watched authentic videos of people celebrating Fasching. Then the students compared this holiday to similar holidays like Carnival or Mardi Gras.

After also completing a small reading and watching the videos, students created their own “Fasching”

masks. They even got to try some local foods for the celebration. The students had a great time, and some students made multiple masks to share with their friends. They also learned how Valentines day is celebrated in German speaking countries and they made their own German Valentines cards and gifts to give to their families and friends.

German holiday of “Fasching.”

Everyone enjoyed learning about Fasching.

Students made Valentines cards and gifts.

Sixth graders learned about the

Students created their own “Fasching” masks.

From page 23

(preventing an emergency phone call).

Hit-and-run suspect arrested

Detectives arrested a 56-year-old male on February 24 in connection with a hit-and-run that took place inside a Franklin Avenue parking garage on February 19.

Stolen travel points

On February 24, a victim reported that their travel points had been stolen and applied to another account.

Malfunctioning boiler secured

Firefighters responded to a home on February 24 and secured a malfunctioning boiler.

THE OFFICE CAT

Mail theft attempt

A sticky substance often used for mail theft was found on February 24 inside the chute of the 6th Street mailboxes. Residents who recently used these mailboxes are advised to check with their recipients. The Postal Inspector’s Office was notified.

Overweight truck violations

On February 24, a truck driver on Clinton Road was charged with multiple overweight violations.

False fire alarms

GCFD and GCPD responded to two locations on February 24 for fire alarms that had been activated in error.

Multiple license violations

A motorist on Washington Avenue

was charged on February 24 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and additional violations.

Electrical hazard from water leak

GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence on February 25 for a smoke condition. Firefighters determined the cause was a water leak affecting an electrical outlet. The home was rendered safe.

Speeding and suspended license

On February 25, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.

Water main breaks

Police and Water Department personnel responded on February 25 to

Fairmount Boulevard and Garfield Street for reported water main breaks.

Multiple violations

A Hilton Avenue motorist was charged on February 25 with driving with a suspended license, unregistered auto, and uninsured auto.

False fire alarm at Adelphi

GCFD and GCPD responded to Adelphi University on February 25 for a fire alarm, which was determined to be false.

Unlicensed truck operation

On February 25, a truck driver on Clinton Road was charged with unlicensed operation, defective tires, and lacking a highway use tax permit.

Drones have proven to be a valuable asset in enhancing police operations and bolstering public safety. Their ability to offer real-time surveillance, collect vital evidence, access inaccessible areas makes them invaluable tools in combating crime, and locating missing and vulnerable persons.

Public Hearing - Village Code

Regarding Swimming Pools

The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss a proposed amendment to the Village Code relating to swimming pools.

Public Hearing - Village Code

Regarding Outdoor Dining

The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 6,

2025 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss a proposed amendment to the Village Code related to outdoor dining.

Intersection Improvements

The Board has engaged Creighton Manning Engineering, LLP to design the Village of Garden City intersection improvements for the Transportation Alternatives Project (TAP) grant in the amount of $520,000. This is an 80/20 grant, with the Village being reimbursed for 80 percent of the project costs. The proposed project involves the reconstruction of approximately 250 curb ramps at 46 intersections to ADA standards, enhancing pedestrian connectivity in the eastern section of the Village.

Happening in Garden City

Sunday, March 2nd

9:30 a.m. Pickleball at the St. Paul’s

Field House. Nominal fee. Monday, March 3rd

1:30 p.m. Monday Movie Matinée: Conclave at the Library

1:30 p.m. Little Listeners Storytime at the Library. Must register.

7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball in the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

Tuesday, March 4th

4:00 p.m. Teen Advisory Board meeting at the Library. Must register.

5:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Work Session at Village Hall and via Zoom to include a presentation on the proposed Fire Department Training Facility/ DPW Transfer Station project

7:00 p.m. Yoga With Kimberly at the Library. Must register.

Wednesday, March 5th

12:00 p.m. Chairobics and Strength at the Library. Must register.

6:00 p.m. Nighttime Storytimes for ages 2-6 Years at the Library. Must register. Thursday, March 6th

11:00 a.m. Crafts and games for Adults with Developmental Disabilities at the Library. Must register.

7:30 p.m. Adult Volleyball and Soccer in the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting at Village Hall and via Zoom Friday, March 7th

9:00 a.m. Adult Art Class at Cluett Hall. Register for the class at the Recreation and Parks office.

10:00 a.m. Chess4Community Play & Learn at the Library. All levels and ages welcome.

10:00 a.m. Baby and Toddler Storytime for ages Birth-2.5 Years at the Library. Must register.

11:00 a.m. Budding Bookworms Storytime for ages 2.5-5 Years at the Library. Must register.

Three ways slow exercise can make you stronger

BY AHMED AHMED

Most people think getting stronger is about lifting heavier and faster…

But what if slowing down was the key to strengthening?

Here’s the thing…

Muscles work in three different ways to control positions and/or movement… Concentrically- where your muscles shorten to get into a position.

Isometrically- where they stay at relatively the same length to hold a position. Eccentrically- where muscles lengthen to make their way to a position.

Because of their structure, your muscles are strongest eccentrically…

They can handle more weight con-

trolling into a position, than moving towards it.

This is why, for many people, it’s typically easier to sit down in a chair than to stand up from it!

Movements where your muscles are lengthening…

Usually work with gravity, rather than against it, which saves your energy and puts less stress on your body.

Ahmed Ahmed

Now, when it comes to building muscle mass, absorbing force, and skyrocketing your strength…

Studies show that training your muscles from a stretched position, with slower eccentrics, helps them grow faster.

Doing your exercises like this, is likely to make you feel sore…So start off by using this tactic sparingly.

This slower method of training, as your muscles lengthen, also enhances how you absorb force or put the brakes on movement.

Imagine you’re lowering a heavy plate from your kitchen cupboard…. The better your muscles are at controlling that, the less strain you’ll put on your joints.

Finally, if you’re struggling to boost your strength…

Slow eccentric training will allow you to lift heavier.

Remember, stronger muscles help you reduce tightness and move with ease.

So how do you do an eccentric focused exercise?

Try this at home by taking 3-5 seconds to sit down onto your couch, and then stand back up again. Do it now and feel the difference!

Remember exercise is key to lifelong strength and independence. Try these tips today!Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646)415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

From page 22

page 2

a strong financial process that mitigates any of the fears and concerns. Any bond issuance will be voted on by the residents. Fourth, the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee is Co-Chaired by Mr. Bob Catell and Mr. Frank Tauches, Jr. The resume of both men as well the resumes of other members of the Committee are publicly available on the Village website  (https://www.gardencityny. net/DocumentCenter/View/3012/ Meet-The-St-Pauls-AdvisoryCommittee). This Committee is composed of a group of men and women who are volunteering their time and professional experience to assist in a final solution for St. Paul’s. Fifth, the BOT will make a final decision based on information gathered from the survey responses and review of financial options. Sixth, we have been discussing St. Paul’s for over 30 years. There have been numerous surveys, polls, consultations, meetings, and discussions. Most of these efforts are documented on the Village website (https:// www.gardencityny.net/291/A-NewApproach-for-2025). The time has come to decide and move forward. We are blessed to have a group of Trustees who have the courage, tenacity, intelligence, experience and leadership to bring this to a close.

I hope the following information will help clarify misinformation about the upcoming survey. My goal is to provide helpful information to new residents and those seeking understanding and clarification of the Upcoming Survey.

