The Garden City News (4/25/25)

D OUBLE THE B RAVEST

The Garden City Fire Department has four sets of twins! Join them and other members of the department by visiting the GCFD Recruitment event on Saturday, April 26th. See details on page 3. Above, GCFD twins Joe and Dan Gillespie, Tom and Len Rivera, Cody and Mackenzie Wehrum and Isabel and Ray Byrnes

Public Works’ change orders approved, bid awarded for Water Department

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the April 7 meeting, Department of Public Works Superintendent John Borroni presented two significant change orders for Board of Trustees approval.

He began with drainage improvements required for the Grove Street Park tennis court rehabilitation project. A transfer of $27,129.21 from the

Business District Paving budget to the tennis court account was approved, along with a corresponding change order of $53,650.

Borroni noted, “During construction it was discovered that the existing drainage structures and piping were undersized and inadequate to effectively collect and discharge stormwater runoff from the tennis courts. Additionally, the

current structures lack sufficient capacity to allow for proper maintenance access. The proposed improvements will address these deficiencies and ensure the long-term functionality of the drainage system.”

Trustee Judy Courtney inquired whether the renovations would affect the project timeline and asked when the tennis courts would be complet-

See page 47

LV Sands drops bid to build casino at coliseum site

BY MEG MORGAN NORRIS

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation announced on Wednesday that it will no longer seek to put a $6 billion casino and resort on the site of the Nassau Coliseum. During a call with investors the company announced its decision, citing competition from online gambling as its reason. Sands had been trying to obtain a casino license for use of the coliseum site, but had met fierce resistance from some communities, including Garden City.

Sands said that it is trying to find a third party which would take over the opportunity to bid for a casino license. In a statement, the company said, "We are in the process of attempting to secure an agreement with a third party to whom we can transact the opportunity to bid for a casino license on the Nassau Coliseum site.”

A spokesperson for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told Newsday that in the next 30 days the county will announce

See page 48

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Garden City Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) meeting on Wednesday, April 16, featured a presentation on the status of pollinators in the village and the greater Long Island region, delivered by longtime EAB member Elizabeth Bailey.

The presentation served as a prelude to Garden City’s Earth Day 2025 celebrations, taking place April 21–25, and the unveiling of a new Pollinator Garden by the Village Green at Stewart Avenue and Hilton Avenue on Tuesday, April 22. The opening ceremony featured the release of butterflies at the site.

Trustee Jessica Tai, co-chair of the EAB alongside Trustee

See page 48

The Las Vegas Sands casino bid may have been withdrawn, but the fight isn’t over yet. On Wednesday afternoon, Sands announced that for financial reasons it will no longer pursue a gaming license for its proposed casino and resort at the Nassau Coliseum site. However, it said that it is looking for another company to transfer the right to bid for the license. And a spokesman for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who has long been a proponent of the casino, said that the county hopes to decide in the next month on whether the proposed development of the site will include a casino.

This is not a time for opponents of a casino in Nassau County to rest. In fact, it’s more important than ever to let your

opinions be known.

Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, the Sands application had looked like a “done deal” in spite of significant community opposition. In August 2024 the Nassau County Legislature approved a 42 year lease to Sands with an 18-1 vote. This was even after hearings at which large numbers of residents from Garden City and other towns spoke out against the casino because of its possible environmental and social impacts on surrounding communities.

This could be an inflection point in the trajectory of the future, where things still can be changed.

Let’s not let a new “done deal” get going.

St. Paul’s “facts” NOT “innuendo”

To the Editor:

Thank you to the newly elected Board of Trustees and in particular to Mayor Finneran, Trustees Courtney and Muldoon for independently investigating the March 28, 2025 GCN allegations of improper influence exerted on the 2023 Westerman Report by members of the 2022-2023 Mayors Committee, especially regarding the Westerman Cost Estimates.

As stated in the April 7, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=AFe55UZIxDQ&t=5365s) in direct and pointed private conversations between Village Administrator Suozzi and Consultant Westerman, Westerman denied ANY effort by ANY member of the 2022-2023 Mayor’s Committee to influence his Cost Estimates in his Final March 2023 Report.

Thank you as well to resident Marta Waters whose Letters to the Editor demonstrate a forensic investigation and review of all of the GCN articles and BoT meetings and all allegations of improper influence on Westerman’s Cost Estimates. Marta clearly reached and supported the same conclusions as the Board of Trustees.

The March 28, 2025 Garden City News Headline “Did the 2023 Committee Stack the Deck? Emails hint at political strategy, altered estimates” stated that a “trove” of emails suggested that members of the Mayor’s Committee had inflated costs for the Facadism alternative while minimizing the costs of Adaptive Reuse. Additionally, the editorial for that edition stated that the costs used in the 2023 Westerman Report were unduly influenced by members of the Mayor’s Committee. Finally, Lame Duck Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan dedicated her post-March 2025 election column to a recitation of how the alleged “cost manipulation” of Westerman’s estimates occurred.

Interestingly, the GCN never sought out Westerman for his comments regarding the alleged “Undue Influence” story. Perhaps the GCN did not want to investigate why Mayor Flannagan delayed any

payment to Westerman for his Report for more than 7 months, one month after the October 2023 Resident Vote on St Pauls. During those many months Flanagan “Clarified” Westerman’s March 2023 Final Report with multiple personal revisions. Please recall that Lame Duck Mayor Flanagan had liberally quoted from her revised 2023 Westerman Report in her “Village Facts” Information sheet that she personally distributed at the polling site to residents as they voted in October 2023. Similarly, Westerman was never challenged by then Mayor Flanagan at any of the public hearings attended by Westerman prior to the October 2023 vote.

Is it credible that after 7 months of detailed, personal revisions and delay to insert her required “Clarifications” into Westerman’s Report that Lame Duck Mayor Flanagan failed to raise the central issue of “Cost Estimates” with Westerman?

Lame Duck Mayor Flanagan seems to relish her parting allegations attacking her “Opposition” using the venerable political cheap shot tactic of the “Wrap Up Smear” ( Google “Explaining the Wrap Up Smear”).

It’s Time for a Change.

Haven’t we all grown tired of FABGC approaching any disagreement as an opportunity for Holy Jihad? Must open and honest debate be replaced by the ever-loyal FABGC camp followers who seem to lack the academic training, intellectual discipline and life experience to factually challenge other points of view. Must they always resort to personal attacks and childish name calling such as “Dirty Process” and “Slick” ?

It’s time to Move On from FABGC’s SMEAR Strategy. Let’s have the public, honest, factual debate that St Pauls deserves and leave the innuendoes for the middle school lunch table.

Former Mayor Cosmo Veneziale & Frank McDonough

Editor’s note: The Garden City News emailed Mr. Westerman for comment on Tuesday, March 25th. Unfortunately he did See page 50

GCFD to hold Volunteer Recruitment Open House this Saturday

This Saturday, the Garden City Fire Department will open its doors so residents can learn how they can serve their volunteer fire department.  Like most volunteer fire departments, the Garden City Fire Department looks to the community to bolster its ranks so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents. Please drop in and learn about the volunteer opportunities we offer. Becoming a volunteer firefighter is one of the highest forms of community service. You can be a part of more than 100 years of historic service to our Village.

As part of RecruitNY Weekend, the fire department will open its doors on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00am

to 12:00pm. The event will take place at Garden City Fire Headquarters, 347 Stewart Ave (West Side of Village Hall).  The department will join hundreds of other volunteer fire departments across New York to raise public awareness regarding the need for volunteers and to highlight the rewards of being a member of a volunteer fire department.

The event will include an apparatus showcase, provide information, and address questions on becoming a member. Volunteer firefighters will also be on hand to discuss the rewards of joining and giving back to the Garden City community. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

High school students are welcome too! The department has a program for high school students as well. Bring your high schooler. The high school level program introduces high school students to firefighting and fire safety.

“We welcome the community to learn more about us this Saturday, the rewards of volunteering are amazing,” said Chief James Taunton. He continued, “Volunteering as a first responder is one of the highest form of community service.  It is our hope that after meeting us, more people will be interested in becoming part of our family.”

The Firefighters Association of the

State of New York (FASNY) is committed to assisting New York’s 1,700-plus volunteer departments connect with their communities and have sufficient members to protect them properly. Established in 2011, RecruitNY is an undertaking of FASNY.

For more information, visit www. gcfdny.com/recruitment, email membership@gcfdny.com, or call us via our non-emergency membership phone number at 516-465-4142.  Also visit us on Facebook (facebook.com/gcfdny) and Instagram (@gardencityfd). The event will take place rain or shine.

Median Home Prices for Garden City

Spring 2024:

The median home price was approximately $1.04 million, based on a 15.4% year-over-year increase.

Spring 2025:

The median home price reached $1.2 million in February 2025, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year.

Lisa is known for her warm demeanor, tireless dedication, and personalized approach to real estate, treating each transaction as a meaningful life event. Her clients value her honesty, attention to detail, and the lasting relationships she builds, as seen when she recently helped a couple sell their home of 50 years, earning heartfelt praise. Continuously investing in her professional growth, Lisa holds both the GRI and ABR designations, re ecting her commitment to excellence and elevated client service.

516.578.2639

Scan this QR code to all my testimonials.

Ex-Chief Joe Nadolny gives station tour to community Girl Scouts.

GCFD’s bravest perform stabilization to rescue trapped vehicle occupant.

Photos courtesy Garden City Fire Department

Home Happens Here

New to Market: Prime Whitestone 2-Family Listing

Saturday, April 26th 3-5pm &

April 27th 1-3pm

149-26 22nd St., Whitestone

149-26 22nd Street presents an exceptional investment opportunity in the desirable Whitestone neighborhood. This well-maintained two-family home features two spacious units, each offering 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The property includes a full walkout basement with separate access. Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street, it offers both privacy and convenience. Close to shops, parks, and transportation, this is a rare find with incredible upside. Don’t miss your chance to own a versatile property.

Offered at $1,699,000

Howard Hanna|Coach Realtors’

Theanne Ricci

Saturday, April 26th 12-2pm

Prime Country Life Press Location 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,513 Sq. Ft.

•Located on a prime block in the prestigious Country Life Press section

•Classic Colonial-style home with timeless charm & modern updates

•Formal living room with elegant wood-burning fireplace

•Spacious formal dining room — perfect for entertaining

•Updated eat-in kitchen

• White cabinetry

•Quartz countertops

•Stainless steel appliances

•Peninsula with seating — a true gathering space

•Sun-filled family room overlooking a private backyard & patio

•4 generously sized bedrooms, including a large primary suite with ensuite

•Beautiful hall bath with double vanity, stall shower & soaking tub

•Full-footprint basement with high ceilings — ideal for a gym, playroom, office, or more

•Beautiful landscaping provides privacy & curb appeal

•Steps to the LIRR for a quick commute

•Close to Garden City’s vibrant downtown — shops, dining & more!

A rare opportunity to own a well-maintained home in one of Garden City’s most desirable neighborhoods!

Fully Furnished, designed and renovated by Classic Galleries of Huntington

Luxury One-Level Living at The Wyndham 3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | Private Rooftop Terrace

Experience the pinnacle of elegance and ease in this fully renovated three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath residence, located in the prestigious Wyndham, Garden City’s premier five-star condominium community.

Completed in 2025, this gut-renovated unit exudes sophistication with every detail — from rich hardwood floors and custom crown and base moldings, to exquisite designer wall coverings and plush carpeting throughout. The open, flowing layout is enhanced by eastern and western exposures, bathing the home in natural light and offering serene views of the pond and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Designed for effortless, single-level living, this rare and sought-after unit also features a spectacular private rooftop terrace — adding an additional 834 sq. ft. of outdoor living space, perfect for entertaining or relaxing under the stars.

World-Class Amenities at The Wyndham:

•Valet parking, 24-hour concierge, and full-time doorman

•Lavish clubhouse featuring:

• Indoor heated saltwater pool

•State-of-the-art fitness center

• Sauna & massage room

•Tranquil walking paths, scenic ponds, and outdoor patio areas

Whether you’re downsizing or upgrading, this rare residence offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and lifestyle — all within superb proximity to the shops, dining, and LIRR in the heart of Garden City.

Let

Sullivan Guide

Whether you are downsizing, or searching for your dream home, allow Jen’s experience, passion, and results to work for you. Reach out any time. 516.361.7190

Sullivan Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Founding Agent of Long Island Member of the Luxury Division jennifer.sullivan@compass.com M: 516.361.7190 Are you thinking of

Spring Plant Sale to benefit veterans agency

How can something as small as a plant make such a difference in a veteran’s life? When this plant is purchased at the annual plant sale at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on May 3rd, its power extends well beyond Garden City.

Over seventeen years, Resurrection’s Women’s Ministries has raised over $102,000 for veterans’ organizations such as the Walter Reed Society, Bethesda Naval Hospital, The Independence Fund, Building Homes for Heroes, America’s VetDogs, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and for the last three years, Paws of War. One hundred percent of funds raised at the plant sale are donated to Paws of War.

Paws of War, based in Nesconset, rescues cats and dogs from kill shelters and from overseas where servicemen and women may have befriended them but were unable to bring them stateside. In addition to training these dogs to be service, companion, and therapy animals, they pro-

vide a no-cost mobile veterinary clinic.

Paws of War doesn’t stop there. If a veteran should become homeless, Paws of War provides housing assistance, and foster care for their animal should a veteran become hospitalized. Not long ago when the fires were raging in California, Paws of War was there helping with disaster response and animal rescue.

A veteran and their service dog will be joining us on May 3rd. You’ll also find a wide assortment of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and flower baskets for your garden and Mother’s Day.

Resurrection Lutheran Church is a Christian community of faith, located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. All are invited to worship at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday mornings, with Sunday School and Christian Education at 9:45 a.m. For more information, call 516.746.4426, or visit resgc. org.

Photos from the Village Archives

Edgemere Road Curves

Views of Edgemere Rd. facing southwest from the railroad bridge. When Tanners Pond Rd. south of the railroad bridge through the Garden City Country Club property was discontinued in 1927 and attached to Edgemere Rd. at the higher level to its west, two sharp curves with a hill between were created to effect the connection. This dangerous situation existed until 1955, when, after extended negotiations, the Village acquired property from the GCCC and the roadway was realigned to make the transition less severe. In 1958 the area to the west of the realigned roadway became Edgemere Park.

Archives identifier: str44

A selection from the extensive Village Archives. Others can be seen at www.NYHeritage.org - click on Organizations, G, and Garden City Public Library. Comments/questions: email Historian@gardencityny.net

CPOA seeks High School Ambassador applicants

Attention current high school freshman, please consider getting involved in your community!

The GC Central Property Owners Association (CPOA) Student Ambassador Program is a vital part of the CPOA. Started in 1999, the program is an ongoing joint venture between resident Garden City junior/ seniors and the CPOA. The Student Ambassadors learn how the Garden City village government operates by attending Village meetings. They are challenged to get involved in important issues facing the Village by committing to a service project and pre -

senting their work at CPOA meetings.   Applications are being accepted between April 25-May 23 from current high school freshmen who live in Garden City. The term will be the student’s sophomore and junior years in high school: 2024-2026. The application can be found on the CPOA website (gccpoa.org). A brief interview with CPOA Directors is required and will be conducted by June 1. Contact the CPOA at gccpoa.ny@ gmail.com for an application, with questions and/or to submit your application.

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Garden City Real Estate Market Information

206 Brompton Road

RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

solely on the fact that they were recently sold.

Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com

Date: 04/16/2025

Sold price: $1,500,000

5 bedrooms, 2 full baths

Architectural Style: Cape Cod

Property Size: .14 acres

Annual taxes: $17,045

MLS number: 826626

The Seller’s Team: Maureen Lagarde, Compass Greater NY

The Buyer’s Team: Danielle Nero, Compass Greater NY

This beautiful cape offers space, charm & convenience. You’ll be delighted with this 5-bedroom, 2 full bathroom home located in the Garden City Estates section. It boasts a bright and spacious living room/dining room with elegant built-ins. Recently re-modeled eat-in-kitchen with granite countertops, island and Miele appliances. It has sliding glass doors leading out to a charming, fully fenced backyard with patio, green space and attractive landscaping. This property features stunning hardwood floors throughout, walk-in Cedar closet, finished basement with rec room, storage and utilities. It offers CAC, whole house generator, irrigation system and much more. It is conveniently situated near LIRR Merillon Ave Station, parks and schools. Low Taxes!!!

Date: 04/22/2025

Sold price: $380,000

1 bedroom, 1 full bath

Architectural Style: Co-op

Monthly maintenance: $1,084

MLS number: L3587189

The Seller’s Team: H. Arthur Anderson III, Daniel Gale Sothebys Intl Realty

The Buyer’s Team: Janet Vogt, Keller Williams Points North

Top Floor Corner Apartment. Foyer, Oversized Living Room / Dining Room, Bedroom with 2 Large Closets, Bathroom, Hardwood Floors Throughout. Building Offers Common Storage, Bicycle Room, Laundry Room and Backyard for Owners Enjoyment. Located in the Heart of the Village, this Unit Offers Close Proximity to Shops, Restaurants, Railroad, Bus, Schools, Parks and Houses of Worship. An Excellent Opportunity to Update / Renovate to Owners Taste

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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

26 Hamilton Place #3

Know and Love Garden City

Dr. Levon Nikoyan, DDS FORWARD ORAL SURGERY

Your Teenager and Wisdom Teeth: A Garden City Parent & Oral Surgeon’s Guide

Hello Garden City neighbors!

As a fellow resident of our wonderful village and a proud parent with two children right here at Garden City High School, I know firsthand the busy lives of our teenagers and the countless milestones we navigate alongside them – from sports and school events to thinking about the future.

Beyond being a local parent deeply invested in our community, I’m also a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon Combining these perspectives, one topic I see frequently, both professionally and as a dad/mom in town, is wisdom teeth

Like navigating driver’s permits or prepping for exams, understanding wisdom teeth is another important step during these formative high school years. Because I care deeply about the health and well-being of our community’s young people – our kids, our students – I wanted to share some straightforward insights.

Think of this as a chat between neighbors. This Q&A is designed to answer your common questions in simple terms, helping you understand why an early consultation with an oral surgeon about wisdom teeth isn't just routine, but a smart, proactive step for your teenager's longterm health and comfort. Let's clear up some common questions!

Q1: First off, what exactly are wisdom teeth?

A: Wisdom teeth are the very last set of molars to come in, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties (hence the name – supposedly when a little “wisdom” arrives!). They are located way in the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. Think of them as the “third molars.”

Q2: Why do wisdom teeth seem to cause so many problems?

A: It often comes down to space. Our jaws have generally evolved to be smaller than our ancestors’, meaning there’s often not enough room for these final four teeth to erupt properly. This can lead to sev-

eral issues:

* Impaction: The teeth get stuck under the gums or bone, or only partially break through.

* Angled Growth: They might grow sideways, tilted, or towards/away from other teeth.

* Cleaning Difficulty: Even if they come in straight, their position way back in the mouth makes them hard to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Q3: My teenager isn’t complaining about any pain. Why should we see an oral surgeon now?

A: That’s a great question! The key is proactive planning versus reactive treatment. Waiting until pain starts often means a problem like infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth has already begun. An early consultation allows us to:

* Assess Development: We can take special X-rays (like a panoramic X-ray) to see exactly where the wisdom teeth are, how they are developing, and predict if they are likely to cause future problems based on their position and the available space.

* Easier Evaluation: Evaluating wisdom teeth when the roots are not fully formed can often give us the clearest picture of potential issues. * Plan Ahead: If removal looks necessary, planning it during a time that works best for your teen’s schedule (like summer break) is much better than dealing with an emergency situation during exams or a busy school year.

Q4: When is the best time for this first consultation?

A: While it varies, a good time for an initial evaluation is typically during the mid-teenage years, often between ages 15 and 17. At this stage, the wisdom teeth are developed enough to see their path, but the roots are often not fully formed, which can be advantageous if removal is eventually needed. Your general dentist might also recommend a visit based on routine X-rays.

Town offers safe boating classes

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, the Town of Hempstead is now offering safety certification classes.

The Town’s Bay Constables will lead a Boater Safety Course for adults (ages 18 years and older) in three sessions – Tuesday, April 29, from 7–10 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, from 7-10 p.m., and Tuesday, May 13, from 7-10 p.m. – at the Department of Conservation and Waterways (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend all three sessions to receive their boating safety certificate.

“New York State law now requires that ALL operators of watercraft be certified in safe boating, and Hempstead Town is offering many classes to help local residents comply with the law ahead of the coming boating season,”

said Town Supervisor Don 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

Get results!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 516-294-8900 for more information.

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.

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!

Seminar: Importance of Staying Hydrated

Tuesday, May 20, at 11:00

Timothy from Spear Physical Therapy will be at the Senior Center presenting a seminar on dehydration, how it can affect your body, and the importance of staying hydrated. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 3858006.

Spring Into Summer Luncheon

Friday, May 23, at noon

Join us for a Spring into Summer Luncheon at the Senior Center. $15 sandwiches, coleslaw, & potato salad from the 7th Street Gourmet Deli, also soda, coffee, tea and dessert. Register at the Senior Center front desk (cash only). Deadline: May 19.

“Museum of the Moon”

Installation at the Cathedral Friday, May 2

Join us for a trip to the Cathedral of the Incarnation for a tour, and viewing of Luke Jerram’s Museum

FOR SENIORS fyi

of the Moon installation. The Recreation bus will leave the senior Center at 10:15 (tour is at 10:30) or you can also sign up and meet us there. A box lunch will be provided. Cost, $14 cash. Register in person at the Senior Center front desk. Lunch selections will be made available at time of registration. Deadline: April 25.

Pop-Up Class

Friday, May 9, at 12:15 p.m.

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 (please bring your own 2–3 lb hand weights), 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.

Hula Hoop Class

Tuesday, May 13, at 11:00 a.m.

Join us at the Senior Center for a complimentary pop-up Hula Hoop class with new instructor Jeannie. Hoops will be provided, come and enjoy a fun mix of music, with a great variety of activities using hoops. You will stretch, learn the basics, tricks and choreogra -

phy. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Trip to Molloy College to See “Legally Blonde"”

Sunday, June 8

A trip to the Madison Theatre at Molloy University to see “Legally Blonde” $48.00, please make checks payable to “Molloy University”. The bus will leave from across the street from the Senior Center at 2:15, show is at 3:00. Deadline is May 8. Register at the Senior Center front desk.

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 check made payable to “Amazing Destinations”. DEADLINE HAS

BEEN EXTENDED, WE HAVE 10 SPOTS LEFT. We are now opening up this trip to non-residents.

Save the Dates for Future Trips:

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!! Also, call to inquire about our two book clubs, one meets on Thursdays during the day and the other on Wednesday evenings.

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

Lauren Grima

Pedro

Karen Guendjoian

Athena Menoudakos

Alexander G. Olivieri

Patrick M. McCooey

Lauren Canner

Catherine Anatra

Demetrios Arnidis

Daniel Niebler

Kate Russo

Julie Whicher

Adrienne

Ryan Mullins

Frank Morabito

Denice Giacometti

Mairead Garry

5

Cherry Valley Avenue, Unit PH3, Garden City

3BD | 2 BA | 1 HB | 3,115 SF | $2,499,000

Exquisite Wyndham Penthouse with Breathtaking Pond and Golf Course Views. This beautifully renovated duplex offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 3,115 sq ft of refined living between the 6th and 7th floors. It has panoramic northwest-facing views from every window and the terrace, which offers an additional 977 sq ft of landscaped outdoor living—complete with storage. Enter through a grand foyer with wet bar, powder room, closets, and a graceful staircase. The spacious living room with fireplace flows into the dining area, featuring elegant millwork and stone finishes. The oversized eat-in “country kitchen” features Thermador and Subzero appliances, marble countertops, an island, and pantry. A sunroom and family room with rich mahogany built-ins complete the first level. Upstairs, the primary suite includes two walk-in closets, a dry bar with beverage fridge, fireplace, and a spa-like bath with soaking tub, walk-in shower, and double sinks. Two additional spacious bedrooms, a full bath, and laundry room provide added comfort. Two parking spaces and secured storage are included. The Wyndham offers 12+ acres of resort-style living with a doorman, 24-hour concierge, valet, clubhouse, indoor pool, gym, sauna, walking paths, and BBQ area. Convenient to the LIRR, library, and shops and dining along 7th Street and Franklin Avenue.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 9AM–2PM

THI S WEEK AT ROTARY

NYRA Community Relations Manager to Report

On Tuesday , May 13, the MineolaGarden City Rotary Club will host Robert Hines, New York Racing Association’s manager of community Affairs at its lunch meeting, 12:15 at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant. Mr. Hines will provide an update on the new Belmont Park.

In his role, Robert is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with the communities where NYRA races and executing programs that create a positive impact.

A graduate of Columbia University, Robert has spent the majority of his professional life in the sports and entertainment industry including roles with the New York Mets and Major League Soccer.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is a not-for-profit franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.

In 2023, NYRA secured New York

State approval to construct a new Belmont Park, which is now well underway having been made possible through $455 million in NYS funding. The project will upgrade the 117-year-old track, bringing the modern hospitality offerings fans expect, while generating $1 billion in construction-related impacts, 3,700 construction jobs, $155 million in annual economic activity plus 740 new full-time jobs, Robert reported.

Join Rotary to see what’s ahead and the projected unveiling of Belmont Park and to register for a great Davenport lunch on May 13 (fee $40, payable at the door). Visit mineolagardencityrotaryclub@gmail. com for more information.

U.S Congresswoman Laura Gillen reports

Attending the lunch meeting on April 22 were (from left): Rotarian Randy Colahan alongside Garden City Mayor Edward Finneran and Congresswoman Laura Gillen, guest speaker, with Rotarians Diana O’Neill, president, Meg Norris, Gary Fishberg and Althea Robinson.

Last Tuesday, April 22, at its lunch meeting, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Gillen provided an enthusiastic report for a capacity crowd of Rotarians and guests at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant.

Representative Gillen Spoke of her service on the House Transportation and Infrastructure committees and the crucial need to address these areas. She also spoke of major efforts to bring costs down and her dedicated aim to work across the aisle.

Among the guests was newly elected Mayor Edward Finneran who will speak for Rotary at an upcoming meeting.

Exceptional Colonial Home with Rare Legal Accessory Dwelling in the Heart of

Welcome to a truly special offering in Garden City — a stately colonial residence that blends timeless elegance with modern convenience, all set on an extraordinary oversized 100x277 lot.

The main home features 4,322 square feet of beautifully designed living space, plus a legal accessory dwelling offering an additional 1,370 square feet — a rare and valuable find in this sought-after neighborhood.

Inside the main home, you’ll find 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms upstairs, along with an optional 5th bedroom or home office and a full bath on the first floor, ideal for guests or multigenerational living. The layout flows effortlessly, with a grand formal living room, a formal dining room, and an oversized great room with a fireplace, open to the beautifully updated kitchen featuring white cabinetry, gleaming quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a generous peninsula perfect for entertaining.

The kitchen is enhanced by a stunning atrium over the breakfast nook, flooding the space with natural light and offering picturesque views of the expansive, park-like backyard. A gracious entry foyer welcomes you with a charming powder room, while a mudroom and laundry area just off the garage provide everyday functionality.

The full basement spans the entire footprint of the home, offering incredible potential for recreation, storage, or additional finished space.

Tucked privately behind the main residence is a legal accessory dwelling unit, offering a living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom — ideal as a guest cottage, in-law suite, or private home office setup.

With its move-in ready condition, extraordinary grounds, and prime location this home is a rare opportunity to own something truly special in Garden City.

Offered at $3,599,000

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

PATRICK J. RYDER POLICE COMMISSIONER

COME CELEBRATE

Nassau County Police Department's

100TH

ANNIVERSARY

STREET PARADE

including

•Block Party

•Live Music

•Antique Cars

•Horses

•Motorcycles

•Pipe Bands

•Helicopter Flyover and so much more!

PARADE STEP-OFF: 2:00pm

STARTING POINT:

Wantagh Avenue at Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh

ENDING POINT:

Beech Street and Park Avenue. Block party will take place at Railroad Avenue immediately after from 3:00pm-8:00pm.

Pope Francis I

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

The death of Pope Francis I early Monday morning comes at a time of transition for the Catholic Church in many ways.

Let me start with a personal anecdote. In 2008, I took a trip to Argentina with my son, who was then 14 years old. After a very long flight, we were in Buenos Aires a couple of days before Easter. I decided that we would go to the main Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral for Easter.

As it turned out, the Mass was celebrated by the local prelate, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio. From our pews near the back of the crowded church, Cardinal Bergoglio looked like a distinguished but still inspiring figure, and as an added bonus I could mostly understand his clear Spanish when he gave the homily. It was quite a surprise a few years later, in 2013 when, following the resignation of Pope Benedict, Cardinal Bergoglio became Francis I, the 266th pope and the first of Latin American origin.

numerous continuing challenges.  While there are areas of growth, like in Africa and Asia, in many traditionally Catholic countries, particularly in Europe, participation is low and churches are empty on Sundays. In most areas, there is a severe shortage of priests, which does again raise the issue of whether women should be ordained.  The terrible sexual abuse scandal, which reached a peak in most places maybe twenty years ago, has thankfully receded, with seemingly fewer recent allegations of abuse, but this issue  obviously needs constant vigilance.

In the United States, the church is doing better than in much of Europe, with Sunday Mass attendance comparatively high, although the shortage of priests remains a key concern.  American Catholics have become a bit more conservative politically and there is a growing traditionalist movement which, for example, favors older styles of worship, including the Latin Mass.

PARADE

Rain date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Unlike his predecessor, it would be fair to call Pope Francis  a political liberal. His personal lifestyle was humble, in solidarity with the world's poor as he eschewed the trappings of royalty sometimes surrounding the papacy. Francis was frequently skeptical of capitalism and was a strong believer in measures to combat global warning. He expressed great sympathy for refugees and strong opposition to efforts in the United States and other countries to restrict immigration.

The conclave of cardinals, which will meet in Rome after the funeral of Francis this week to select the new pope  will consist of prelates mostly appointed by Francis, and a majority of these cardinals  will be from countries of the global south. (Notably, many of these countries are culturally conservative.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH 2:00PM

On the other hand, Pope Francis’s leadership of the church, including on social issues that continue to be debated, did not always skew left, despite urgent pleas from some to make sweeping changes. Although he took some steps to restrict the revival of the Mass in Latin,  the liturgy, traditions and teachings of the Church continued largely unchanged.  The church continued to be pro-life on abortion.  While the Church was willing to bless gay individuals getting married, it did not approve such unions themselves.  The priesthood in the Roman rite continued to be restricted to men.

The new pope will certainly face

In many ways it is an awesome responsibility to select the one man who will  lead and unify a faith with around 1.4 billion adherents all over the globe.  The papacy  involves, beyond the purely spiritual work of interpreting and propounding the church’s teachings and doctrines, often traveling the world to do so, the  selection of appropriate local leaders of the church around the world as well as coordinating the educational and medical ministries provide by the church.  It can involve imposing discipline on bad actors.