The draft of the St. Paul’s survey  (https://www.gardencityny.net/ DocumentCenter/View/3124/St-PaulsSurvey ) is available on the Website and states the following:

The possibility of developing the St. Paul’s Main Building as a Community Center for Garden City residents requires input and perspective from all Village residents. This survey is designed to solicit your input to assist the village in developing an informed plan. It should take about 15 minutes to complete.

Why is this survey looking into the possibility of developing the St. Paul’s Main Building as a Community Center for Garden City residents?

There are several reasons.

• As stated by Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan in last week’s letter, the 2023 Opinion Poll included Proposal #2 (Demolition). Proposal #2 was defeated as only 39% of the respondents chose this option. The Opinion Poll was extremely important as Major Flanagan consistently stressed the urgency of the Opinion Poll at several meetings.  For those not familiar with the discussions, please listen (time 52:00) to Mayor Flanagan and Trustee

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Torino at the BOT meeting held on August 17, 2023. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=WclWPWpW3ko. Please note the references to St. Paul’s history, the documents on the Village website, the cost estimates included in the 2023 Westerman Report and all the countless efforts to reach a conclusion.

With respect to polls and surveys, the St. Paul’s FAQs (https://www. gardencityny.net/Faq.aspx?QID=101 ) state the following:

“Village Counsel advised the Board of Trustees to not use the term “referendum” or the term “vote.” This advice is based on case law stating that a Village Board may not cede its governance responsibilities to a public vote. While the Village Board cannot be bound by this poll, the opinion of the residents is very important to the Board.”

• BCI was hired in March 2024. The Village website contains the following information:

Board authorization is requested to engage Brandstetter Carroll Inc. (“BCI”), 2360 Chauvin Drive, Lexington, Kentucky, as part of the St. Paul’s Recreational Facility Project, and approve the proposal, Garden City Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment & St. Paul’s Use Plan, at a total cost of $159,000. The Plan includes four phases: Evaluate Phase, Engage Phase, Envision Phase, and Plan Phase, with the goal of building a solid platform for community-supported recommendations and a consensus vision through public engagement and community events. Source:  https://gardencityny.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ Agenda/_03072024-326

BCI conducted the survey and issued a report titled Garden City Recreation and Parks Master Plan & St. Paul’s Use Plan - Evaluate & Engage Phase Results dated September 23, 2024 (https://www.gardencityny. net/DocumentCenter/View/3117/BCIGarden-City-Evaluate-and-EngagePresentation).

• After reviewing the BCI survey, the current BOT continued to work with BCI to issue the Upcoming Survey. This survey will present three options to households by providing potential renovation costs and estimated property tax impact for households so households can evaluate the option that is best for them.

• The six Trustees are fully committed to finding a final solution for St. Paul’s as well as to address the needs for recreational and community use for all ages. Another priority is to speed up the process so they can deliver within a reasonable period. There is a sense of urgency because we have a building that has been neglected for too many years. It is embarrassing that no decision has been made after the hiring of

so many consultants.

• After reading the 2023 Westerman report, one can conclude that St. Paul’s remains a gem. Below is a question and answer posted on the Village website:

What is the present condition of the St. Paul’s Main Building?

In his presentation on October 3, Lloyd Westerman described the present condition of the building along with pictures to help illustrate those conditions. Mr. Westerman refers to the Thornton Thomasetti report for detailed information on the technical condition of the building.  As part of his presentation, Mr. Westerman showed pictures of areas which show what he described as typical conditions in the building, and he also showed areas he described as severely decayed with floors collapsed. He estimated in response to a question at the 1 hr. 29 minute mark that the condition of severe decay with floors collapsing is in approximately 20 percent of the building.

• At one of the discussion meetings, Mr. Westerman stated that the building is safe but in need of repairs. At the St. Paul’s Information Session on October 3, 2023, Mr. Westerman issued an urgent message for a quick decision on St. Paul’s.  Recently, Trustee Vinny Muldoon has been in the building and has been posting videos on social media for residents to get a glimpse of the conditions inside the building.

The Word from the Publisher states “In retrospect, maybe there should have been a separate option. Even better would have been ranked choice voting, which tends to work well when there is likely to be a plurality instead of a clear majority.”

The upcoming St. Paul’s survey includes some level of ranked choice voting. The survey is comprehensive and provides for a ranking of choices. It requires every household to devote about 15 minutes to considering the options, costs, etc. Every household will have the opportunity to review all options carefully, the impact on their personal finances as well as to state their choices, concerns and opinions. They will be able to rank their choices. This level of information will be invaluable. The survey will be conducted by an external company.  All information will be kept confidential. The results will be tallied by the external company and released to the public. Every household will have a voice. Obviously, this will require every resident in the home to come to an agreement and submit one response. Please note that the survey is completed by households based on the recommendation of the consultants. This has been discussed at length at the BOT meetings.

Marta Waters

St. Paul’s: Peeling the onion

To the Editor:

My head was spinning after reading last weeks Letters To The Editor. My family thinks I’m nuts after watching me highlight, underline, and say “oh my” while reading the letters. Kudos to all those who are shedding light on the railroad job being done by our village BOT. To be fair, the BOT are unpaid volunteers who do a thankless job and I commend them for their efforts on behalf of the village. But it’s clear they have an agenda and are ignoring the will of the people in regard to including demolition as an option.

Some of the things I read that gave me pause:

- The 10% contingency “guaranteed” by Trustee Muldoon as well as a timely completion of any construction project strikes me as delusional given the building is 150 years old, has been closed for over 30 years, and has for unknown periods had holes in the roof, allowing the elements free rein. “Adverse surprises” anyone? (borrowed without permission from George Salem) I’ll say the following without a shred of proof but in recent times no undertaking of this complexity has ever been accomplished on time and on budget.

- Further on cost contingency, D&B abatement cost estimators suggest a 30-50% cost contingency. The abatement estimate has already gone from $1 mil to $10.7mil. Another 50% on top of that? And that’s only abatement. Imagine the cost overruns on adaptive reuse or façadism?

- Some of the options on the surveyturf field and pool, to name a few- seem ludicrous to me and come with unknown and ongoing costs not addressed. Many of the options are redundant to what we already have. It seems like the BOT is trying to find a need for the building where none exists.

- No one moves to Garden City because of a dilapidated, shuttered building! And I doubt property values will suffer if the building is removed.

- Smarter voices than mine have highlighted the potential impact of financing the rehabilitation of St Paul’s. And the impact seems quite significant in regards to residents taxes and also the Village debt burden. All for a project we don’t remotely need.

For the record I like looking at St. Paul’s and wish it didn’t come to this. St Paul’s is an incredibly divisive subject that’s pitting the mayor and the BOT against each other. It seems to take up an inordinate amount of the administrations time that could be better spent elsewhere, I’m sure.

I would like to see a community/rec center erected on the site of the former St Paul’s. And I would be a fan of saving the clock tower.

See page 46

Tim Deignan

The

Friday, February 28, 2025

Support saving St. Paul’s!

To the Editor:

We’re all busy and many of us have been hearing about St. Paul’s for a lifetime. But in all these years, I have never felt more sure that a rational, affordable, exciting solution is not only possible, but doable. We’re lucky to have intelligent, dedicated trustees who are working hard with experts in every discipline to get the facts, the costs and the process we’ll follow to turn our architectural treasure into an indescribably beautiful and functional asset for the benefit of us all. Please focus on the information from the Trustees we elected and trust, not on the noise from the naysayers.

Support Saving St. Paul’s! Francine Ryan

Terrific condition

To the Editor:

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I am quite sure some of you have seen the videos of St Paul’s taken by Trustee Vinny Muldoon. I watched them as closely as the drone video that circulated years ago.

For many years, the inside of St. Paul’s has been hidden from most everyone who lives here. While there is damage, I was surprised and thrilled to see the beauty and overall terrific condition of the building.