While one might have had political differences with Francis, he was a good man who did his best in performing these functions, and the hope is that the cardinals will settle on another worthy man to lead their church.

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!

GCRE HAS SELECTED Christine and Michael Tiedemann AS HONOREES OF THIS YEAR'S GALA AS WE RAISE MONEY FOR BREAKTHROUGH T1-D (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

Black Diamond Sponsor: $20,000 (10 tickets included, podium recognition, acknowledgement in GC News and at digital event)

Diamond Sponsor: $10,000 (8 tickets included, podium recognition, acknowledgement in GC News and at digital event)

Platinum Sponsor: $5,000 (4 tickets included, acknowledgement in GC News and at digital event)

Gold Sponsor: $3,000 (2 tickets included, acknowledgement in GC News and at digital event)

Silver Sponsor: $2,000 (Acknowledgement in GC News and at digital event)

Bronze Sponsor: $1,000 (Acknowledgement in GC News and at digital event)

Tickets are $200 per person. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor and/or donate, please visit: https://gcrepf.org/events or mail checks payable to “Garden City Real Estate Professionals Foundation” to Lauren Scarantino, 136 Stratford Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530

For more information about GCRE, please visit https://gcrepf.org

DAR member recognized for volunteer work with veterans

On April 22, M. Louise. Rider , a member of the Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter of the NSDAR, was among a group of volunteers whose efforts to assist veterans were recognized as part of Volunteer Appreciation Week.. Award certificates were presented to each of the group, at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System St. Albans CLC (Community Living Center) Campus,

A lovely breakfast was the setting for the event, which began at 10:30 a.m. and took place in the second-floor dining room. The selected volunteers were presented with a certificate of appreciation as well as a bag of assorted “goodies” from Victoria Townes, a Center for Development and Community Engagement (CDCE) specialist,

Among all the volunteers honored, Ms Rider had accrued an impressive

amount of volunteer hours, having amassed 2,723 hours over the course of volunteering for the federally run program for 18 years!

Ms. Rider is clearly dedicated to the veterans she serves. She described her efforts to “sit with the patients when they are ill or take them in their wheelchairs to the canteen or to bingo. Anything to make the veterans’ day more pleasant or to help the staff there.”

The Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter of the NSDAR, of which Rider has been a member since 2019, has participated in a number of events to help veterans over the years. Chapter members are proud of the commitment that Ms. Rider has shown to our Veterans and appreciate her selfless volunteering of so many hours helping to make their lives more comfortable..

Louise Rider, CDCE specialist Victoria Townes, and volunteer Yvette Cintron, at the St. Albans CLC Campus.

Locust School students shine in math tournament

Thomas Coppola, Jacob Young and Mehgan Chan were the top scorers in the First in Math tournament from Locust School.

On March 20, students from Locust School in Garden City participated in the First in Math tournament, an exciting competition designed to strengthen skills through a variety of interactive and engaging standards-based mathematics problems. First in Math is an online platform that supports students from kindergarten through eighth grade, offering challenges that range from basic addition to advanced algebra.

During the tournament, students competed virtually against peers across New York State within their grade

of the Garden City School District

level. Each participant had 15 minutes to solve as many skill building problems as possible.

Locust School’s top scorers—Jacob Young, Mehgan Chan and Thomas Coppola—ranked among the highest in the region and will represent Garden City at the statewide championship on May 31.

“We are incredibly proud of our first grade students,” said Locust Principal Eileen Vota. “Their hard work and dedication for learning truly shone through.”

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.

Photo courtesy

Chamber welcomes new spine surgery center

Chamber of Garden City cuts the ribbon!

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce, residents and local politicians welcomed Doctors Choi, Argyriou and Toombs and their practitioners and staff to the Garden City community with the Chamber’s ribbon cutting ceremony and citation presentations.

The Garden City office of Spine Surgery & Medicine of Long Island joins

Ronkonkoma in serving the Long Island community with revolutionizing spine care. All three doctors presented guests with a full presentation of the work they do, both medically and surgically, using innovative treatments and technology. After the presentation, guests were invited to tour the facilities, were able to view the robotics in the proce-

dure room and were then welcomed to a fully catered event in the reception area, which gave everyone an opportunity to learn more about the practice in smaller groups.

The Chamber wishes Spine Surgery & Medicine of Long Island all the best here in Garden City and invites everyone to the next ribbon cutting ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at

5:30 p.m. at 728 Franklin Ave. Help us welcome eScript360 Pharmacy to the Village!

For more information on the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, to become a member or schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony, please visit www.gardencitychamber.org

Estates POA announces 2025 scholarships

The Property Owners’ Association of the Garden City Estates (Estates POA) announces that it will be awarding up to three 2025 Yuter-Newman Estates POA Scholarships and that the application is now available.

This merit-based scholarship will be awarded to one or more 12th grade students (from any public or private high school) that reside in the Garden City Estates section. The applicants must be accepted to, and planning to attend,

a four-year college full-time in the fall.

The selection of the winners will be by the Estates POA Scholarship Committee and will be based on academic excellence and the level of involvement in local civic causes and community service. To download an application, visit the POA’s website at www.gcestates. org/scholarships. Applications must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2025 to be eligible.

Nassau County Legislator Giuffre with the Spine Surgery & Medicine of Long Island doctors.

EGGFLATION MAKING YOUR

WALLET LIGHTER?

THE PRICE OF EGGS HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED, AND RADICAL ACTIVISTS ARE PUSHING A LAW THAT WILL SEND GROCERY PRICES SOARING EVEN MORE!

X X X

UNDER THIS RADICAL LAW:

The average family of four will pay $456 to $732 more per year for groceries.

It’ll be harder to buy everyday food products like cheese, hot dogs, chips and items for school lunches by banning some packaging.

Small businesses that make up the backbone of our communities will be hurt.

Join your neighbors and businesses across New York and Tell Senator Bynoe:

TO S.1464 /A.1749 HIGHER PRICES. EMPTY SHELVES. MILLIONS OF $$$ IN NEW TAXES. MORE FINANCIAL BURDENS FOR CONSUMERS.

As we continue to move forward with the St Paul’s survey I asked Rich Catalano, recently elected to the Board and with decades of experience as a senior accountant and CPA, to take a look at and analyze some articles that have appeared recently in the GC News and online regarding the Village’s debt levels. Please see Rich’s thoughts below:

Certain advocates for the demolition of the St. Paul’s Main Building have posted misleading graphs and statements about the debt of our Village. This misinformation includes:

• The existing debt shown in one graph includes obligations of our Village Water Department as of May 31, 2023. Approximately half of that debt was subsequently repaid with grants from New York State for our AOP water treatment systems.

• The debt service of our Water Department obligations is paid from our water bills. Most villages do not have a Water Department so it is misleading to include such debt in any comparison of per capital debt by Village.

• One of the graphs adds $120 million to $250 million of debt for the St. Paul’s Main Building, which is

well in excess of the range of estimates provided in the survey of $35 million to $83 million for the three options.

These are the facts:

• The Village’s current general obligation indebtedness of $34 million as of May 31, 2024 is comparable to communities similar to Garden City as reflected in the chart below.

stpaulsquestions@gardencityny. net or contact any one of the Trustees directly.

St. Paul’s Survey

Residents have shown great interest in the St. Paul’s Survey, with hundreds of responses

already received. The survey will continue to be open for the next few

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 percent 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, former Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan appointed a St. Paul’s Advisory Committee that

• The Board of Trustees recognizes that any development of the St. Paul’s Main Building would result in an increase in the Village’s annual debt service. This is the reason why the six trustees insisted on transparency by providing residents with estimates of these potential tax increases in the survey.

We encourage all residents to send questions about our debt to

weeks. Residents also have the option to fill out the survey online at https:// gardencitystpaqulssurvey.org. Please note only one survey per household— whether written or online—will be counted.

Finally, some residents of co-ops and rental units have not received their survey. We discussed this with BCI/ ETC and they recommended re-mailing the printed survey to residents of all co-op and rental apartments to ensure they are received. These were mailed first class on Monday, April 21 to ensure they are received. To avoid duplication, as with all mailed surveys, the resident address is included on the survey, ensuring that only one response per household is counted.

Strategic Steps for Use of St. Paul’s Main Building

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.

included five non-Trustee residents. This committee embarked on months of research and put forward the idea of a Community Center for consideration. 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

• BCI collaborated closely with the 2024-2025 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 addresses the future of the St. Paul’s Main Building, was mailed to every household in the Village in April 2025. 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

Mayor Edward Finneran and Trustee Rich Catalano

Aggressive driving charge

On April 16, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with aggressive driving, including multiple unsafe lane changes and excessive speed.

Microwave fire response

GCFD and GCPD responded on April 16 to a residence where a fire had started inside a microwave oven. Firefighters rendered the home safe.

Speeding and license suspension

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged April 16 with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.

Lost dog returned

An officer responded on April 16 to St. Anne’s School for a report of a lost dog. After an investigation, the dog was reunited with its owner.

Suspended license

On April 16, another Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with both a suspended license and a suspended registration.

Motorist arrested

A 41-year-old female was arrested April 17 on County Seat Drive for aggravated unlicensed operation.

Social media hacked

A victim reported on April 17 that her social media account had been hacked, with unauthorized posts made on her account.

Failure to move over

On April 17, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with failing to move over for an emergency vehicle displaying activated lights.

Water heater issue

Garden City Police and Firefighters responded April 17 to a residence for a smoke condition. Firefighters disconnected a malfunctioning water heater and ventilated the home.

Overweight trucks cited

Truck operators on Washington Avenue and Old Country Road were charged on April 17 with operating overweight vehicles.

False fire alarms

On April 17, GCFD and GCPD responded to a fire alarm set off by shower steam and another triggered by someone vaping.

Suspended registration charge

A Clinton Road motorist was charged April 17 with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.

On April 17, a Franklin Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Unlicensed and speeding

A Stewart Avenue motorist was cited April 17 for unli censed operation and exces sive speed.

Drug possession arrest

Upon investigation of a suspicious auto on Bluebell Court on April 18th, Garden City Police arrested a 33-year-old male for alleged criminal possession of a controlled substance (crack-cocaine)

Gift card scam

On April 18, a victim received a scam email appearing to come from her supervisor, requesting gift card purchases. She complied, later realizing it was fraudulent.

Multiple driving violations

A Clinton Road motorist was charged April 18 with driving with a suspended license, operating an unregistered vehicle, and uninsured operation.

Truck fluid spill

Officers responded April 18 to an accident involving a carting truck and a vehicle at Franklin Avenue and Main Street. A burst hydraulic line leaked fluid, closing the road until the scene was cleared by the Fire Department and Fire Marshal.

Faulty detector alarm

GCFD and GCPD responded April 18 to a fire alarm at a medical office, which was found to be triggered by a faulty detector.

Alarm, no issue

On April 18, officers responded to a residence for an alarm and discovered an unlocked door. The premises were checked and found in order.

Computer repair scam

Garden City Police investigated a scam on April 19th in which a victim received an email regarding a subscription she supposedly attained for a computer repair service. She called the number provided and advised the receiver that she did not subscribe to the company. The person was then given access to her computer to correct the issue. She was later advised by her bank that there were multiple fraudulent transactions against her account.

Burnt food alarm

GCFD and GCPD responded April 19 to two fire alarms—one caused by burnt food and the other triggered in error.

Defective headlights

A Clinton Road motorist was charged April 19 with driving with a suspended registration and defective headlights.

Drug disposal

On April 19, officers reported that thirty pounds of medication collected through the Drug-Take-Back program were disposed of properly.

Branch fire

Officers assisted firefighters April 19 at a scene where a branch fire was caused by an electrical power line issue.

Sticker removal

On April 19, officers noted unauthorized stickers on signs and poles. DPW was notified for removal.

Sleeping driver cited

Officers on April 20 responded to Nassau Boulevard for a report of a vehicle stopped in traffic and found the driver asleep. The 19-year-old was cited for an underage alcohol violation under the zero-tolerance policy.

Attempted car break-in

On April 20, surveillance footage showed a subject attempting to open a car door on Meadow Street. The subject fled after failing to gain entry.

False alarms

GCFD and GCPD responded April 20 to two fire alarms—one due to a defective battery and another set in error.

Parade traffic detail

Garden City Police were assigned on April 20 to handle traffic and safety at the Vintage Car Event and Parade.

Multiple driving charges

A Cathedral Avenue motorist was charged April 20 with a suspended license and registration, uninsured operation, and failure to secure children in car seats.

See page 40

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German Club makes gifts for spring

The German Club students collected and decorated rocks for spring. In Germany, they decorate rocks to put in their gardens at springtime.The students decorated the rocks for their friends and family members. Some even decorated the rocks to make for the residents at Plattdeutsche Assisted Living to bring smiles to the residents' faces.

One ad can go so far...

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We don't do it for the attention. We don't do it for the recognition. We don't do it for the personal gain. And we certainly don't do it for the awards. We do it for you.

Catholic Health is the winner of Press Ganey’s 2025 HRO Foundation Award for exceptional reliability and patient safety.

At Catholic Health, we pursue the very best in health care for one reason only: you. Every single one of you that walks through our doors, every day. So, while we’re honored by this recognition, we also know there’s no finish line in health care. There’s always a new goal just over the horizon, and a new level of excellence for us to achieve for the health of Long Island.

Learn more at DedicatedtoBetter.org

IN MEMORIAM

Valerie B. Hecken

Valerie Brown Hecken, of Garden City, passed away on April 13, 2025.

Valerie Ardith Brown moved to Garden City in 1936, at the age of 2, when her parents Arlene and Emerson Brown moved from Jamaica to build their unique house with the Mott Brothers.

She matriculated though Stewart School, as well as the Garden City Junior and Senior High Schools, a member of the class of 1952. Valerie graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1956,

In 1964, Valerie married Harold Hecken, also from Garden City. They enjoyed the Cathedral’s Couples Club and the Casino for years.

She also sang in the Cathedral Girls Choir for five years, while enjoying playing tennis and “hanging out” with her GCHS and St. Paul’s friends.

Valerie joined the Community Club in 1966 where she was the longest active member, until the club recently disbanded. Active in the Music Guild, a book club, the Cathedral Antique Shows, and other associations within the Village, she enjoyed improving her bridge game at the Casino and Cherry Valley Club, where she and her husband

were long-time members.

Upon her passing, she resided in the same Garden City home she and Hal purchased in 1965. Valerie is survived by her son, Philip, and her sister, Cynthia D. Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, or any animal rescue organizations.

IN MEMORIAM

Paul B. Priest

Paul Brewster Priest, 81, was a resident of Garden City for almost 50 years. He passed away on the evening of Monday April 7. Paul was born on January 9, 1944. He was the second of three children born to Patrica “Pat” Priest and Frank A. Priest. He grew up in Stewart Manor and attended Sewanhaka High School. He served in Germany during the Vietnam war. In his professional life, he spent many years working as a banker for Chase Manhattan Bank, Norstar Bank, and Apple Bank.

Paul spent many years as a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America, where he was the Committee Chairman of Troop 80, a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting, and a member of the Eagle Review Board. Additionally, he was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society.

Paul was married to the love of

his life, Diane, for 45 years, before she passed on December 22, 2020. He is survived by his son Steven and his wife Shannon, his nieces Deborah and Jennifer, along with their husbands and families.

IN MEMORIAM

Robert W. Allen

Robert W. Allen, affectionately known as “Uncle Bob” by many co-workers, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. He was born March 15, 1943 in Queens to the late Raymond and Jean Allen. Bob was known for his sharp wit, generous spirit, and unwavering loyalty.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria (nee Arnolds), his two siblings, Nancy Ingram and Dale Coster (Bill), sister-in-law, Eileen Arnold, and the nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Martin J. Ingram and Rudolph J. Arnold.