I feel vindicated! All of you who came out to save the building in each and every vote should also feel vindicated! NOW is the time to help get a financially responsible, smart plan in place that will honor the strength of the building and the strength of your convictions to Save St. Paul’s.

I commend the work being done and hope that the future of St. Paul’s will stand as testament to the visions of the Stewart family who worked to create our lovely First Planned Village. We are privileged to live here and to hold this responsibility.

Please carefully consider the survey and choose again to use and save St. Paul’s.

Kathleen Sweeney

Let the truth be known

To the Editor:

At the board meeting which took place Tuesday, 2/19 the topic of potential adaptive reuse of St. Paul’s was explained as encompassing approximately 25,000 square feet of the building leaving the rest of the building effectively mothballed for future use. Trustee Muldoon stated that the building would first have to be gutted out and left that way so that the wood within the building could effectively dry out and be used for future development.

It would seem that the Trustees never read the analysis of the current report by Westerman which contradicts

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Trustee Muldoon’s statements. The Westerman report states that the typical normal moisture content of wood should be no more than 6 to 12%. Studies have shown that wood can become compromised in just one to three years when exposed to high levels of moisture. This building has been exposed to the elements since 2009 when the heating and water were turned off. The test results made by Westerman throughout the building indicated a moisture content exceeding 20%, which is considered high providing a breeding ground for microbes to thrive and consume the wood causing the wood to rot. Allowing waterlogged wood to dry out can actually be catastrophic. It will allow the wood to evaporate, collapsing the walls of the wood cells and allowing it to warp and/ or shrink resulting in a loss of tensile strength.

The Westerman report continued by stating: “Let’s face the facts: This building in its present condition could never meet any current building, fire, safety, health, or ADA codes or requirements.“ In fact, according to Westerman the costs of adaptive reuse can be prohibitive and the building would need to be fully restored before adaptive reuse work begins. It was also stated that if the project is determined to move forward drawings will need to be prepared by an architect, along with structural, MEP(Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing), and Fire Protection engineers in order to provide final pricing. Also, an environmental impact study and abatement will still be needed to be done. It has yet to be determined what the cost and time frame would be to complete all the studies and comply with their findings. Westerman believed that most of the above are considered soft costs and must be factored into final cost estimates

All of these potential costs will end up on the backs of the taxpaying public. When we first purchased St. Paul’s back in 1993 the ratio between Residential and Commercial property owners was 70% residential versus 30% commercial. Using a FOIL Request I was told that in 2018 the ratio was 89% Residential and 11% Commercial while for 2025 the ratio is now 96% Residential and only 4% Commercial. These figures do not bode well for the residential property taxpaying public especially if the St Paul’s reuse project becomes reality.

Bob Orosz

Honor GC’s rich history

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my staunch support for the Adaptive Reuse restoration of St. Paul’s School. As a member of the Garden City community since 1972 and someone who values the preservation of historical landmarks, I passionately believe that repurposing this building is not only an opportunity to

honor the rich history of Garden City but also to contribute positively to its future.

St. Paul’s School holds great significance, both architecturally and culturally, within Garden City. The preservation and restoration of this historic structure will not only maintain the aesthetic integrity of our community but also provide a sustainable solution for its continued use. By adapting the building for modern needs while preserving its historic charm, we can ensure that this important part of our town’s heritage is celebrated for generations to come.

The Adaptive Reuse of St. Paul’s will restore the magnificent exterior of the historic building, the grounds and open approximately 25,000 ft. of usable space for our residents

Additionally, the restoration of this structure would likely increase property values and provide economic opportunities for the local area through both employment during restoration and the potential for multiple uses that bring vibrancy to our neighborhood.

I urge the residents of Garden City to consider the numerous benefits that Adaptive Reuse offers, not only for the preservation of a key piece of Garden City’s history but also for the long-term health and prosperity of our community.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to the opportunity to witness the restoration and continued life of St. Paul’s School. Reynaldo Tariche

Demolition facade

To the Editor:

The six Trustees running the show, the last and the next Town Halls, have eliminated demolition from the upcoming survey but claim it is resident driven. One would still suppose they would fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities to educate and inform residents about all options and their possibilities including demolition and facade . After all, residents have been told they can fill in those words in responding to Q. #8. But the Trustees have deliberately neglected to inform residents about features of either demolition or facade and provided no relevant cost information. So this survey remains patently unfair. Simply saying “ resident driven” does not suffice unless it is substantially true. It is not, by a long shot! The only mentions about either are to smear them.

Trustee Muldoon has deployed unconscionable scare tactics, claiming demolition could cause a dust storm like we lived during the depression in Kansas in 1932, even going so far as to invoke 9/11, in a Village that lost 26 souls that fateful day, as if jets hitting our buildings could be compared to professional approach to abatement and then demolition. Isn’t this, perhaps, an act of unquiet desper-

ation? What else will Trustee Muldoon say to have the Village select his and the other five Trustees’ project?

Let ‘s talk demo, employing modern demolition techniques means we have clicked our heels and live in Garden City 2025. As set forth in the textbook Demolition Practices. Technology & Management, a Purdue University publication by R. J. Divan and M. Shaurette, with forward by American Demolition Association, wrecking ball demo is mainly a thing of the past. Modern machinery now used include powerful machine hydraulics which grab, twist, crush and break parts of the structure methodically. Encapsulation techniques prevent particle spread beyond the area and yes by the miracle of mounting water hoses on ladders or cranes the structure is wetted down to prevent anything close to dust storms. see Textbook Chapters 8, 9 Demolition Safety and Equipment with photos of equipment - eg. high reach demo tools with grappler, excavators with concrete cracker or grapple, vacuum and water trucks. Debris is loaded on trucks, hosed down and tarped before exiting the area, likely routed to Rockaway Blvd and northward- not on Stewart or near schools or homes! Trustee Muldoon noted abatement is necessary for any preservation project to remove all sorts of hazardous materials but no worries about that from Trustee Muldoon!

It goes without saying that any process would be subject to Federal and State environmental regs. The Demo book states Quote: at p. 4: “ the industry became aware of the dangers of some of the materials produced during the demolition process and worked with both OSHA and EPA to produce regulations to protect the health and safety of its employees and the public”. Moreover, during the Westerman Construction & Lakota architects presentation, 10/3/23, prior to the Oct. Poll Mr. Westerman gave an actual example of a library remaining open while the adjoining building underwent demolition! Debris Containment guidelines are strict. (watch listen 12min., 18min. and particularly 21-22 minute and 46 min, marks). Regarding facade we have a classic contradiction with Trustee Muldoon glorifying the who knows what 10k sq ft. new building is part of survey Q.5 option as “cool” but if a 1 or 2 story building was built behind a facade concept he remarked it would necessarily be ugly or horrific. REALLY ? But as an example the 1 or 2 story structure behind the facade could be clad with bricks from the removed wings of the building. What to do? Sign the letter requesting choices, specifically demolition and facade, be restored to the survey with appropriate unbiased information provided.

S. G. Gorray

Be aware of misinformation

To the Editor:

Trustee Torino’s recent letter is replete with the very misinformation that he complains of. Laudably, he urges people to remain positive with their perspective and complete the upcoming survey. Unfortunately, he then launches into the the absurd analogy of tearing down the house that one lives in because of a leak in the roof with the demolition of an over one hundred-year-old building that has lain fallow and has significantly deteriorated over the last thirty-two years. He continues with the canard put forward by those who would preserve every brick, namely, that the polls that have been conducted clearly show “preservation in part or whole” is the people’s choice. In both polls demolition won the plurality of votes. Instead of then having another poll between the two with the most votes, we have continued to hear that demolition must not be the will of the people. To assume that those who would choose facadism would automatically reject demolition is erroneous. Are we to believe that those who are willing to demolish 80 to 90 percent of the building and put a modern facility behind the façade would be willing to preserve every brick of a building that was stated in 2011 by the Erwin, Lobo, Belinski group to have no practical modern use?