A Garden City resident for over 50 years, Bob was a graduate of N.Y. Institute of Technology. He retired from The City of New York Police Department Motorcycle Unit after 38 years of service.

Bob was blessed with many friends, and a number of whom he remained close to for the majority of his life. He was a kind man, and new friends were greeted as old. He will be forever remembered, deeply missed, and eternally loved. As a devoted Catholic, Bob is now resting with the Lord. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Have you lost someone?

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.

Paul Brewster Priest

Robert W. Allen

Valerie Brown Hecken

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

Teens painted eggs for the Library’s Annual Spring Egg Hunt.

Teen Art and Poetry Showcase

Celebrate the creativity of teens in the Garden City community at the Library's Teen Art and Poetry Showcase on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m.! Artwork and poetry was submitted by tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 throughout the months of March and April. The showcase is open to attendees of all ages. No registration required. Tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 can earn community service for attending this program, but must signin the day of the event to receive community service credit.

Chick Incubation Project is Underway!

The Library’s Annual Chick Incubation program has returned this year! Eggs arrived on Tuesday, April 15 and are scheduled to begin hatching Monday, May 5. Chicks will be returned one week after they hatch. Eggs are picked up from Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY and chicks are returned back to Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY.

This year, the Library received five brown eggs and three white eggs, for a total of eight eggs. The brown eggs will hatch into either Black Star chicks, which are a cross between a Rhode Island Red rooster and a Barred Rock hen, or Cinnamon Queens, which are a cross between the Rhode Island Red rooster and the Silver Laced Wyandotte hen. Black Star female chicks hatch all black and the male chicks hatch black with a white spot on its head. Cinnamon Queen female chicks hatch red and the male chicks hatch yellow. The white eggs are from a White Leghorn mix breed and they will hatch yellow chicks. There is no way to determine the sex of these chicks when they are hatched. Before they hatch, make sure to enter a name into our annual Name

the Chick contest for your chance to name one of our chicks!

Spring Egg Scavenger Hunt at the Library Until May 14!

Search the Library for mini painted eggs as part of our annual Spring Egg Hunt! These eggs were painted by teen volunteers in March and April. Over 100 eggs were painted and are currently on display in the Library, but patrons need to find 10 specific eggs and write down their location in order to complete the scavenger hunt. Patrons can participate in the scavenger hunt anytime they visit the Library until May 14. When you successfully complete the scavenger hunt, you can submit your completed entry to be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Only one entry per person. There will be only one winner. Patrons of all ages can participate! The scavenger hunt sheets needed to participate are available at the Library. Thanks to all the teen volunteers who painted eggs this year in order to make this program possible!

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:

• Tuesday, April 29, at 4 p.m.: Tween Thursdays: Drama Workshop (Grades 4–7)

• Tuesday, April 29, at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Wednesday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m.: Teen LEGO Club (Grades

Art and poetry by Garden City teens will be on display during the Library’s Art and Poetry Showcase on April 26.

The eggs have arrived and are expected to begin hatching on Monday, May 5. Enter the contest to name the chicks!

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

6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, April 29, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

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

• Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m.: Perler Bead Art for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, May 8 at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, May 8 at 7PM: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, May 13 to Thursday, May 22: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, May 13 at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, May 13 at 7PM: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, May 15 at 4 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Yarn Group (Grades 4–12)

• Friday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, May 20 at 4 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays: Game Afternoon (Grades 4–7)

• Wednesday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m.: Teen LEGO Club (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, May 22 at 4 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons (Grades 4–12)

• Friday, May 23 at 3:30 p.m.:

Teen Crafternoon: No-Sew Fleece Patriotic Pillows (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 Service - No registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• 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.

Teen Volunteers Paint Eggs for the Library’s Annual Spring Egg Hunt

On Friday, April 11, at this month’s Teen Crafternoon, teens painted foam eggs for the Library’s Annual Spring Egg Hunt. Teen volunteers painted over 100 eggs in March and April. Patrons can participate in the scavenger hunt anytime they visit the Library until May 14. The next Teen Crafternoon will be No-Sew Fleece Patriotic Pillows and will be held on Friday, May 23, at 3:30 p.m., with registration beginning on LibCal on Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m.

Something for everyone at the Library Book Sale

This toy basket will be available during the Silent Auction.

What will you find at the Garden City Public Library Spring Book Sale?  Bestselling novels, non-fiction, art books, cookbooks, children’s books to name a few - but that’s not all! Enticing baskets will be auctioned off in a “silent auction.” Proceeds will support programs at the library sponsored by the Friends of Garden City Library. View basket photographs and details and place early bids beginning Wednesday. April 16 at the Circulation desk. The book sale will be held two days:

Saturday, May 3:

• From 9:30–4:00, you will be able to buy wonderful gently used books.

• Silent Auction bids on baskets

Enjoy a day at the beach with this Lilly basket.

can be made.

Sunday, May 4:

• From 1:00–3:00, book bargains continue.

• Silent auction basket bids close 3:00 Sunday, winners announced shortly afterwards.

Please note: book donations will pause starting April 28. Resumption date TBA. All proceeds will be used by the Friends of the Garden City Library to support programs at the Garden City Public Library for children, young adults and adults, as well as the very popular Museum Passes and Monday Movie Matinees. The library is located at 60 Seventh St, Garden City, NY.

Submissions

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

Monday Movies

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

April 28 - “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” - 2011, 129 min

May & June

May 5  - “The Blind Side” - 2009, 128 mins

May 12 - “Throw Momma From the Train” - 1987, 88 mins

May 19  - “The Thomas Crown Affair” - 1999, 113 mins

June 2  - “Murphy's Romance”  - 2018, 87 mins

June 9  - “Trial by Fire” - 1950, 92 mins

June 16 - “Father Of The Bride” - 1985, 107 mins

June 23 - “Jersey Boys” - 2014, 134 mins

June 30 - “The Parent Trap” - 1961, 84 mins

Programs

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

Yoga with Kimberly Tuesdays, , April 29, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10 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.

Italian Part 2 NO CLASS ON Friday, April 25 Wednesday, April 30, Fridays, May 9 May 15, May 23, May 30 11 a.m.–12 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Italian - Part 2, taught by Mrs. Lea Brunetti.  This program will pick up where Italian Part 1 left off.  Patrons who did not take Part 1, but have a limited background in Italian,  are welcome to join.

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.

Mary Maguire Presents “The Hermitage” Wednesday, April 30 - Part Three 2 p.m.–3 p.m. in the

The film “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” will be screened at the Library on Monday, April 28.

Large Meeting Room:

Come along with us as we wander through the majestic halls of that jewel of Russia, located in St. Petersburg - the Hermitage Museum. It is unfortunate that for the foreseeable future, we will not be able to view these treasures in person, but that makes this virtual tour all the more relevant. The collection includes artwork by Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Ruben, Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Gauguin and Cezanns.  In Part 3, a special visit will be made to the Carl Faberge Memorial room to explore the gorgeous collection of jeweled Easter eggs — each one valued at millions of dollars.

Mah-Jongg (Register for each one separately)

national phenomenon!  It seems like everywhere you look, every sports facility, tennis court, park has accommodations for this new and upcoming sport!   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.

Mary Maguire’s Little Gems of Ireland

Tuesday, May 6 from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

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 an eight-week session.

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.

Thursday, April 24, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.         Thursday, April 24, 4 p.m.–6 p.m.  in the Large Meeting Room

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.

May

Programs

Pickleball for Beginners!

Tuesday, May 6, from 7–8 p.m in the Large Meeting Room

Join two former high school gym teachers with a passion for pickleball.  What is pickleball?  How do you play pickleball? What equipment do I need to play? How do I get conditioned to play? Join us for this fun Pickleball for Beginners program as we explore this

Mary Maguire presents Little Gems of Ireland!  Ireland is so much more than shamrocks, pipers and the Blarney Stone.  Follow our trail as we visit the sites of Dublin, pay special attention to the National Gallery of Ireland to check out their Caravaggio and Vermeer.  Then off to Trinity College to take in the Book of Kells. The Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and all those castles with enchanting names like Kylemore, Clifden and Dromoland are calling us!

Chairobics and Strength with Debbie Krzyminski Wednesdays, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25   12 noon–1 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

We’re excited to have Debbie back with her wonderful program.  Debbie Krzyminski 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

100th Anniversary of The Great Gatsby All Day Film Festival! Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Join us for a triple feature!   10:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m.: “The Great Gatsby”  (2013)  featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Toby Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton  (142 mins). 1–2 p.m.:  “The Great Gatsby Midnight in Manhattan” (2013) (49 mins)  This fascinating program explores the turbulent life and dark creative spirit of its writer—F. Scott Fitzgerald.  It examines his disappointing college days at Princeton, his disastrous marriage to Zelda, his difficult relationship with Hemingway, and his tendency to sell out and compromise his talent for cash, which led to his tumultuous last days in Hollywood. It dispels the age-old mythology surrounding Fitzgerald, largely created by himself, which tends to glamorize the jazz age and his alcoholism, including contributions by the author's granddaughter Eleanor Lanahan, plus

Learn Italian at the Garden City Public Library.

News from the Children’s Room

The Mixed Age Storytime will be held on Monday, April 28.

Upcoming  April and May 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 months of April and May 2025.

• Monday, April 28, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, April 28, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime (Ages Birth to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime (Ages Birth to 17 Months, Non-Walkers)

• Tuesday, April 29, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime (3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, April 29, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Tuesday: Drama

Workshop (Grades 4–7)

• Monday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 years)

• Monday, May 5, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime (Ages Birth to 5 Years, Nnot in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother’s Day Preschool Craft (Ages 3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, May 6, at 4:00 p.m.: LEGO Club (Grades K–5)

• Wednesday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m.: Duplo Lego (18 Months to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten)

• Monday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, May 12, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime (Ages Birth to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten).

• Wednesday, May 14, at

10:00 a.m.: Play Hooray (Birth to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten)

• Thursday, May 15, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween and Teens Yarn Group (Grades 4–7)

• Saturday, May 17, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Me Yoga (4 Weeks –Prewalkers)

• Saturday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m.: Toddler and Me Yoga (18 Months to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Saturday, May 17, at 12:00 p.m.: Yoga for Grades K–4

• Tuesday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m.: A Time For Kids: Baby Start (Birth to 18 months)

• Tuesday, May 20, at 11:15 a.m.: A Time For Kids: Tots Morning Out (Ages 2 to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, May 20, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Tuesday: Video and Board Games (Grades 4–7)

• Wednesday, May 21, at 3:30 p.m.: Long Island Music Aardvarks (Ages Birth to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten)

• Wednesday, May 28, at 3:15 p.m.: Tiny Songbirds (Birth to 5 Years, Not in Kindergarten)

• Friday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m.: Play Hooray (Birth to 5 Years , Not in Kindergarten)

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.

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

writers Hunter S. Thompson, George Plimpton and Jay McInerney.  This program presents a fascinating portrait of this most evolving American Icon.

2:00–4:30 p.m.: “The Great Gatsby” (1974) starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow and co-starring Karen Black, Scott Wilson, Sam Waterston, Lois Chiles and Bruce Dern  (146 mins).

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.

The Mother Goose Storytime will be held on Tuesday, April 29.

Faith, Science, and the Sacred Moon

Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, Dean Michael Sniffen, Congresswoman Laura Gillen met for conversation and public remarks

BY THE VERY REV. DR. MICHAEL SNIFFEN, DEAN OF THE CATHEDRAL

A Garden City Conversation Reaches for the Stars

In the quiet awe beneath Luke Jerram’s monumental Museum of the Moon—currently suspended within the soaring nave of the Cathedral of the Incarnation as part of our Moon as Sacred Mirror residency—a profound conversation unfolded. Gathered under the lunar light were three unlikely companions bound by a shared reverence for mystery and meaning: Congresswoman Laura Gillen, who serves our 4th Congressional District and sits on the Space Subcommittee; Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace and former Air Force officer; and myself, a Navy chaplain and Dean of the Cathedral.

Our gathering was more pilgrimage than press event. We spoke as people of responsibility and faith, science and spirit. We spoke as public servants, stewards of the earth, and as seekers—searching for deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos.

The moon above us in the Cathedral was no longer a mere object in the sky, but a

mirror. We reflected on its sacred role—not only in regulating tides and stabilizing the Earth’s axis, but in illuminating our spiritual imagination. The moon pulls ocean and soul alike. Its rhythms shape the planting of crops, the migrations of animals, and the liturgical calendar of the Church. It shines over the Easter Vigil and Passover, Ramadan and Vesak. It graces poetry and prayer, prophecy and song.

Jason Kim spoke movingly about his work at Firefly, which became the first private company to land a rover on the lunar surface just last month. He also shared his personal sense of awe and responsibility.

“When you send something to the moon,” he said, “you’re not just sending technology—you’re sending a message. You’re saying that we believe there’s more out there to understand. And that what we do here, on this fragile planet, matters.”

Congresswoman Gillen reflected on the role of the Space Subcommittee in fostering not only innovation, but imagination. “We want young people—especially those who have been left out of the conversation—to see that space belongs to them, too. It’s not just about reaching out; it’s about reaching in.”

In our discussion, we also turned to

Dean Sniffen and Congresswoman Gillen look on as Jason Kim describes the experience of landing a rover on the moon.

the needs of those who serve in the military. Jason served as an officer in the Air Force and I currently wear the uniform as Command Chaplain of the Empire Battalion, United States Marine Corps. We agreed that spiritual care for service members is not an afterthought—it is essential. When you stand under the night sky far from home, wondering whether you’ll see tomorrow, questions of purpose and presence are no longer abstract. They are urgent. The chaplain's role is to accompany, to hold space for meaning, to offer a reminder that even in the chaos, we are not alone. God is with us.

Faith and science are not adversaries. They are twin instruments in humanity’s quest for truth. Just as telescopes peer outward to chart the galaxies, contemplation turns inward to explore the soul. The great Christian mystics—from Gregory of Nyssa to Hildegard of Bingen, from Teresa of Avila to Howard Thurman—understood this inner space. “There is a light in us,” Thurman wrote, “that illumines the darkness.” That inner illumination is a reflection of God’s light, just like moonlight is a reflection of the sun - gentle but unwavering.

As part of our Moon as Sacred Mirror

exhibition, the Cathedral has welcomed thousands of visitors to gaze upward in recent weeks—not only into the face of the moon, but into the questions it evokes. What does it mean to be human on a planet suspended in vastness? How do we live with reverence and purpose in a universe so immense? And how do we teach the next generation not only to ask these questions, but to live their answers with courage?

These questions, rooted in ancient sacred texts and ignited by modern science, bring us together across disciplines and traditions. As I looked across the church at a congresswoman, an aerospace CEO, and a moon hanging in our cathedral like a lantern of hope, I felt the sacred weight of possibility in our community.

The moon is not just a destination. It is a reminder. A reminder that we are part of a creation wider than we know. That wonder is holy. That seeking is sacred.

And that reaching for the stars begins with remembering who we are, here, together, under one sky.

The Museum of the Moon remains open for visitation and contemplation through May 4. To learn more about related programs and events at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, visit www.incarnationgc.org.

DAR lauds Revolutionary women at annual luncheon

Members of the Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter NSDAR held their annual Luncheon on April 4 at beautiful Westbury Manor. The luncheon was chaired by Chapter Regent Carla Hall D’Ambra. The Regent’s chosen theme was Women of the Revolution, and silhouettes of noted ladies of the era, constructed by chapter member Janice Derr, graced each table as a centerpiece to reinforce the theme.