At the recent meeting at the Casino, when there was mention of demolition, Trustee Muldoon reminded everyone of the number of deaths and long term suffering of so many of the first responders at the demolished World Trade Center buildings. It is grotesque to even suggest a comparison between the World Trade Center and the professional demolition of St. Paul’s. Trustee Torino promptly stood up and stated that there would be thousands  trucks moving through the village containing contaminated demolition debris.

We should all be aware of misinformation.

Walter Horn

St. Paul’s: Only phase 1

To the Editor:

I learned some significant information regarding St. Paul’s at the February 18 Board of Trustees meeting. Specifically, in response to my question, Trustee Muldoon revealed that the current strategy to complete the preservation of St. Paul’s is to fully develop only the first floor, and mothball the three upper floors, after abatement and environmental studies are completed in 1-2 yrs. He said it would be sort of like creating an “attic” that future Boards of Trustees would develop further. This material revelation had never been publicly known. The disclosure also stated that the first floor would involve roughly 25,000 square feet of work. The entire

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

building, excluding the basement, is roughly 100,00 square feet.

I then followed up asking how this new information would affect the current cost estimates for the project; and if 25,000 square feet will be refurbished does the other 75,000 need an additional significant increase in the annual cost to residents’ real estate taxes--beyond what has been expected? Mr. Muldoon also said that the upper three floors would be mothballed in an unfinished state. Trustees have labeled their goals as “Phase One” of the job of repurposing the St. Paul’s Main Building. It could take many years beyond Phase One and be paid for by resident taxes, and issuance of municipal bonds by Wall Street underwriters. There is no mention of if, when or how we would begin future phases, and their contents.

Here are some data-- provided by the Trustees, contained in the upcoming Villagewide Survey. (Village taxes are directly related to the market value of homes.) Assuming adaptive re-use, a 15-year bond and a home market value,, for an average Garden City home, of $1 to $1.5 million, annual potential tax increase, including an overall project cost of $68 million, would be $1,048 or $15,720 over the life of the bond. For a 30-year bond, less likely, tax increase would be $721 per year or $21,630 for the life of the bond. All of these numbers have been calculated without knowledge of actual costs and uses for the space. Thus they are not scientific and involve lots of guesswork. The estimates are called “ballpark” estimates that can range from $30 million, for full demolition, up to $100 million-plus to complete Phase One. The interest rate on the bonds, based on Garden City’s AAA rating in today’s interest rate market, would be about 4.0%. The annual cost to homeowners derives from amortization of principal and interest (just like a home mortgage).

Upcoming Survey--The long-awaited Villagewide St. Paul’s Survey is soon due to be mailed to every Garden City home and the results published in July. In my view residents who may be shocked about the long term large hit to their taxes should choose complete demolition of the building and replacing it with a town park and other amenities. The Survey does not contain, SPECIFICALLY an option to choose demolition. So those of us wishing to select demolition should go to page 3 of the Survey, option E, item 8A, subdivision 8, and write in the word Demolition. In other pages of the Survey, one should indicate, “would not support,” “not interested,” “none,” etc., etc. In preparing the Survey the BOT intentionally omitted demolition, perhaps for fear of a victory for that choice.

Conclusions--After 28 years of ownership, kicking the can down the road,

and allowing the physical condition of the 150-year old building to deteriorate materially, residents have been led to believe that the nightmare of St. Paul’s would soon end and a beautiful, complete, renovated St. Paul’s would appear. Unfortunately, the reality of such hope is that the dream will not be seen in many of our lifetimes.

In summary, voting for demolition would: 1) Materially shorten completion time of the project; 2) be much cheaper than other proposals; 3) produce a lovely park; 4) avoid adding duplicate and unneeded usage; 5) place in our rearview mirror the most divisive, expensive, time-consuming challenge in Garden City’s history; 6) allow village government to take care of important non- St. Paul’s needs which may have been pushed aside by the “elephant” in the room--St. Paul’s.

George M. Salem

P.S. It is no secret that a strong majority by 6-2 of our eight trustees favor preservation, and this cabal likely will not change after the March 2025 village election, and including a new mayor. Legally, Trustees have the power to ignore resident choices. A binding referendum would guarantee the voice of the people to prevail. Finally, and according to State law, and the decrepit condition of the building, a 30-yr.maturity bond offering would require the approval of the NY State legislature. This necessity could materially delay a 30 year financing, with a questionable outcome.

Supports Ed Finneran

To the Editor:

For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving with Ed Finneran on the Board of Managers of the Doubleday Court Condominium on Franklin Avenue, where we both reside.  Like most condominium boards, ours concerns itself with a variety of administrative matters, including budget setting, property maintenance and repairs, resident safety and security and personnel matters.  I’ve found Ed to be smart, thoughtful and open minded, deeply knowledgeable on many of the issues that concern our condominium, extremely reliable and highly pragmatic, with a strong focus on solving problems and getting things accomplished in the most timely, efficient and cost-sensitive manner.   While Ed’s administrative skills are first rate, I’m equally impressed with his personal qualities.  Ed is straightforward, outgoing and friendly, ready and willing to weigh in thoughtfully on almost any topic, while also being a patient and sensitive listener.  He is gracious and considerate to everyone, regardless of their status or the extent to which they agree with his views on the matter at hand.   In our work together, he has shown time and again that he cares deeply and sincerely about the condominium that we call

home and all the residents and staff who share it.

Like most village residents, I know that Garden City is an exceptional place in which to live, but is also confronting many challenging issues, some of which are contentious, including, of course, the future of St. Paul’s.  I have a high degree of confidence that Ed Finneran possesses the talent, the integrity, the work ethic and the mature judgement to assume a leadership role in preserving the qualities that make our village special, while addressing its many challenges in ways that prioritize the interests and well-being of village residents.  I therefore strongly support Ed’s candidacy for Mayor.

Al Fredericks

My candidacy for Village Trustee To the Editor:

My name is Rich Catalano and I am running for village trustee in this year’s general village election. I have been a Garden City resident for over 25 years having raised three boys with my wife Mary. I am currently the Co-President of the Estates POA and one of the leaders of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association. For the past two years, I have been fighting the proposed mega casino at the Nassau Hub that would diminish our quality of life in so many ways including potentially reducing our home values.

I have been a CPA for over 40 years and spent most of my career at KPMG serving as an audit partner. I currently serve as chief financial officer for a Long Island-based public company. I hope to bring my financial expertise to ensure that our village is always operated in the most fiscally prudent and efficient manner and will seek to identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining the high level of services that our residents expect.

With respect to St. Paul’s, I am committed to working with the other trustees and the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee to develop an affordable solution for the St. Paul’s main building that will meet the needs of our village. I respect that there are diverse opinions on this topic and a high level of frustration among residents. I am committed to resolving this issue during my two-year term and will ensure that all residents will have the right to vote on any proposed project in a bond referendum.

I am also committed to finding innovative and practical solutions to other challenging problems, building consensus with my fellow trustees and will always be open and transparent with the residents.

Rich Catalano

Would be outstanding mayor To the Editor:

I write this letter in support of Ed

The

Finneran’s candidacy for Mayor of the Village of Garden City. I have known Ed and his family for over 25 years.

Ed is currently a Village Trustee, serving on both the Traffic and Legal Committees. He has 20+ years of involvement in our POA’s, including leadership positions.