Social Hour began at 11:30 a.m. and guests were treated to a live musical performance by harpist Eliana Kirkup, granddaughter of DAR member Joan Nathan.

At the start of the Luncheon, Regent D’Ambra honored Gerri MacWhinnie of Southampton Colony Chapter, presenting her with flowers in recogni-

tion of her many years of work on the District Roundtable, and the annual DAR Veteran Patient’s Luncheon, held each November.

Chapter American History Chair Leslie Dimmling then recognized the 6 years by Regent D’Ambra as head of the chapter, detailing her innovative ideas, selfless volunteerism, and hard work. She was presented with a pot of pink hydrangeas on behalf of her appreciative Chapter Members.

Dimmling then spoke about Rachel Revere, Paul’s second wife, and focused attention on the hard life of the colonial women, especially those married to the Founding Fathers in war-time settings, with a nod to Abigail Adams and Dolly Madison. “The Ride of Paul Revere by Longfellow” was then read to the assem-

bly. This was part of the Chapter’s recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Ride, which takes place this April 18.

Special guest at this Luncheon was George Washington re-enactor Michael Grillo. He cut an impressive figure in his Revolutionary War uniform as he spoke about Washington, and the several women of that era who impacted his life, including his own mother, Mary Ball Washington, and his loyal wife,

Martha.

Incoming Chapter Regent Heather Zawislak, in a lovely colonial era dress of her own making, spoke to the attendees about the role of Betsy Ross during the Revolution. In addition to flags, the thrice-married Ross also made tents and uniforms for the rebel army.

A drawing for gift baskets concluded the event, and a good time was had by all.

Heather Zawislak as Betsey Ross re-enactor.

Recording Secretary Deborah McCauley, Incoming Regent Heather Zawislak with Evelyn Zawislak.

Regent Carla Hall D'Ambra with George Washington re-enactor Michael Grillo.

District Director Leslie Wickham, Michael Grillo, Pamela Hansen, Carla Hall D’Ambra.

Harpist Eliana Kirkup provided beautiful music for the day.

Smoke odor investigated

Garden City Police and Firefighters investigated a report of smoke at a residence on April 20. Upon investigation, Firefighters deemed the home safe.

DWI license arrest

On April 21, police say a Washington Avenue motorist was arrested for driving with a DWI-related revoked license and a suspended registration.

Natural gas odor

GCFD and GCPD responded April 21 to a report of a gas odor at a Franklin Avenue building. Firefighters found no hazards.

Non-commercial zone violation

A Clinton Road truck operator was charged April 21 with driving in a non-commercial zone and with a sus-

pended license.

Fare evasion

A taxi driver reported on April 21 that a male passenger fled from a cab on Old Country Road without paying the fare after being picked up from JFK Airport.

Unsecured cargo charge

On April 21, a Franklin Avenue truck operator was charged with driving with unsecured cargo.

CO alarm response

GCFD and GCPD investigated a carbon monoxide alarm at a medical facility on April 21. The building was deemed safe.

Multiple violations

A Ring Road motorist was charged April 21 with operating an unregistered vehicle, displaying fraudulent plates,

uninsured operation, and public urination.

Open container charges

Four individuals were charged April 21 with possessing open alcohol containers in a vehicle at Garden City Plaza.

DWI and equipment violations

On April 22, a 2nd Street motorist was arrested for driving with a DWIrelated revoked license, an additional license suspension, failure to signal, and no front plate.

Alarm triggers

GCFD and GCPD responded April 22 to multiple alarms—one from burnt food, one set off by hairspray, and one determined to be a system malfunction.

Unsafe driving

A Clinton Road motorist was charged April 22 with aggressive driving, includ-

ing unsafe speed, lane violations, and using a cellphone.

Rally monitoring

Garden City Police were assigned April 22 to monitor a rally held on Franklin Avenue.

Overweight vehicle violations

A Washington Avenue truck operator was cited April 22 for multiple overweight violations.

Panic alarm in error

Officers responded April 22 to a panic alarm, which was found to be triggered in error.

School zone speeding

A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on April 22 with unlicensed operation and excessive speed in a school zone.

BOT will provide the analysis with the new St. Paul’s 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. 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.

Sprint Hydrant Flushing

Monday night, April 28th through Saturday morning, May 3rd, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., the Water Department will be performing its annual maintenance program, opening and flowing (flushing) hydrants. Each spring the Garden City Water Department opens and flows (flushes) hydrants. This annual maintenance program is essential to the operation. Flushing water mains is a way

to clean out a build-up of dissolved minerals inside our mains. This buildup is caused by reduced water demand during the winter months. These deposits settle to the bottom of the mains and must be cleaned out so that they don’t cause discolored water in the future. While flushing is occurring in your area, you may have some slight fluctuations in water pressure and temporary water discoloration. If you experience discolored water, run your cold water for several minutes.

If it does not clear, wait 30 minutes and try again. Here are some recommendations you can follow during flushing dates in your neighborhood:

• Draw water for cooking ahead of time

• Store bottles of water for drinking

• Be sure to check the water quality before using your washing machine or dishwasher

If you have any questions, please contact the Water Department at (516) 465-4003.

LEGAL NOTICES

One ad can go so far...

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

NASSAU COUNTY

NASSAU COUNTY

PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that GoodFriend SelfStorage facility located at: 119 South 3rd Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on May 1, 2025 at 11:00am. Bid online at storageauctions.com.  This is a cash sale and all sales are final.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Advertise your services in our Professional Guide or Service Directory today and be seen in these five newspapers:

Notice of Formation of ReveMedic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/15/2025. 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 Joanne Brown: 41 Maple St Freeport NY 11520. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Ascend Professional Pathways, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/23/2025. 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 United States Corporation Agents, Inc.: 7014

Garden City PTA News

Save the Dates!

Grab your calendar and mark down these important upcoming dates across the school district. Keep an eye on the PTA website and the GCUFSD website “Events” page for even more detail on what’s happening across all seven schools.

Slate

Thank you to all who submitted nominations for the open positions on our 25–26 GC PTA Executive Committee!  Please join us at our All-Schools Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. at GCMS to confirm our full slate of EC members.  2025-2026

NOTICE OF SALE

Call 516-294-8900 today to learn more!

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-CF1, -against-

COLLEEN TRETTIEN, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 22, 2017, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-CF1 is the Plaintiff and COLLEEN TRETTIEN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s).  I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 12, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 162 MEADOW ST, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530; and the following tax map identification:  34-546-32 & 39.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 000801/2015. Mark Ricciardi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

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NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ALIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Masada Cornerstone Care LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/12/2025. 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 Oliver Rein: 1 Cove Lane, Great Neck, NY 11024. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Application for Authority filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/6/25 for Compass Expert Services LLC (LLC). Office Location, Nassau County. LLC formed in State of Delaware (DE) on 2/3/25.SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him is: 146 Adams Street, Garden City, NY 11530.The principal business address of the LLC is 46 Adams Street, Garden City, NY 11530. Certificate of Formation for LLC filed with Secretary of State of DE at 401 Federal St #4, Dover, DE 19901.

• April 21–May 15GOAT Sticker Contest

• April 30 - HS Staff

Appreciation Lunch

• May 2 - Locust Staff

Appreciation Lunch

• May 5 - MS Staff

Appreciation Lunch

• May 13 - All Schools Meeting, 7:30 p.m., GCMS

GOAT Partnership

The Garden City PTA is excited to partner with GOAT USA for a special fundraising campaign this spring with a sticker contest, elementary assembly, and sale of our official Garden City GOAT design!  All students K–12 are invited to submit their own GOAT sticker design by May 16 for the chance to win special GOAT USA swag. Templates have gone out to students this week. The winning stickers will be printed and shared district-wide!  Sale will be held May 1–16.  Check emails for more, and stay tuned for updates on this special partnership! Important dates:

GOAT USA

Sticker Contest4/21–5/15

GOAT USA Assembly for 4th & 5th Graders - 5/1

GOAT USA Custom Apparel on Sale - 5/1–5/16 New Executive Committee

Executive Committee Slate President:

Chrisann Newransky

President Elect: Kristen Whitaker

Treasurer:

Elise Chamberlain Secretary: Zeynep Vitale

Executive VP: Stephanie Buttrill

VP Communications:

Jennie Virzera

VP Curriculum: Gina Kline

VP Legislation: Joy Jankunas

HS Director:

Donna Kraus

MS Director: Tara Kelly

Stewart Director: Ali Calame

Stratford Director :Yasmine Clark

Hemlock Director:

Meredith Liddle

Homestead Director: Hana Noble

Locust Director:

Lauren Ryan

Past President: Elizabeth Cendan

Let’s Connect!

Website: www.gardencitypta.org

Facebook/Instagram/X: @gardencitypta

Camping Adds Special Dimension to National Parks Experience

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

National Parks Week, this year April 19-27, is a great time to start planning for a camping holiday in national parks, especially since because of understandable popularity, you need to make reservations early.

Pro Tip: You can purchase a 2025 America the Beautiful--the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass providing access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests, for $80 from the USGS store (https://store.usgs.gov/) and from LL Bean (https://www.llbean.com/llb/ shop/1000010294).

Seniors can purchase a lifetime version, the America The BeautifulThe National Parks and Federal Lands Senior Lifetime Pass, for $80 (plus $10 fee), from https://store.usgs.gov/ lifetime-senior-pass. At many sites the Senior Pass provides a discount on  Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

Campspot’s 15 Top Trending Parks for Campers

To celebrate National Park Week (April 19–27, 2025,) Campspot, a leading booking platform for private campgrounds, dug into traveler data to reveal the Top 15 Most-Searched National Parks for 2025, based on check-in dates throughout the year.

With economic uncertainty still shaping how Americans travel in 2025, more adventurers are seeking out experiences that feel meaningful—but still affordable. Camping near national parks continues to rise in popularity

Sunrise in Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park. Camping adds immeasurably to the already spectacular experience of visiting our national parks. With the national parks likely to be exceptionally popular this year plan and make reservations early. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

as travelers seek fresh air, epic views, and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional vacations. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or your big summer adventure, here’s where travelers are headed—along with where to camp nearby:

Trending National Parks to Visit in 2025

1. Yosemite National Park: With its granite giants, towering waterfalls, and legendary trails, Yosemite National Park in California is the definition of iconic. Whether you’re chasing views from Glacier Point or strolling through Yosemite Valley, this park is a stunner in every season. Book early—it’s a favorite for a reason. Where to camp:

Indian Flat RV Park

Golden Pines RV Resort

2. Yellowstone National Park: The first national park in the world

is still one of the most awe-inspiring. Spanning across Wyoming with portions in Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone and its bubbling geysers, colorful hot springs, and vast wildlife sightings (bison! bears! elk!) make every visit feel like a real-life safari. Add in stunning canyons and wideopen meadows, and you’ve got a wild, wonderful trip waiting. Where to camp:

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Henry’s Fork RV Park

Sugar City RV Park

See More Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park

3. Glacier National Park: Alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and over 700 miles of trails? Glacier National Park in Montana is high on drama— in the best way. Hop on the Goingto-the-Sun Road for an unforgettable drive, or hike to hidden lakes for pure

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

solitude. Summer is prime time, but shoulder seasons offer quieter beauty with fewer crowds. Where to camp:

Columbia Falls RV Park

Glacier Peaks RV Park

Whitefish RV Park

4. Grand Teton National Park: Craggy peaks, serene lakes, and a skyline so sharp it cuts through the clouds—Grand Teton National Park is Wyoming’s quieter showstopper. Kayak on Jenny Lake, catch a sunrise over the Snake River, or just enjoy the view with a picnic. Bonus: you’re close enough to Yellowstone to hit both in one trip. Where to camp:

Sugar City RV Park

Idaho Sky RV Resort

Henry’s Fork RV Park

5. Sequoia National Park: Come for the massive trees, stay for the peaceful forest vibes. Sequoia National Park in California is home to General Sherman (the largest tree on Earth) and hundreds of other giants that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. It’s also great for stargazing, scenic drives, and uncrowded trails. Where to camp:

Kings River RV Resort

Creekside RV Park

Kern River Sequoia RV Resort

6. Acadia National Park in Maine brings serious charm where the mountains meet the sea. Hike Cadillac Mountain for one of the first sunrises in the U.S., bike the historic carriage roads, or explore tidepools along the rugged shoreline. Fall colors here are unreal. Where to camp:

Boothbay Craft Brewery

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™

Camp-Resort: Androscoggin Lake

7. Great Smoky Mountains

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Camping Adds Special Dimension to National Parks Experience

Continued from previous page

National Park: This trending national park’s misty peaks and rolling hills are home to wildflowers, waterfalls, and a crazy amount of biodiversity. With no entrance fee, it’s America’s most-visited park. Where to camp:

Cove Creek RV Resorts

Mountaineer Campground

Pigeon Forge RV Resort

Gateway RV Campground

Creekside RV Park

Camp Riverslanding

8. Rocky Mountain National Park: Reach new heights—literally. With elevations over 12,000 feet, this trending national park in Colorado is a hiker’s heaven. Think alpine tundra, glacier-fed lakes, and elk sightings around every corner. Trail Ridge Road offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. Where to camp:

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ CampResort: Estes Park

Poudre River Resort

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Base Camp at Golden Canyon

9. Hot Springs National Park: Blending history with hot water, this top national park in Arkansas is as quirky as it is relaxing. Stroll the historic Bathhouse Row or hike forested trails before soaking in the therapeutic springs. It’s like stepping into a vintage spa town with a dash of outdoor adventure. Where to camp:

Hot Rod Hill RV Park

Hot Springs Off-Road Park

10. Arches National Park: Otherworldly red rock formations and over 2,000 natural arches make this a can’t-miss stop in Utah’s canyon country. Sunrise and sunset bring the landscape to life with shifting colors, and even short hikes lead to jaw-dropping payoffs. Bring water—it’s hot, dry, and totally worth it. You also need to purchase timed-entry reservations during peak season. Where to camp:

Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

Sun Outdoors North Moab

Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Up the Creek Campground

11. Joshua Tree National Park: Where two deserts collide, weird and wonderful things grow. Sitting between the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert, Joshua Tree National Park in California sports signature trees, giant boulders, and cosmic night skies, making it a magnet for artists, stargazers, and climbers alike. Sunrise hikes and campfire nights here are something special. Where to camp:

Joshua Tree RV Campground

Desert Drifter RV Resort

The Sands RV & Golf Resort (55+)

Coachella Lakes RV Resort

Indian Wells

12. Zion National Park: Towering red cliffs, dramatic canyons, and trails like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows—Zion

brings the wow at this trending national park in Utah. Ride the park shuttle for easy access, then lace up for adventures that range from family-friendly strolls to heart-pounding scrambles. Where to camp:

Kanab RV Corral

Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campground

Hitch-N-Post RV Park

Cross Hollow RV Resort

Dark Sky RV Campground

13. Indiana Dunes National Park: A lakefront surprise in the Midwest, Indiana Dunes offers sandy beaches, sweeping dunes, and lush inland trails. Great for swimming, birdwatching, or just a laid-back beach day near Chicago. Where to camp:

Oak Lake RV Resort

Tippecanoe River Run

14. Olympic National Park: Rainforests, mountain peaks, and the wild coastline of Washington—Olympic National Park’s diversity is unreal. You can hike a glacier one day and walk the beach the next. Don’t miss Hoh Rain Forest or Hurricane Ridge, and keep an eye out for elk, eagles, and tidepool treasures.

Where to camp:

Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina

Sooke River Campground

The Campground at Jefferson County Fairgrounds

Cove RV Park

15. Everglades National Park: Welcome to the swamp (the good kind). The Everglades National Park in Florida is home to gators, manatees, and miles of slow-moving rivers and marshland. Explore by kayak or airboat and experience one of the most unique ecosystems in the U.S. Don’t forget the bug spray! Where to camp:

Key Largo Kampground

Sun Outdoors Key Largo

Sun Outdoors Islamorada

KOA’s List of ’14 Must See National Parks’ Kampgrounds of America has published its own list of “14 Must-See National Parks” (no surprise with the overlap with

Campsite’s trending parks) with the KOA campgrounds that are nearby, compiled by Matt Kirouac (https://koa.com/blog/ must-see-national-parks/). Kirouac’s list includes:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Townsend/Great Smokies KOA

Holiday

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA

Holiday

Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA

Holiday

Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain

KOA Holiday

Yellowstone National Park

Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA

Holiday

Red Lodge KOA Journey

Cody KOA Holiday

Dubois / White River KOA Holiday

Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey

Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA

Badlands National Park (Badlands / White River KOA Holiday)

Saguaro National Park (Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort)

Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday)

Haleakalā National Park  Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Carlsbad KOA Holiday)

Crater Lake National Park (Lemolo Lark / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday)

Death Valley National Park (Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA)

Glacier National Park

West Glacier KOA Resort

Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday

St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday

Zion National Park (St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain Park KOA Holiday

Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain

National Park KOA Journey

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon / Williams KOA

Journey

Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA

Holiday

Joshua Tree National Park (Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA)

“Camping is a high-value travel experience, offering opportunities to disconnect and spend time with friends and family in nature,” says Kampground of America. “The majority of the campgrounds in our system have cabins onsite that are an easy entry point for travelers seeking to benefit from time spent outdoors while enjoying creature comforts. We know that most campers are travelling less than 200 miles to go camping, it is a high-value way to explore the national parks and local communities nearby and certainly lower expense than other forms of travel.”

Use the Find a KOA locator (https:// koa.com/find-a-koa/). The koa.com website also has really helpful articles.

Camping Season Underway in New York State New York State offers some of the most exciting camping experiences in the country – from the star-studded nights of the Adirondacks and the Catskills to the tranquil sunrise vistas along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. State parks like Watkins Glen and Letchworth State Park offer a variety of camping options, from parking your RV, or renting a cozy cabin or cottage, to pitching a tent beneath the celestial canopy.

Discover private campgrounds, many of which can be conveniently booked through CampNewYork.com or explore the public campgrounds managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. (Book NYS Park campsites at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/)

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

Random thoughts about my cat, Bette Davis

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

A few years ago when we were looking to adopt a kitten from a non-profit animal shelter on Long Island we came across a black and white “tuxedo” cat that we would name Bette Davis. We saw her at four weeks but we had to wait until she was three months old and had been vet checked before we could take her home.

When my family and I brought her home I set Bette on the floor and let her roam around the house to get acclimated to her new surroundings. She found the soft little bed I’d bought her then slept for 24 hours. After her long sleep Bette got up and ate. That’s when she spotted the soft rubber ball and she chased that ball for hours watching it bounce off the walls and furniture. What an entertaining kitten I had. She certainly had lots of energy she needed to shake off.

Any time I happen to drape an apron over the back of a chair she will spot the apron strings hanging down and immediately start batting them, pulling on them, etc. I’m not sure what it is with cats and apron strings but they can play for hours with those strings.

It is inevitable. I don’t think twice about tossing an apron across a chair but that signals a go-ahead to Bette to start playing. She really seems pleased with herself when she manages to pull the apron all the way off the chair and onto the floor. It’s entertainment, that’s for sure.

Whenever there’s a pile of clean laundry I’ve placed on the couch before folding Bette jumps right on top and snuggles down. At first I usually don’t notice this but then when I walk past I see her comfortably ensconced in the clean laundry. I guess there is nothing as enticing to a cat as freshly washed clothes so they make themselves right at home.

The other day I was doing some sewing when guess who came along wondering what I was up to. At one point I placed the spool of thread on the table I was working at and Bette jumped up to play with it. She’d seen a bit of thread sticking out and it was tempting so she

grabbed it and scampered away and she was half-way across the living room before I caught her.

I had reached for the scissors and my hands were occupied with cutting some thread close to the cloth so even though I saw what Bette was up to, she gleefully ran off with my thread and she got about six feet away before I snatched her and the spool of thread I needed. She had a twinkle in her eye - I saw that - when she’d run away before I could stop her so she likes playing tricks on us whenever she can.

In another incident, a few months ago I decided to crochet a sweater for my sister, Susan, so I got several skeins of yarn and laid them on the couch. They were all different colors because I wanted to see which colors would work best. Choosing two colors of yarn, I left the other skeins on the couch. Once I got started on my project, I concentrated on what I was doing so I didn’t notice when Bette found a stray piece of yarn and started pulling at it. You guessed it - off she went.

Whenever the weather permits it my family and I use our screened-in outdoor porch a lot and Bette loves being outside on the porch. It must make her feel like she’s in “the wild.” Her ears perk up when she hears a bird singing in a tree nearby. I see her nose lift when there is a gentle cool breeze and she likes smelling the air. If a neighbor is cooking food on an outdoor grill she smells that, too.

Bette stays outside on a chair or lounge for several hours and if the weather is okay we let her do just that. She comes inside occasionally for food and water but she really enjoys being outside.

At sunset Bette knows it’s time to come inside so we call her, shut the door and she’s content knowing she has just enjoyed being “outside” all day. We never let her loose outside - there are too many dangers of predators such as other animals and cars driving by too fast. We keep Bette safe and enjoy her company. She likes pulling little pranks on the adults in the house.

I can tell Bette is glad to have a good home. She curls up in a cat tower, curls

up in a corner of the couch or she curls up on the foot of my bed and looks as comfortable as can be. She also looks as cute as can be. Sometimes she makes me want to take a little cat nap but most times I resist the temptation.

Over the years I’ve noticed that each cat has a different personality and what I like about Bette is her independence and feistiness. She knows what she wants whether it’s mealtime and she’s hoping for something special or whether it’s a good time to go outside on the screen-in porch and take a look at the world around her.

Bette likes to sleep during the day and stay up half the night which means that she also wants my family members to wake up at night and play with her but aside from that she’s a great pet.

Bette knows her name and she also seems to know the pet nicknames we call her: Sweetie, Muffin and Kitten are three of them and even though she’s not a kitten anymore, she is 10 years old, I’ve been known to call her that. We celebrate her birthday each February and she doesn’t get a birthday cake but she gets some cat toys and lots of extra attention. It’s all about the love.

Explaining Little Quirks in Social Security Law in 1,000 Words

BY TOM MARGENAU

I doubt if any of you have ever bothered to count, but my average weekly column comes out to about 1,000 words. I bring this up because the other day, a national newspaper asked me to write a one-time Social Security column for them. They told me that wanted me to answer five questions (of their choosing) and that they would give me 500 words of space in their publication.

I politely turned them down. I mean -- I suppose I could have done it. But because there are so many “ifs, ands or buts” associated with Social Security rules, I just don’t think I could have done them justice limiting myself to so few words.

I was thinking about this today when I got what many might think is a simple question from a reader. I’m going to spend the rest of this column (way more than 100 words) answering it. Here goes.

Q: I will be turning 62 on June 1, 2025. I applied for Social Security to start on that day. I was told that I was eligible for benefits in May. Why? Anyway, I assumed my first check would come in June (because I know benefits come one month late). But I just got my “award letter” and it said my first check will come in July! Can you explain what it going on?

A: Yes, I can explain. The answers are actually kind of interesting.

First, we come to a little quirk, not in Social Security law, but in general knowledge: You actually attain your next birth year on the day before your actual birthday.

For example, I was born on June 22, 1949. So as you might guess, my parents celebrated my first birthday on June 22, 1950. But if you think about it, I actually had lived one whole year on June 21, 1950. So on my “birthday,” I was really one year and one day old.

Now normally, that is an interesting but useless tidbit of knowledge. Even for Social Security purposes, it usually means nothing. For example, I started my Social Security benefits at age 63 in June 2012. The fact that I actually turned 63 on June 21 instead of June 22 meant nothing to my Social Security eligibility. June 2012 was still my first month of eligibility.

But this little birthday quirk means a whole lot if you happen to be born on the first day of the month, because it means you attain your age on the last day of the prior month. And that can give you an extra month of Social Security eligibility.

Let’s look at your case. You said you turn 62 on June 1, 2025. But you actually attain your 62nd complete year on May 31, 2025. May 2025 would normally be your first month of eligibility. So why will you be getting your first Social Security check in July? Well, that leads me to the next little quirk in the law.

To explain, I have to take you back to the early 1980s. Ronald Reagan was elected president. He and his advisers were

sort of like the President Donald Trump and Elon Musk of their day in that they were looking for ways to cut government spending. And because Social Security makes up one-fourth of the entire federal budget, if you were looking for ways to cut federal spending, it would be a good place to start.

But Reagan and his people weren’t foolish enough to unilaterally cut everyone’s Social Security checks. Instead, they looked for little ways to nibble away at the edges of the program. One idea they came up with was a small cut in benefits for people who started their Social Security at age 62. The rule they put in place said that you had to be 62 for an entire month before could get your first Social Security check.

So back to your case. For Social Security purposes, you legally turn age 62 on May 31, 2025. But that is only one day of the month. The first month you are age 62 for the entire month is June. That makes June your first month of Social Security eligibility. So why won’t you get your first check until July?

Well, you mentioned another little quirk in the law in your question to me. You correctly pointed out that Social Security checks come one month behind. So your first payment, the June payment, will be sent to you in July.

Did you follow all of that? Your birthday is on June 1, 2025. But you actually attain your age on May 31, 2025. You aren’t 62 for a full calendar month until June 2025, meaning your first Social Security check will come in July 2025. Did I explain all of that in 100 words? Not even close!

Now I’m going to throw in one more piece of the puzzle. These rules can also come into play for people born on the second day of the month -- but only for those who start their benefits at age 62. I will use my wife as an example.

My wife was born on Sept. 2, 1944. (And please don’t remind me that I married a woman who is five years older than me! What was I thinking?)

Anyway, she started her Social Security benefits at age 62. So she was 62 on Sept. 2, 2006. But because of the Reagan law mentioned earlier, October 2006 would have been the first month she was 62 for the entire month, meaning her first benefit would have been paid in November 2006.

But she got her first check in October 2006. Why? Because of that birthday anomaly we talked about earlier. She legally attained age 62 on Sept. 1, 2006. And so that meant she was 62 for the entire month of September, making that her Social Security eligibility month and giving her an initial Social Security check in October.

One final point: Please note that the “must be of age an entire month” Reagan rule applies only to those starting benefits at age 62. So if you start benefits at 62 1/2, or 66, or 70 or whatever, that little quirk in the law doesn’t come into play.

Phew! The “answer” part of this column was 1,045 words!

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

How was the performance of real estate in the first quarter 2025

The U.S. housing market was in a state of flux in the first quarter of 2025. Sales of existing homes hit a 10-month high in January before dropping in February, only to rise again in March. Home prices are increasing in most parts of the country, and mortgage rates have stayed between 6.5% and 7%, leading many homebuyers to postpone their purchase. During the first quarter of 2025, the median sales prices for residential properties in Nassau County increased year over year was as follows:

• Single-Family Homes: Median sales price increased by 9.8% to $810,000

• Condos: Median sales price increased by 21.3% to $770,000

• Co-ops: Median sales price increased by 12.2% to $336,500

The average increase across these property types can be calculated as: (9.8% + 21.3% + 12.2%) / 3 = 14.4%

Thus, the average increase in median sales prices was approximately 14.4%, and the median increase was 12.2%.

Inventory has continued to grow nationwide, with the total number of homes for sale up considerably from the same period last year. Buyer demand has softened within specific areas of the U.S., and properties are spending more time on the market as a result, forcing some sellers to slash prices as they adjust to changing market conditions. Although housing costs are up nationally, price growth is moderating, and with inventory at its highest level in years, buyers may face less competition and have more options in the months ahead.

The Housing Affordability Index in Nassau County decreased across all residential property types in Q1-2025 compared to Q1-2024:

• Single-Family Homes: Dropped by 8.8% from 80 to 73.

• Condos: Dropped by 17.2% from 93 to 77.

• Co-ops: Dropped by 10.7% from 197 to 176.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

This indicates that housing affordability worsened in Q1-2025, with buyers needing a higher percentage of their income to qualify for median-priced homes under prevailing interest rates.

Inventory has continued to grow nationwide, with the total number of homes for sale up considerably from the same period last year. Buyer demand has softened slightly, and properties are spending more time on the market as a result, forcing some sellers in many areas to slash prices (not necessarily in Long Island) as they adjust to changing market conditions. Although housing costs are up nationally, price growth is moderating, and with inventory at its highest level in years.

From my observations over the last few years, real estate sales in the vast majority of states, cities, and towns is basically determined, first off by interest rates. However, other pertinent variables which are affected by those rates are the amount of inventory, increasing or decreasing, the local economy, existing jobs and what I call the fear factor, keeping buyers on the sidelines, as well as fomo (fear of missing out) for those that can afford to purchase.

I believe, the tariffs that have been imposed across the board, then paused, then on again, as I converse and have discussions with many people, that there is a fear factor that is occurring.

People (as well as small and large businesses), cannot plan consistently on their course of actions; and what is going to happen going forward in the short and long term for consumers and the business environment. The current flip-flopping of the switch on and switch off decisions to raise, pause and eliminate tariffs is an extremely confusing factor that the majority cannot see clearly and consistently in determining future planning.

We have literally pissed off and negated the trust and credibility of our long term allies. We have set in motion a dire and no turning back situation that may never resolve itself with respect to having trusting trade partners ever again. China is wooing those countries directly, which unless something changes with respect to our tariffs, it will be a losing battle for the U.S.

Come back next week for Part2

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

National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).

Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.

National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low

Calling all College students!

carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

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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:

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Why Houseplants Turn Brown and How to Stop It

BY MARY HUNT

Not only do houseplants bring warmth and a sense of calm to a home, but they are also an inexpensive way to decorate. Keeping your beautiful houseplants looking healthy and green is the challenge. The most common question is: Why do the leaves turn brown?

According to the Smart Garden Guide, there are many reasons why the leaves on your indoor plants may turn brown:

-- Improper watering or fertilizing.

-- Transplant shock.

-- Environmental causes due to lighting, heat, drafts or humidity.

-- Pest or disease issues.

-- Natural causes such as acclimatization or age.

The first step in solving the problem is to determine where on the plant leaf the problem is occurring. Is it along the edges or on the tip of the leaf? Are there brown spots?

BROWN LEAF TIPS

When the tips of the leaves appear dried out, thin like paper and crumbly, that’s a good indication that you have a water or fertilizer issue going on.

Most houseplants take water up through the roots until it reaches the leaves, where it nourishes the plant through photosynthesis. If there isn’t enough water to go around, the leaf tips turn brown because they are the last in line.

The key to fixing watering problems is to know exactly how much water your plants need and then follow an appropriate watering regime. Some plants prefer their soil to be moist at all times, and oth-

BY MARY HUNT

Dear Mary: We would like to enlarge our small two-bedroom bungalow. Our kids are reaching the teen years, and we need more space. We have always budgeted our money.

We have $6,000 in our emergency fund and drive two paid-for cars, and our only debt is our mortgage. We have college savings accounts for our kids and tithe to our church. Our annual income is about $140,000.

We have five different bids, and they all came in about the same at $160,000 to add three rooms upstairs, plus a stairway. Even though I know adding 900 square feet will increase the value of our home, I feel queasy about increasing our mortgage debt. What is your advice for us? -- Sam and Edie

Dear Sam and Edie: I can understand that you are nervous about taking on a big new monthly payment, one that could well double what you are paying now -plus increased property taxes. Here’s a good way to find out if you can reasonably

ers like the soil to dry out slightly before they are given more water.