Ed practiced law for over 11 years before engaging in a successful 25 year career in Finance. Ed Finneran is a trustworthy man who possesses both strong integrity and character. He has a deep passion to both maintain and improve our village.

As a resident, I feel very fortunate that a leader with Ed’s experience and work ethic is currently involved at the highest level of our village government. I firmly believe that Ed Finneran will be an outstanding Mayor for the Village of Garden City.

Tim Worstell Hoops for Hope

To the Editor:

Hoops for Hope - an annual basketball event here in Garden City - highlights the Challenger basketball team. Challenger basketball athletes are middle and high school students with disabilities. The players are paired with peers who support them on the court. Challenger basketball is not about who wins or loses on the court. It’s about understanding and accepting differences on the court, in our schools, and in our community.

The O’Hanlon siblings, Timmy, Michael, and Katherine, who have organized Hoops for Hope since 2019, have created a community event that is so meaningful in this town - especially to families like mine. Hundreds of students and their families from elementary through high school cheer on our athletes. The GC Cheerleaders, Kickline, and GC Spirit were all there to encourage our athletes and create a vibrant environment.

The funds raised at Hoops for Hope

are donated to the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation in memory of Bobby Menges.

As a parent to a student with disabilities, my hope is that our community will continue supporting Hoops for Hope and other inclusive events so we can all understand, accept, and embrace differences.

Amy McCoy

Disconcerting column

To the Editor:

I found last week’s “View from Here” claiming the Trump Administration’s “reset” of foreign policies is in the best interest of our country quite disconcerting. Contrarily, in just one month’s time, these new policies have upended America’s long-standing anti-authoritative strategies and shaken our core allied relationships.

For close to 80 years, America has understood how critical it is to be the bedrock of our overseas allies’ resistance to aggressors. President John Kennedy clearly signaled this when he declared America “shall pay any price, bear any burden... to ensure the survival and success of liberty.” President George H.W. Bush reported that Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait “would not stand.”

President Joseph Biden vehemently denied conceding “not one inch” of free soil to Russia. All knew the required investments in treasure and blood would be great but well worth it if it prevented an erosion of democracy and resulting cataclysmic events which would cost our country so much more. At times, these efforts have not been perfect, but to date, they have been grounded in reality and achieved their overarching generational goals.

But what a difference a month makes. The current administration’s strategy of treating our friends as enemies and our enemies as friends has gravely impacted our country’s stature as a world power. Reducing/eliminating our support of Ukraine has confused not only those abroad but also the American public as well as members of

both political parties. Our current leaders’ unrelenting support of President Putin, who put bounties on American soldiers’ heads and interfered in our elections, is unfathomable. Recently it went as far as to lie straight-faced to the nation and the world that Ukraine started the war and in a stunning reversal refused to condemn the invasion at the United Nations. Such policies and narratives come at a time when Russia’s war efforts are teetering. Their military has sustained embarrassing horrific losses despite aid from America’s most resolute enemies Iran and North Korea. Homefront opposition against the war is on the rise and Putin’s hope to limit NATO’s power backfired as President Biden used the opportunity to leverage Sweden and Norway’s inclusion even under Russian nuclear threats.The time was ripe to stop any further attempts by this mad dog of a dictator from using Europe, and in turn America, as a fire hydrant.

Is this truly how to make America great again? Anyone can stop a war by just quitting. What country in the world can trust us going forward? And if our government can turn on a dime in this regard, one has to worry about how safe our own rights and freedoms are here in America. The administration’s current desperation for a deal makes us look weak and poses a threat to the American people and the entire free world.

But It is not too late to stop retreating from Putin. Let him know what Russia will face if it does not participate in a fair and durable peace arrangement. Let Ukraine know their bearing of incomprehensible tragedies have not been in vain and let our allies know we will always have their backs.

Joe Cauchi

Disenfranchisement

To the Editor:

The deep-rooted “deaf-ear” politics of Washington, D.C. extremism, disenfranchisement, demonization, and voice silencing has arrived in Garden City.

With respect to the pending St. Paul’s survey, the apparently successful efforts are underway by some (including several who sit on the Village’s Board of Trustees) to discourage, marginalize, disenfranchise and effectively limit or silence the votes of those residents who would support demolishing the St. Paul’s building.

From where I stand, this is a bad, really bad political reality.

John T. Harris

Congratulations to Kash Patel

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Kash Patel (Garden City High School Class of 1998) on his confirmation as Director of the FBI! His appointment is a fine achievement for the Garden City Schools and a great model of accomplishment for our young people. Hard work and talent still count in America.

John Villanella

We’re watching Gillen

To the Editor:

Good news the Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to pass the budget bill which includes most of Trump’s agenda to help the American people.

Unfortunately our Representative Laura Gillen and 100% of the Democrats voted against the bill. Apparently she is not aware that the president carried Nassau County in the last election and she chooses to vote against the will of the people.

Everyone should pay attention to how the members of Congress vote not what they say in fake ads when seeking re-election.

Ms. Gillen, we are watching you and so far you are failing your constituents and siding with the rest of the loony Democrats like Hakem Jefferies and the squad. Every time  you vote against the will of the people your reelection chances are diminished by your own actions. We will continue to track your actions, you can count on it.

Richard Hay

Should renters be included in survey? Residents weigh in

From page 1

There are significant numbers of renters coming into the village, and I bet some of the renters at 555 Stewart don’t even know where St. Paul is and they may never have even seen it. I think it’s wrong (for them to receive the survey),” he said.

Stimmler said he wants demolition to be listed as a survey option, and vowed to do a write-in on the ballot in the upcoming village election. He said he might write in Mayor Carter Flanagan on the ballot.

Resident Steve Gorray echoed a concern that was first mentioned by esident Bob Orosz, about people who live in the village but rent their homes rather than own, and if they should have the opportunity to fill out the St. Paul’s survey.

“In this village people, there’s people who have a lot of ‘skin in the game’ – the people who live at Hilton Hall have been here a long while, and they contribute to the village. Others may be here a very short time…. Is there a some mechanism, though it’s weird, to send the survey out only if the resident were a renter for a particular period of time – to check before they’d qualify to vote? I have no idea if this makes for a legality issue, but I throw it out there just because of the issue. Those who are renters could have a lot of skin in the game because they do pay taxes, which are passed through to them. So, I’m just throwing it out there, though I have no

idea whether it’s a good idea or not to check such status,” Mr. Gorray said.

Trustee Bruce Torino gave him a rock-solid simple answer: no.

“If you live in the village, you qualify for the survey. The question really is if we create different classes of people. I am disinclined to do that, because that’s just a concept I do not happen to like. Let’s assume one person is a Garden City resident of 20 years as a renter. Does that give you any less or more rights than somebody who recently bought a house and has only lived in the village for one month? Logistically the survey is being sent out by households. I am still of the opinion that simple is better – with all the addresses in the Village of Garden City database, you review and say ‘If you live in this village, you get a survey.’ That is my personal opinion,”

Trustee Torino explained.

Mr. Gorray replied that he finds it prudent that the Board has decided on sending one survey per Garden City household. He added, “For renters, I am simply making a suggestion which may or may not be legal…. that if you’re a renter for a long time, you have shown that you have some ‘skin in the game’ and you are a real resident, and that you’re not just here because you were assigned some place nearby.”

Trustee Judy Courtney was quick to tell him that “legalities aside” there is not a way the Village of Garden City could know the period of times someone has rented a home or apartment -- for

Board sets public hearing on changes to tree ordinances

From page 3

library will be issuing an RFP for new security service.