UNDERWATERING

Use your index finger to check soil moisture levels, and only water once the soil has dried out an appropriate amount for the plant you are growing. Then water thoroughly until excess water drains out the bottom of the container.

OVERWATERING

Most often, brown leaf tips indicate underwatering. But overwatering can also cause this problem by pushing too much air out of the soil and into the plant leaves, which removes all the plant’s oxygen. If the brown leaves feel more mushy than stiff and papery, overwatering is likely the problem.

BROWN SPOTS

try to treat the plant with a recommended fungicide from a garden store, although it may be easier and less expensive to discard and replace it with a new, healthy plant.

ENTIRELY BROWN LEAVES

Sometimes, the leaves of a plant will fade into a yellow color and then turn brown, dry out and fall off. This usually happens to the lower leaves on a plant but can also happen to top leaves or those in the middle.

This can occur randomly or sometimes in patterns on the leaves. If left alone, often those spots and patches can fill in and take over the entire leaf. Brown spots are usually a sign of disease or insect pests.

INSECT PESTS

Good care of houseplants means checking them routinely for insect infestation or diseases and then treating them quickly. There is a range of options if you discover insect problems, from carefully picking insects off by hand to treating the problem with insecticidal soap.

DISEASE

In the case of fungal disease, you can

When this happens, it’s often just a sign of a plant shedding leaves as part of its aging process. It’s completely unrelated to its care.

Routinely grooming your plants to remove these dead leaves -- in the same way that you deadhead spent blooms on outdoor plants -allows the younger parts of the plant to receive more of the plant’s water and nutrition. It’s the circle of life and self-preservation in process.

To remove dead leaves that have not yet fallen on their own, use a sharp pair of scissors you have dipped in rubbing alcohol. Sharp blades minimize damage to healthy plant cells in the leaves, reducing the energy the plant must expend to heal the open wound.

NUTRIENT PROBLEMS

All plants need nutrients. It is essential for their growth and beauty. Indoor plants take that from the soil. But when

Debt and That Squished Feeling

afford to do this:

Figure out your new monthly payment, including taxes and insurance, using any online mortgage calculator. Starting now -- this month -- live as if you have already taken on this new expense. Start making this payment to yourselves, on time and without fail. Every month. How does that feel? Can you sleep? Stressed out of your mind? You’ll know in a few months if you can handle this.

It seems to me that you are in a fairly good financial situation. You have no unsecured debt; you are preparing well for the future; and you have a substantial income. I am concerned, however, that your emergency fund is kinda thin. You need at least six months of living expenses in that account.

All things considered, provided you are comfortable with the added expense and can quickly beef that emergency fund, this sounds like a reasonable risk that will improve your lives and increase your net worth too. This is exciting!

Dear Mary: I am retired and have a mortgage of $89,000 at 5% interest.

the soil becomes depleted, it’s necessary to replenish that with plant nutrients or fertilizer.

UNDERFERTILIZING

Lack of nutrients will cause plant laves to die from lack of nourishment.

OVERFERTILIZING

Giving a plant too much fertilizer is not good either. In fact, it is the second most common reason that leaves turn brown at the leaf tips, known as “fertilizer burn.”

SOLUTION

The way to keep your plants well nourished but not overfertilized is to use an appropriate fertilizer according to the directions on the package label. Don’t go overboard!

Should you see a whitish buildup of salt on the top of the soil, you need to thoroughly flush the buildup out of the soil. Set the plant in a sink or bathtub, and water it with distilled water until the water freely flows out of the bottom of the container.

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/ contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book Debt-Proof Living. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

I have enough money in my 401(k) to pay off the mortgage. Should I do this? -- Ron

Dear Ron: I don’t have enough information to begin to advise you on this because it depends on your age, the total amount in your retirement account and how you have those funds invested currently. But I can give you some ideas to consider.

Like all investments, money in a 401(k) is money at risk. Even if you have selected low-risk investments, you could lose it.

Your debt, on the other hand, is a sure thing, and investing in it will give you a guaranteed return of 5% (the exact rate you are now paying). This is how that works:

Let’s say you are currently paying $4,000 a year in interest on your mortgage. If you take $89,000 from your account and pay it off, you get to keep that $4,000 every year going forward. That is your return on the $89,000 investment you made in your debt. It’s a sure thing, regardless of what happens to the market or real estate values, and a wise move if you have sufficient money to do that, which it appears

that you do.

Knowing your home is paid for offers a certain amount of security in the face of a changing economy.

However, if doing this would deplete your retirement account and you have many years ahead of you, it may not be wise for you to invest your money in this way at this time.

Especially in retirement, you need the security of readily available cash. I recommend you get sound advice from a fee-only financial planner. Hope that helps!

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/ contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book Debt-Proof Living. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of April 27-May 3, 2025

If you’ve been following my column for a while, you know that there are many kinds of constellations in the sky. You also know that most of these look nothing like their namesakes but are simply celestial representations of objects, animals and people.

We in the Western Hemisphere know of 88 constellations distributed around the heavens, passed down to us by ancient skywatchers. Represented among the stars are objects that include a crown, a microscope, a furnace and an air pump, as well as a few people such as a sculptor, an archer, a queen and a herdsman.

Also appearing there are quite a few animals, including two bears, a lion, a scorpion, a whale, a toucan -- even a housefly, for heaven’s sake! But some of these figures are pure fantasy; for example, a unicorn, a centaur and a winged horse.

One of my favorites of these is Draco, the dragon, known throughout the ancient world as a variety of mythical creatures. Ancient Greek mythology tells that it was associated with Ladon, the dragon guarding the Golden Apples of the Hesperides -- a formidable creature that Hercules had to defeat as one of his 12 Labors.

It’s not that tough to find in the sky

STARGAZERS

Finding the Celestial Dragon

once you locate the seven stars of the Big Dipper, high in the north just after dark this week.

If you follow the two stars at the end of the Big Dipper’s bowl downward, you’ll soon come to Polaris, the North Star. From Polaris emerge the handle and bowl of the Little Dipper, which is smaller, fainter and inverted from its larger cousin. If you live beneath or near the lights of a large city or have bright moonlight, you may not see it at all.

It’s between these two famous dippers that the dragon winds its way across the northern sky. Look for its string of stars that begins nearly between the Big Dipper’s pointer stars and Polaris. This end marks the tail of the dragon. Follow the string of stars downward until it snakes westward toward Polaris, where it makes another sharp turn and heads eastward once again.

At the lower end of the sinuous, dragonlike body lies a group of four stars that form the dragon’s head, but modern amateur astronomers instead refer to this shape as the “lozenge.”

The two stars at the back end of the Dipper’s bowl (closest to its handle) can be used as another pointer. If you follow them in the same direction, you’ll soon come to a medium-bright star known as Thuban, whose name (not coincidentally) comes from an Arabic word meaning “dragon.”

While it doesn’t look like a particularly important or interesting star, Thuban certainly was a few thousand years ago. Because of the nearly 26,000year wobble of our Earth’s axis (known as precession), this star, and not Polaris, served as the North Star while the Egyptians were building pyramids.

If we return 21 millennia from now, we’ll notice that Polaris has again drift-

ed away from the north celestial pole and see that Thuban has once again taken over as the North Star -- a sort of “back to the celestial future.”

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. T.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

Playing Chicken With My Dinner

The constellation Draco has been associated with numerous mythical creatures over the years.

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“What do you want for dinner?” I asked my husband.

“How about fish?” he replied.

I shook my head. “I had fish for lunch. How about steak?”

“I’m sick of steak,” he said. “How about chicken?”

I nodded. “Chicken it is.”

My husband went outside to light the grill while I jumped in the car to go get the food. I had planned to run into the supermarket, get the chicken, and then go right back home. But when I got inside, I realized I needed a bunch of other things. Half an hour later, I checked out with all my groceries and went home. ...

Without the chicken.

“Ugh, I never bought the chicken!” I groaned as I finished unpacking the

bags. I scanned my receipt. No chicken. “What are you going to do?” my husband asked.

“Go back and get the chicken.”

I got back in the car and returned to the supermarket, purchased the chicken and went home. ...

Without the chicken.

“Oh my god! I did it again,” I sighed. “This time I remembered to buy the chicken, but I must have left it in the bag at checkout.”

“What are you going to do?” he asked again.

“Go back and pick up my chicken!”

I really couldn’t believe I had forgotten the chicken twice. I wasn’t usually that forgetful. Yes, I did forget to pick up my luggage at baggage claim once. And I also forgot to pick up my daughter from school once. And I did leave my son at Target that one time. So maybe I was a little forgetful. But based on this

track record, I’d probably forget that I was forgetful so I didn’t really have to worry that it might be a problem.

Cursing all the way to my car, I went back to the supermarket to get another chicken. I showed them my receipt and explained the situation, and they let me pick another one. Then I threw it in my cart and went home. ...

Without the chicken.

“Where’s the chicken?” asked my husband as I walked in the door utterly chicken-less.

I looked down at my empty hands and slapped my forehead.

“I can’t even believe it,” I replied. “I think I left it in the shopping cart.”

“Honey, do you have memory issues?”

“No, but apparently I have poultry issues.”

At this point, I wondered if I should change our dinner plan. But I had

already bought all the stuff to go with the chicken, and everyone was looking forward to it, so I decided I would give it one more shot. I got in the car one last time and went off, again, to the supermarket. When I got home, I held up a supermarket bag in triumph.

“Did you get the chicken?” my husband asked tentatively when I walked in the door.

“No,” I replied. “I decided we should have steak instead.”

“Why?”

“They were out of chicken.”

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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Pecans add the perfect finishing touch

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Serves 4

Pecans can make any recipe better. Whether they add a nutritious crunch to oatmeal, star as the lead ingredient in pecan pie or give cookies that little something extra, pecans elevate the foods they touch.

In this recipe “Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes” from “Simply Scratch” (Avery) by Laurie McNamara, honey-covered pecans are the crowning touch on sweet potatoes, helping to make this side dish one to remember at any special meal.

2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed

1 teaspoon olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons chili powder

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch

2 tablespoons honey

3⁄4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1) Preheat the oven to 400° F.

2) Massage the olive oil onto the sweet potatoes and set them on a small baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife glides through effortlessly. Let cool until safe to handle. Keep the oven on.

3) Halve the sweet potatoes horizontally and carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl. Set the skins aside.

4) Add the butter, maple syrup, chili powder, cinnamon, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt and use a potato masher to mash the filling until smooth.

5) In a small bowl, combine the honey, pecans, and a pinch of salt.

5) Place the skins side by side in a small baking dish. Spoon the filling in, dividing it evenly, and top with the honeyed pecans. Bake for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Resident questions Rec Department hire versus overtime cost

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the April 7 Board of Trustees budget hearing, residents and trustees discussed the approved $71,228,931 municipal budget, including a proposed new hire in the Recreation and Parks Department. One resident, Robert Herz, raised concerns about the decision to add a new employee without a comparative analysis of overtime costs for current staff.

Herz said the issue should have been addressed during the April 3 final budget review.

“In my opinion, an analysis should have been prepared in advance of the discussion about the request to add four additional laborers which would have been compared to the cost of additional overtime for existing laborers versus the cost of a new laborer. This analysis was not done. And I really felt it should have been discussed. We should have compared the cost of laborer that would be hired to the cost of overtime which will be incurred by our existing workers in terms of the trade-off because we have an opportunity to have the existing workers work longer and if we did that we would void hiring another laborer in terms of new person.And I feel that kind of analysis in terms of existing resources and the ability to add overtime should be assessed for any kind of position that we are thinking about in terms of adding headcount. If you think about the analysis, if you have four workers and they each work 10 hours more per week that’s 40 hours

and that’s what a new laborer would work,” he said.

He commented that four existing employees each working 10 additional hours per week would match the workload of one full-time employee. Herz estimated that overtime costs— including wages and associated payroll expenses such as FICA (7.65%) and state pension contributions (16.5%)—would total $98,000. In contrast, he said the cost of hiring a new employee, including benefits and post-retirement healthcare, would total $136,000.

“When you think about their (current employees’) incremental cost, it’s overtime pay in terms of how they get paid 50% more than they normally would and that has spillover effects in terms of the FICA that’s paid 7.65% as well as the payment to the state for ERS employees, at 16.5% for the new year. Here, 16.5% of their pay goes to the ERS for pensions. After my analysis of the overtime and the extra benefits for these workers, the total comes to $98,000. When you do the same analysis for hiring a new employee, it comes to $136,000 and that includes post-retirement healthcare. The difference is $38,000 in terms of this trade-off. Working the existing workforce harder versus hiring a new employee would save the village $38,000,” Herz asserted. He urged the Board to conduct this type of cost-benefit analysis earlier in the budget planning process. “By incurring extra overtime (for existing employees) it saves the village money when it’s viewed on a holistic basis,” Herz said at the budget hearing.

Mayor Ed Finneran responded, noting that the number of proposed hires had already been significantly reduced.

“It started with the eight proposed hires, and then was whittled down to four, now one. We worked very hard on that issue. Mr. Hill represented himself very well in trying to convince the board (in the weeks of budget review sessions),” Finneran said.

Trustee Bruce Torino acknowledged Herz’s point but offered context.

“You made a great point Mr. Herz, but the only thing I would disagree with you there slightly is there are certain positions that are needed in all these departments that need to work on a full-time basis rather than just floating – like, ‘we can call you on Saturday, or have you work later.’ There are some positions that just need to be focused for that Monday thru Friday, consistently, and those don’t suit overtime. But overall, you are right. There are areas that definitely can be used as overtime and that would save the village money,” he said.

He added that while overtime can be cost-effective for some roles, others require dedicated staff with set schedules.

Herz agreed that some positions require fixed schedules but pointed out that the Recreation Department had $300,000 in overtime in the 2024–25 budget, which was reduced to $140,000 in the 2025–26 budget.

“It was budgeted to drop to $140,000 so I don’t know what the revised budget is, as prepared. That’s what I am trying

to highlight. There are issues with the days of the week,” he shared.

Torino thanked Herz for his comments and noted that time constraints limited the ability to conduct additional analysis before the April 7 public hearing.

“It turns out that it would have been nice to have the documentation done earlier under the facts and circumstances of the budget process. It was determined to go with hiring only one new person, and defer this planning until the actual work has been begun. We will have more data coming in. As a Village Board, we can make changes during the process once the analysis and the data comes in. So, we are taking that very seriously and under advisement,” Torino said.

Following the discussion, the Board approved the budget and closed the public hearing. The adopted 2025–26 budget includes a local tax levy of $55,697,493 to fund proposed expenditures.

As read into the record by Mayor Finneran, the village tax rate is set at $51.8962 per $100 of assessed valuation— approximately $51.90—excluding LIRR properties, which are taxed per state law. The resolution authorizes the village clerk to extend and collect the tax amounts from property owners.

The final budget includes a $3,311,230 surplus and estimated revenues of $12,220,208, resulting in the balance to be raised through taxation.

Public Works’ change orders approved, bid awarded

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ed. Trustee Vinny Muldoon reminded the Board that the project includes both tennis and pickleball courts.

Borroni said the work, including the $53,650 change order, should only take a few weeks to complete.

“We did not pause the work, we continued with rehabbing the fence around it but the slight pause was for the Board’s approval. We expect this to be completed well before Memorial Day (May 26th),” he said.

Muldoon also asked about water access and whether underground tanks could be used. Borroni confirmed they were not a viable option.