Trustee Jessica Tai said that she appreciates seeing and interacting with the security guards at the library. As Malagon described the contract and presence they have, Tai praised the current guards’ friendly nature. She mentioned that they are always there, “and are all smiles.”

Library Director Malagon thanked Trustee Tai for her words and said, ‘kudos’ to GCPD Commissioner Kenneth Jackson, who recommended Doyle Security and was familiar with the company prior to bringing them on board for GCPL guard staffing last year.

Trustee Bruce Torino, the Village Board’s liaison to the Garden City Public Library and the Library Board, added a note about the new automatic doors for GCPL’s entranceway and the ways of monitoring how many patrons are visiting the library. He said now that the doors were changed, GCPL had

any reason. The Village Board will not be entertaining the suggestion to “vet” people who are appropriate to receive a survey vs. those who just moved in.

At one point during resident comments, Trustee Michele Harrington turned to Village Treasurer Irene Woo to clarify what information the village has.

“Is there a way to find out how many houses in the village are rentals versus owning? Do we have any idea on how to do that?” she asked.

Treasurer Woo replied that this information is not in the tax system or Finance Department records, as the correspondence about property taxes including all bills are sent to the owner of each property. “But we do know how many rental units and apartment buildings are there in the village,” Woo noted.

During the February 18th meeting, Bob Orosz said he’s done some research about renters living in the village and “how they get their notices” from a municipality.

“Condo owners get them directly because they pay village taxes. For co-ops the notices go to the building which is then distributed to all the members of a co-op. If there’s 10 members in the building, each one will pay one-tenth of the tax increase. But renters will only pay an increase once their landlord increases rents, when the policy (lease term) is up. At this particular point of time, a renter would not have a reason not to vote for projects at St. Paul’s because they would not be seeing increases to payments because of it,” he commented.

Trustee Courtney said for a very

short period of time, that may be the case where a renter doesn’t see an increase due to the village taxes for the property going up.

She told Mr. Orosz, “As you know the rent does include taxes. The owners will pass off the increase, maybe after a twoyear lease, but they would eventually see the cost rise.”

In concluding his public comments, Orosz shared that he does not agree with the St. Paul’s Survey in content or process, and overall, he finds community surveys “unrealistic and unreliable.”

Mr. Orosz told the Village Board, “about 61% of the village’s home owners have low mortgage payments. The average mortgage payments are about $5,000 a month.”

He also referred to a recent renovation project on the Senior Center on Golf Club Lane.

“It was first looked at in 2011 and was voted on by the village for $630,000 for the renovation…. In a couple of months, it was increased to $1.5 million dollars and then at the end of 2017 that cost went over $2.3 million dollars.” He cautioned the board and every attendee of the meeting on how capital projects, especially the larger bonded items, can delay the shock value for taxes.

Resident Leo Stimmler commented that whatever happens with the St. Paul’s Survey results, he hopes it is resolved quickly.

“Look at The Garden City News -- for every letter on the (proposed Sands) casino, which is a lot worse than what is going on with St. Paul’s, there are five on St. Paul’s. It is out of proportion. St. Paul’s is sucking up all the oxygen in this village,” he said.

the ability to conduct a traffic count.

Torino asked Malagon about her review of incoming foot traffic at the library, and making a report on a monthly basis. She told the Village Board that GCPL is now working with the reporting module, which indicated for the month of January 2025, about 11,000 library visitors were reported.

Ms. Malagon attributed an increase in visitors to the additional children’s programming which was added in the middle of the month. She told the Board, “There are a lot of story times. She also added its also due to the residents comments and suggestions.

Trustee Tai further explained that there are a lot of good things going on inside the library especially in the afterschool hours. With her two kids, she’s thankful that a lot of younger kids (and their parents) are getting involved and attending programs. She says that the library has been busy with the mid-term studying and appreciates the Village Board’s support for GCPL.

Three Judges recuse from Casino lawsuit

From page 1

on the grounds that the county failed to conduct a proper environmental review of the project. Article 78 actions allow individuals or entities to challenge the actions of governmental bodies.

On Monday, February 19th, Judge Lisa Cairo, who had been the first judge assigned to the action, recused herself without stating a reason. Judge Cairo is the daughter of Nassau County Republican Chairman Joe Cairo.

The matter was then reassigned to Judge Eileen Daly-Sapraicone, who also recused herself without giving a reason. The case then went to Judge

Christopher McGrath, who recused himself on February 24th due to the staff conflict.

Following the recusals, Garden City Village Attorney Gary Fishberg requested that the courts assign the case to Judge Sarika Kapoor, who is the presiding judge in a related case in which Hofstra University has sought to stop the casino.

In his letter to the courts’ Administrative Judge, Fishberg suggests that Judge Kapoor should be assigned because she is already very familiar with the facts of the case and reassigning it to her would provide judicial efficiency.

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Board of Education kicks off budget development

From page 1

The

Key cost drivers include state and federal mandates such as pensions and transportation, labor agreements, changes in enrollment, curriculum updates, and community priorities. The district will also review existing programs for efficiencies while exploring new service options.

State aid is projected to decrease slightly by $168,000 from the current year, dropping from $10,801,169 to $10,632,673, primarily due to lower funding for transportation and BOCES expenses. However, local revenue sources, including property taxes, reserves, and payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs), will offset this reduction.

Anticipated revenue gains include $249,500 from local sources, $313,575

from PILOTs, $222,650 from appropriated reserves, and $100,000 from the fund balance allocation. Property taxes, the district’s largest revenue source, are projected to increase by $2,706,250, helping to stabilize the budget despite the decrease in state aid.

Zero emission school buses

During the public comment period, a parent passionately defended the district’s integrated music therapy program, calling it “incredible” and urging the board to ensure it remains in the budget.

The board also discussed state mandates requiring all school buses to be zero-emission by 2027. Board Trustee Elizabeth Gaffney expressed concerns about the feasibility and cost of meeting this requirement, noting that many districts are facing similar logistical chal-

lenges. The district plans to meet with local legislators to advocate for additional funding and to request a deadline extension.

Curriculum review underway

The board provided an update on the district’s partnership with the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) to conduct a comprehensive curriculum review. Work on the review begins immediately, and CASDA will start its analysis of state exams, classroom data, NWEA results, staff evaluations, and more to ensure instructional effectiveness.

Board President Joseph Sileo, Vice President Arthur Gnecco, and Superintendent Dr. Kusum Sinha recently met with CASDA’s executive director and emphasized the need for a thorough, top-to-bottom review rather

than a simple rubber-stamp process. They stressed the importance of evaluating all areas through a literacy lens and ensuring that vertical, horizontal, and whole-school studies are conducted. Input from staff, students, families, and the community will be sought out, and the literacy committee will be involved throughout the process.

The next budget work session is scheduled for March 11, which will focus on non-instructional, administrative, and capital budget components. The final budget vote will take place in May, along with the election of two board trustees.

For more information on upcoming meetings and the CASDA curriculum review, visit https://www.gardencity. k12.ny.us.

St. Paul’s roof repair approved, details aired at meeting

From page 3

boarding up of the windows at St. Paul’s but not for their attempted (and incomplete) roof work.

“We got another roofer who got another system to patch the roof temporarily, because there was a huge hole behind the chimney on the west side of the building. They were successful in being able to do it the way they wanted to do it -- they gained access to the flat roof and the price was lower than the initial price. So now, it’s a combination

of paying two different contractors; one to board-up the windows and one to do a temporary patch on the roof,” Trustee Muldoon explained.

Grove Street resident Bob Orosz also commented about the St. Paul’s roof and his concern over the cost due to the roofing contractor’s issues.

Mr. Orosz told the Village Board that Statewide Roofing had gone inside St. Paul’s and was clearly indicating to the village, “working on the inside was not safe – there was a safety issue and that’s

pretty much the reason they bowed out.”

“That and the fact they did not have the lift/unit high enough to get up there. They only wanted to do the repair from the outside and not the inside, because they wanted to protect their employees – that’s what I heard,” he said.

Trustee Muldoon responded and said that Statewide did not perform the repair because they either did not have an appropriate lift, or “they weren’t interested in getting a far larger lift at

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a substantially higher cost to get to that area,” he noted.

“The hole in that portion of the roof was substantial and it did rot out the interior ceiling joists because it has been neglected for the last 32 years. But they did decide that for safety reasons, absolutely – based off the lift issue, primarily,” Muldoon told Orosz.

Before leaving the podium, Mr. Orosz said this damaging hole was exposing the historic building to even more structural damage.

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A hunger for reading at Garden City High School

On Feb. 13, Garden City High School students and faculty members came together through literature for the eighth annual One School, One Book community read program. Coordinated by librarian Margaux Calemmo, this year’s initiative featured the contemporary mystery thriller “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. The day marked the culmination of a process that began in December 2024 when students and staff voted on the novel to read.

The event included small group "chat station" discussions that delved into the novel’s themes, unpacking the puzzles and mental challenges put forth by the author. This year, the event had a special twist as the chat stations were run entirely by student volunteers from Garden City High School ELA classes. With guidance from their peers and support from teachers across all subject areas, students engaged in conversa-

tions about their perspectives on the character development and themes of the book. The focus was on the contemporary elements of the novel, as this year’s selection—a dystopian narrative—represented a departure from the historical and realistic fiction typically chosen.

This schoolwide community read remains a popular event at Garden City High School, with significant participation from students throughout grades 9-12. The committee began planning in the fall, incorporating student input and preferences. In December 2024, students cast their votes from a selection of three titles with “The Hunger Games” emerging as the winner.

The district thanked the PTA for donating paperback copies of the book and the Garden City Public Library which made print, electronic and audiobook versions available.

Students discussed the character development and themes of the book.

Garden City High School students participated in the One School, One Book event.

Students read "The Hunger Games" and discussed it in small groups.

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

The

The Recreation Adult Programs in the Field House begin on Wednesday, October 16 according to the following schedule:

Mondays - Mens’ Basketball - 7:30–10 p.m.

Wednesdays - Mens’ Basketball -   7:30–10 p.m.

Thursdays - Adult Volleyball - 7:30 –10 p.m.

These programs are open to residents of the Inc. Village of Garden City who have graduated high school OR adults who can show proof of graduating Garden City high school (diploma, student ID card). A picture ID is required to sign in to any program.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Office at 465-4075.

A fee schedule will be place for any resident adult interested in participating in Adult Activities in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse.  The fee schedule is as follows:

10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50

5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits,  $25

A participant may also “pay as you go” but payment will only be accepted by check or credit card only, NO CASH ACCEPTED. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.  Passes may be purchased at the fieldhouse when arriving for your sport.

Please note - A resident participant may bring in 1 non- resident guest. This rule will be strictly enforced.  These guest must arrive and leave with the resident.  There are no passes for nonresidents.  The daily fee for the non-resident guest is $8.

To purchase one of the passes, please fill out the attached application and mail to or visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff.  All payments must be made by either a check made payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City” or credit card only, no cash will be accepted.

St. Paul’s Fieldhouse Adult Pickleball Program

Pickleball began again in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 17.  This program is open to Garden City residents only, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 to noon.

Each session will consist of open play with everyone attending round robining in to play.  If you attend the first session you must pay again to stay for the second session.  There will be no reserving of courts for individual play.  A monitor will be available for any person wishing to learn the game.  The fee schedule to attend is as follows:

10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50

5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits,  $25

A participant may also “pay as you go”. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.

To purchase one of the passes, please visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff at the time of attendance.  Check or credit card payment is preferred.

Kids Pickleball Program at St. Paul’s

GC Rec is announcing a Pickleball program for the kids from March 4 through May 1.  It will be 90 minutes of play on all four courts in the field house with a basic intro to the game and rules. We will provide the equipment, and the cost is $100 for 8 sessions.  We will need a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 24 sign ups to run the program per day.

Indoor Track Hours at Cluett Hall

Mondays:  1 p.m.–8 p.m.

Tuesdays:  9 a.m.–12 p.m. and  5 p.m.–

9 p.m.

Wednesdays:  9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 1 p.m.–

4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Thursdays:  9 a.m.–12 p.m. and

1 p.m.–8 p.m.

Fridays:  9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 2 p.m.–

4 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Saturdays:  1 p.m.–5 p.m.

*Walk at your own risk. Hours are subject to change. Please do not open the windows on the track.

Pioneer Sports Volleyball Clinic

Volleyball Clinic: Tuesdays, March 4 to April 8, 6:30–7:30 p.m. This program is a learn and play clinic for grades 3–5 at The St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. The cost of the program is $150 per child.

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 .

Family Fun Times on Sundays

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 to 5:00 p.m. on all below dates.

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.

Garden City Recreation Children’s Tennis Lessons, Winter 2024–25

The Garden City Department of

Recreation and Parks is pleased to announce the start of the WINTER children’s tennis program. Registration is ongoing and classes begin on Monday, January 13. All classes are held at the Community Park indoor tennis center and are available to Garden City residents’ ages 4 through 16 years old. How to register:

• In person at the Recreation Office (108 Rockaway Ave). The recreation office is open M – F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can download a registration form at our website: gardencityrecreation.org.

• By Mail: Mail in your registration form and check to the Recreation Office.

• Register online at www. gcreconline.gardencityny.net .You need a password to register online.  If you do not have a password please go to the Recreation office, with proof of residency, to receive one.

If paying by check, please make check payable to Inc. Village of Garden City

If paying by credit card please use: Mastercard, Visa or Discover. We do not accept American Express at this time.

For more information, call the Recreation Office at 516 465-4075

***Non-resident children who attend Garden City Public Schools can register for tennis lessons beginning December 11.   Registration must be done by mail or in person at the Recreation Office. Those who would like to register for our tennis program must prove they attend one of the Garden City Public Schools.  Proof must accompany registration.  An additional $50 fee will pertain to anyone in this category.  Make checks payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City”

USA Sport Group and Pulse Sports are Gearing Up for Summer!

USA Sports Group, a longtime partner of the Recreation and Parks Department of the Village of Garden City, will be running Summer Camps from children ages 5–12.  It will be a multi-sport program with an adapted curriculum running from June through August.  For more information please go to Pulsecamps.com

Islanders Street Hockey

The NY Islanders Street Hockey program is open for registration. Please visit newyorkislanders.com/ streethockey to register.

Adult Winter Tennis Lessons

Attention: Tennis Players – Are you looking to improve your game or just to get some exercise during the long winter months? Why not join our Adult Tennis Lesson Winter Program. All ability levels offered!  Registration form and more

information is available on the gardencityrecreation.org website (under upcoming programs).

The deadline for signing up has been extended to February 4. Lessons will begin the week of Monday, February 10th.

You must be a resident of the Inc. Village of Garden City to register. Program Fee: $295 per Course (10 sessions)

Either drop off or mail your application along with your check (made payable to the Inc. Village of Garden City) at the Recreation Office located at 108 Rockaway Avenue or the Community Park Tennis Center.

Attention: Tennis Players

Beat the winter DOLDRUMS and get some exercise while having fun!

Prime tennis court time is available: all days and all times.

Get ready for your spring and summer leagues with a contract for the remaining weeks of the indoor season. Daily reservation times are also available!

We have Women’s League openings! Looking for 2.5 to 3.0 players for our women’s Monday doubles league: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please call the Recreation office to book a seasonal court or for more information: 516 465-4075

For daily reservations, call the Tennis Center Office: 516 483-2525

Chess Wizards Spring Session

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!!!

This program is a 10-week session. Class will be held on Tuesday’s from 4 to 5 p.m. in St. Paul’s Center (108 Rockaway Avenue) beginning April 1. To register please visit www.chesswizards.com.

Garden City Varsity Boys Basketball moves to Nassau County Final Four

After an insane regular season going 19-1 and winning the conference, Garden City has moved on to the third round/semi finals / Final Four of Nassau County AA.

Last playoff game saw the Trojans battle Roslyn in front of a packed house. The first half was back and forth with Garden City trailing 27-26 at the break. Garden City put on a clinic in the second half. Ryan Campbell had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Ryan Kenny was on fire with 17 points. Noah Lau was dropping dimes, and scoring 10. Chris Sarkis sank in 8 points, Jack Costa and Patrick Shirley both added 5. Patrick VanBlenis and Jason Bremer rounded out the scoring.

Garden City outscored Roslyn 41-32 in the second half for a 67-59 victory and a trip to the Final Four vs Elmont at Farmingdale State College on March 4 at 8 p.m.

Ryan Kenny

Chris Sarkis

Patrick Shirley

Ryan Campbell

Jack Costa

Noah Lau

EPOA seeks Junior Ambassadors

The Garden City Eastern Property Owners’ Association (EPOA) is seeking applications for candidates to be considered for Junior Ambassador positions for the years 2025–2027. This program is designed to introduce high school sophomores entering their junior year to Village government through participation in EPOA meetings, attendance at government meetings, and promoting civic participation in our community. This is an exciting opportunity for students to become involved in local affairs and to learn about our unique form of local government.

The Junior Ambassador program is designed as a two year commitment encompassing junior and senior years. Preference will be given to students who reside in the Eastern section of

Garden City and whose families are dues paying members of the EPOA.

Students who attend Garden City High School may obtain an application from the Social Studies Department office or on the EPOA website at www. gcepoa.org. High school sophomores, who attend schools other than Garden City High School, may download an application from the EPOA website. Completed applications can be mailed to EPOA, P.O. Box 7525, Garden City, N.Y. or submitted electronically to contactus@gcepoa.org

All interested sophomores are encouraged to apply. The deadline is April 28, 2025.  A brief interview will be conducted as part of the application process.

Let your voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

2nd Grade GC Lax clinic registration

Registration is now open for kindergarten through 2nd grade girls attending school in Garden City who are interested in trying lacrosse or developing through Tradition Lacrosse’s Spring PAL clinics. These six weekly clinics will run on Sunday mornings from 9–10 a.m. at St. Paul’s. Registration is $200 (or $180 if completed by 3/1). Please visit www.traditionlax.org/events to register and for more information.

Pre-college summer programs at Adelphi University

Adelphi University’s 2025 Summer Pre-College Program application is now open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. The popular program, which allows each student to earn 3 college credits while participating in a one-of-a-kind experience, will take place this year from July 13 through August 2.

Virtual information sessions for the pre-college program will be held on March 19 and April 16 at 7–7:30 p.m.

This summer's updated curriculum allows students to learn about a range of subjects from Adelphi's award-winning Adelphi faculty while they also participate in college preparedness workshops and discover all that Adelphi, and college in general, has to offer.

This year’s academic offerings will include:

• Art Foundations

• Drawing and 2D Design

• Business and Entrepreneurship

• Communications and Critical Thinking

• Computer Science and Coding

• Creative Writing Workshop

• Digital Media Production: Filmmaking and TV

• Introduction to Nursing as a Career and Profession

• Music Production and Sound Mixing

• Pre-Law: Understanding the Bill of Rights

• Pre-Med: Microbiology, Nutrition, and Human Disease

• Psychology and Pop Culture

• Quantum Engineering

• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

“Enrolling in our pre-college program over the summer offers many benefits,” says Meghan Buckley, PhD, director of Adelphi’s summer, intersession and partnership programs. “Students are exposed to college life and engage in classroom experiences that can help them choose a major. This gives them a head start on preparing for college academically and socially, offers them valuable early experiences with critical thinking, researching and presenting, and can help alleviate anxiety about the transition to college.”

Courses will be offered in person at Adelphi’s beautiful Garden City campus. Residential and commuter options are available.

Applications for Adelphi's Summer 2025 Pre-College Program will close on Friday, June 13.

To learn more and apply for Adelphi's Pre-College Summer Program, visit adelphi.edu/precollege or watch a video about the program online

New Listing

Open House I Sunday, March 2nd I 12:00 - 2:00pm 205 Sackville Road, Garden City, NY

If you are looking for a completely redone home with everything brand new from top to bottom, you have found it. This 5-bedroom 4.55-bath home has been beautifully designed for the most flexible of living. Hardie Board siding and stone work with attractive architectural details and all-new landscaping welcome you. The hardwood floors gleam through the entrance foyer into the open floor plan of a fabulous kitchen equipped with a Wolf gas top and double ovens, a Cove dishwasher, huge island, and an extra large pantry room. The kitchen flows into the dining area and living area with wet bar, a granite stone gas fireplace, and a 79-inch Samsung TV. There is a first-floor en suite bedroom which could also be used as a home office, playroom, or formal dining area. The second floor features a primary suite with a gorgeous double vanity bath and a huge walk-in closet. 2 additional bedrooms share a double vanity Jack and Jill bath and the fourth bedroom has its own bath. The second floor also features a roomy laundry room. The basement is very large with lots of rec space, storage, and a half bath. The house also features a full walk-up attic. The backyard offers a covered porch equipped with a gas fireplace and TV. 8 Zones of Heat, radiant heat in 5 baths, and the garage. 2 Zones of Central Air, 6 Zones of Wi-Fi in-ground sprinklers. But that is just the beginning. Stop by our open house and pick up a full amenities sheet to see the extensive features that this home offers, or call for a private showing. MLS# 828069. $2,399,000.

danielgale.com

Matthew Minardi

Real Estate Salesperson

Gold Circle of Excellence

516.248.6655 ext.2231, c.516.456.3091

matthewminardi@danielgale.com matthewminardi.danielgale.com

Claudia Galvin

Associate Real Estate Broker

516.248.6655 ext.2201, c.516.972.8389

claudiagalvin@danielgale.com claudiagalvin.danielgale.com

Mary Krener Fortune Heaney Lisa Heaney

Lynn Puccio Cheryl Trimboli Scott Wallace

Arthur Anderson Jessica Brantuk Ann Collins

Galvin Rene Blair

Christine Cudahy Manager

Linda Mulrooney

O’Hara Diane Piscopo

Daureen Hausser

Aimee Escher

Patrick Gibbons

Matthew Minardi

Kathy Lucchesi Susan MacDonald

Brigid Marmorowski

Patricia Dickson

Kathleen Lichtman

Rockville Centre,

Garden City, NY

$1,899,000.

Stewart Manor, NY 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 826839. $925,000.

New Hyde Park, NY 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 818714. $1,098,000.

Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# L3563277. $1,688,000.

Wyndham West, #PH2 Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# L3579709. $2,500,000.

Mineola, NY 1-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 822005. $350,000.

Mineola, NY 1-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 825817. $385,000.

Wyndham East, #M17

Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# L3593142. $899,000.

Garden City, NY 5-bedroom, 4.55-bath. MLS# 828069. $2,399,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# 805421. $8,500/mo.

Marianne Imperial

Alesya Busel