The second Public Works item involved a $24,200 change order to increase the Ground Storage Tanks Repair Capital account from $570,000 to $594,700, using funds from the Water Surplus account. Bridgeway Associates Corp. of Hillside, New Jersey, submitted the change order for additional work on the Water Storage Tank Improvement Project, reflecting updated Health

Department regulations and village requests.

The Board also awarded a bundled contract for interior bathroom renovations and SCADA Room improvements at the Water Department facility. The bid, totaling $164,271 (including Alternate #1), was awarded to L.I. Craftsmanship Inc. of Holbrook as the lowest responsible bidder.

The two projects were separately budgeted: $175,000 for the bathrooms and $50,000 for the SCADA room. Bids were opened on March 20, and a March 26 memo from Borroni confirmed funding availability in the respective capital accounts.

“The project will be funded through existing capital accounts with remaining funds reserved for potential change orders,” Borroni said .

Negative Declaration

The Board also adopted a Negative Declaration for environmental review regarding the Meter Reading Radio System, approving the associated Short Environmental Assessment Form.

“This system is designed solely to receive radio signals from existing water meters, and does not transmit any signals. As such it is expected to have minimal to no environmental impact,” he said.

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EAB discusses new Pollinators Garden

Michele Harrington, said the board agreed that emphasizing pollinator protection was a key focus.

On Tuesday, Village Arborist Joe Umana joined Assistant Superintendent of Recreation & Parks Andy Hill and Trustees Vinny Muldoon, Tai, and Harrington for the garden’s grand opening and Earth Day celebration. Dozens of young children and residents gathered to watch butterflies released into the large tulips near the gazebo.

Umana explained the plant species selected for the site. “We mainly used the butterfly bush, which are strong and withstand time, and along the back area we have different colors with lavender, purple and pink. In the front we have yarrow to match with the tulips, and at the base of the sign there’s Veronica (perennials) which are also pollinator attractors. Behind the sign there’s some echinacea and while they have not shown yet, we also planted milkweed – the most vital one to attract Monarch butterflies. The Monarchs need milkweed to feed on and also to lay their eggs.”

He also shared insights about bees and other pollinators with attendees. “We need the bees to make stronger plants, as they help spread pollen collected on their bodies and wings, going through the process of cross-pollination and making stronger plants for the future. This is integral to keeping Garden City vibrant by keeping our butterflies and pollinators here.”

The meeting emphasized public education—especially for students— and encouraged residents to support pollinators by creating habitats. That includes planting food-source flowers, even when some might not fit the best look of a Garden City front yard.

“Consider adding some clover to your lawn,” Bailey said. “It’s good for pollinators and requires less water and

fertilizer. Pesky dandelions and violets in our lawns can be important as early season food sources for pollinators.”

EAB member Kurt Ehrig added, “Some think the clover creates phosphorus but it doesn’t, it makes it better, and it also helps with nitrogen production. Having clover in your lawn helps make it healthier and more green naturally without having to dump extra fertilizer in.”

The group discussed the idea of delaying mowing until late May. Bailey noted the “No-Mow May” movement is somewhat controversial but suggested that mowing less often in the coming weeks is a reasonable compromise.

She said another important step can be keeping the leaves from the winter, using a mulching mower so the leaves are saved. They can also be raked into garden beds or compost since moth and butterfly species “overwinter” in the fallen leaves, so they can remain in that on a lawn. Bailey recognized that people would not prefer leaves on the front lawn so she suggested a pile of leaves in the backyard or garden, to help pollinators survive.

Bailey shared a list of top pollinator plants recommended by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Northeast Region, particularly those that bloom in the fall: cardinal flower, white wood aster, gray goldenrod, wrinkle-leaf goldenrod, New England aster, and white turtlehead.

She concluded the 40-minute presentation by stressing the importance of pollinators to both agriculture and ecosystems. While humans wouldn’t necessarily starve without them, diets would be less diverse, and vital ecological functions would be disrupted.

“If insects disappear then the bird population will be impacted because birds eat insects; if birds can’t find insects that will impact their population. Some pollinators are good for the patrol of nuisance insects like aphids, so we would lose that ecological benefit

LV Sands drops bid to build casino at coliseum site

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new plans for the coliseum site, which may or may not include a casino.

The Say No to the Casino Civic Association, which has many Garden City members, commented, "We are thrilled that Las Vegas Sands has walked away from this fight. Our group fought hard to show that dropping a mega casino in the middle of our suburban community would be a wholly destructive choice.

"There will never be support for a

without pollinators,” she explained.

Bailey cited the popular claim that “one in three bites of food is dependent on pollinators,” and illustrated the point with data on crop yield dependency.

Highly dependent crops (with 40–90% yield reduction without pollinators) include apples, blueberries, cherries, mangoes, peaches, apricots, almonds, kola nuts, and avocados. Crops with over 90% dependency include kiwis, melons, watermelons, pumpkins, cocoa beans, Brazil nuts, vanilla, and quinces.

Crops with no pollinator dependency include cereals like corn, wheat, and rice. These are major U.S. staples. When measured by crop tonnage rather than diversity, Bailey explained, the impact of losing pollinators would be about an 8% production decline in low- to middle-income countries and about 5% in high-income countries.

Baily referenced research from Marcelo Aizen and Alexandra MariaKlein, published on OurWorldinData. org, about the impact that pollinators have on crop yields.

“Roots such as carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes and legumes as well as some fruits and vegetables such as bananas, pineapples and grapes also show no dependency on pollinators. The next category down with a yield production of 0% to 10% if all pollinators disappeared includes oranges, lemons, limes, and tomatoes, and seeds – linseed, poppyseed, safflower seed, beans, pigeon peas and cowpeas and groundnuts. Crops with a modest dependency on pollinators – plants that would show a yield production between 10% and 40% – include soybeans, sunflower seeds, strawberries, spruce berries, okra, eggplant, coconuts and coffee beans,” Bailey noted.

The EAB also learned about the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, a 56,259-hectare UNESCO site.

Bailey noted that the Eastern Monarch population has dropped by 80% since

the 1990s, and the Western Monarchs by over 95%. Threats include pesticide use, habitat loss, climate change, and deforestation in Mexico and California.

“The solution is protecting and managing their habitats. One of the threats unique to Monarch Butterflies is that caterpillars only feed on milkweed; if you don’t have milkweed around you won’t get a next generation of Monarchs,” Bailey said.

She reviewed Xerces Society materials and emphasized that butterflies and moths pollinate over 50 economically important crops and are food sources for many other species.

Former trustee and longtime EAB member Laurence J. Quinn remarked that some butterflies will take up to five generations to make a single-year journey from Mexico to the Northeast.

“Literally the grandparent butterflies are the ones that go back – literally to have the grandkids return. Butterflies live just up to six months, depending on the species – I had some students at Sewanhaka High School who did a project on them, and they thought it could not be true,” he said.

Bailey also discussed the crucial role of bees, noting that 70% of U.S. bees nest in the ground and 90% are solitary. Over 28% of U.S. bumble bees are at risk of extinction.

She explained that beetles, among the earliest known pollinators, are vital to ancient plant species like magnolias and spicebush. One beetle fossil found in amber is over 100 million years old.

Less-discussed pollinators were also spotlighted. Wasps, ants, and flies play major roles. Wasps pollinate 960 plant species, with an estimated global pollination value of $250 billion. Their role in pest control is valued at $416 billion.

Flies, including 900 U.S. species of “flower flies,” help pollinate crops like apples, cashews, peppers, and mangoes. Ants support pollination for low-growing, stem-clustered plants.

casino in Nassau County. Now the focus can shift to defining a future for the site that benefits rather than exploits.

"While we are concerned the door remains open for the county to find a new casino partner, it was always a bad idea, and it will continue to be a bad idea, whether the county works with Las Vegas Sands or another predatory gambling company looking to extract wealth from our community. If a third party wishes to enter the process, our unrelenting opposition will fight until the end.”

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Girl Scouts host 2nd Annual Cultural Appreciation Day

Recently the Garden City Association of Girl Scouts held its Second Annual Girl Scout Cultural Appreciation Day, with the goal of celebrating and learning about the world around us.

Approximately 60 Girl Scouts did a tour of the world, “visiting” different countries at the Senior Center.

Over six countries, including - Belgium, Ecuador, Philippines, Germany, Mexico and India were represented. Each country was hosted by a troop who researched and presented information about different food and activities specific to their country. The Girl Scouts acted as ambassadors of their countries by teaching others what they learned, while also having an opportunity to explore the other countries through food (quesadillas, guac and chips, parols, waffles and orejas) and craft activities. Fun activities included guessing the dress, identifying the flag, traditional Indian henna art and a traditional German dance performance. It was a very energetic and colorful room!

As part of the special event, Girl Scout troops also collected donations for Luggage for Love - an organization dedicated to providing dignity, comfort and hope to children moving around foster care or transitional living.

It was so special to see how each Girl Scout embraced perspectives outside of their own by being a host to another country and how much they enjoyed learning and tasting new things throughout their world tour that day.

The Garden City Association of Girl Scouts wants to thank the following local businesses for their support: Prost, Riesterer, Chicos, Figgy’s Events & Original Enzian for donating supplies, foods and a German dance performance.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Girl Scouts learning about different countries and cultures.

Scouts visiting the different countries.

The Garden City Association of Girl Scouts celebrating its second annual Cultural Appreciation Day.

Daisy Scouts “traveling” to Belgium.

Friday, April 25, 2025

not respond until Thursday, March 27th, after our deadline. At that time he stated he had not seen the earlier email and would formulate a response to our questions. We have not received that response.

Preservationists have control of board To the Editor:

As your past Mayor, I find the social media posting regarding St. Paul’s by a sitting trustee disturbing. As someone who ran for office three times and served four years, with transparency as a hallmark of my service, I believe residents are being misled on St. Paul’s and feel compelled to write this letter.

I want to thank former Trustee Bob Bolebruch and others for speaking up about the misleading videos that are being shared by a Village Trustee.

A recent video shared widely shows a beautiful interior at St. Paul’s with chandeliers, a gym, and a dance studio. While it looks lovely, residents should know there are no plans that have been priced for anything like this. Not even close. Unfortunately, we do not have pricing or “ballparks” on what is being displayed in this video or in the mailings from the St. Paul’s Alliance. Residents should all know this. That is what makes it so misleading as a survey is out with “ballparks” of $60 - 75 million for “adaptive reuse.”

I am disappointed that our village leadership can’t do better than this. The preservation advocates had an opportunity with Westerman Construction to get professional pricing on a full preservation project with a community center like the one shown in Trustee Muldoon’s video. Your tax-payer dollars were being used to pay Westerman Construction, and it became clear to me at the end of my term how preservation advocates who were communicating with our consultants did not do that. Why? I can only surmise that they don’t want you to know how much it would cost. Frank McDonough, who appears to lead the preservationist group, has admitted in the GC News that

“Westerman was given an assumed budget of $50 million to determine whether that amount could provide a renovated building for community use.” Did 2023 Committee Stack the Deck?

- Garden City News So what did we find out with the initial Westerman report that appears to have been provided using the stated budget? The plan for under $50 million required covering most of the windows with painted plywood. It would not have been kept cool during hot days in the summer, and it had no interior space finished for any particular programing like what is shown in the misleading video and mailers. What is most troubling is that the preservation advocates used this report to go out to residents with numbers for on potential project in March

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

of 2023 without telling anyone about the missing windows, lack of programming, or insufficient cooling for summertime activities. Is something similar happening now as residents have received the survey putting a price tag of $60 - 75 million on “adaptive reuse”? Do residents mistakenly believe that price range includes a gym, elegant meeting rooms, and a dance studio?

Regrettably, Trustee Muldoon has not been transparent about his ballparks and failed to submit documentation sufficient to verify them. Some of his recent videos raised further questions about the completeness of his estimating, and many questions that should be answered publicly have not been. When I saw Trustee Muldoon highlighting the floor tiles in videos, I asked if he priced what it would cost to remove and replace them since the engineers had advised that all floor tiles on the first floor must be removed for the building to be certified. https://youtu.be/2lTyfQe2EYM?feature=shared (at 40:35). He never answered that question. You should know. When Walter Beal raised a serious issue of code compliance with the beautiful staircase featured in another one of his videos, Trustee Muldoon’s response on Facebook was that Walter should call him to discuss. The answer to Walter’s question should be heard by all residents.

The ongoing suggestions by members of the current Board of Trustees that issues as critical as the accuracy of cost estimates or the details of the St. Paul’s Conservancy’s elusive financing plan should be addressed behind closed doors is just unfair to residents who will be paying for any future project. Trustee Harrington more than once suggested that I was wrong to ask for the documentation on the St. Paul’s Conservancy’s financial plan, and more than once argued that I should instead take her up on her offer to schedule a meeting for me to sit down and talk to Frank McDonough and Peter Coll, the two leaders of the St. Paul’s Conservancy. How is that transparent, fair to tax-paying residents, or frankly even appropriate? We are talking about what would no doubt be the largest capital project ever undertaken by the village, and the tax payers will be paying for most, if not all of it.

You may notice that I have never advocated for any particular outcome, whether it is full preservation, partial preservation, façadism or demolition. What I am advocating for is being honest with residents. That is something we should all be able to get behind.

Former Mayor Brian Daughney, who worked hard to find a St. Paul’s solution for our village, was quoted as saying “St. Paul’s has not been solved because of the on-going constant misinformation and game-playing by the Preservationists.” He hit the nail on the

head with that comment. The only thing that’s different now is that the preservationists appear to have full control of the Village Board. This my fellow residents should worry all of you.

Mary Carter Flanagan,  Immediate Past Mayor, Village of Garden City

New GC residents beware

To the Editor:

The current Village Recreation / St. Paul’s Survey is actually a first attempt by the Village Board to get homeowner approval for a $100 million construction bond.  The survey includes questions on the St. Paul’s main building.  What the Village Board suggests are three options to deal with the existing unused building on recreation property.  However, any of the three options, you will agree to a renovation yielding about 30,000 sq ft of usable space in a building with a total of 100,000 sq ft.

Further, you should know that in over 20 years of Village ownership, every Village Board has reviewed this type of proposal and rejected it because of its many flaws and its ridiculous cost per sq ft. of usable space.

I recommend you complete the survey and on questions 4,5,6,7 please check “will not support” and on item 8 “Other”, write Demolition.  Then, return the entire survey.

Garden City should have the best recreational facilities which meet both the short and long term needs of the Village.  These proposals meet neither.    Jon Schwieger

Last call: Not so much

To the Editor:

The GCN article in the April 4 edition, p.3, was entitled “St. Paul’s survey arrives in resident mailboxes” predicted the receipt of residents of the survey, (mine mailed in a white envelope with $0.34 postage paid), “starting this week”. Yet based upon numerous Facebook posts many residents did not receive the survey for quite some time thereafter, if ever. Some resorted to online filing (see gargencitystpaulssurvey.org). Given that the survey only indicated the respondent had 2 weeks to return the UNDATED survey and at one point Trustee Muldoon posted that respondents had “ 4 weeks” to send it in. Clearly the deadline if any, is ambiguous or worse entirely subject to the whims of the BoT.-- on April 21 Trustee Courtney posted the survey will be mailed to co-op and apartment residents and the survey would be open for a “few weeks” -what does that mean.? Is this the way a survey should be conducted? If this BOT can’t even effectively execute a simple survey, does anyone really think they possess the capability to move forward and can then handle any preservation St. Paul’s project?

The current Board has stamped their

own imprimatur on the survey that saving the building is their goal by dispatching facade and demolition from the survey. (Note: The UNDATED survey cover letter is on old BoT letterhead which includes the names of then Mayor Mary Carter and Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester who clearly opposed the survey content set forth in the #27survey). Remember at a work session held at the library last winter Trustees Muldoon and Harrington even discussed a 3 week campaign “marketing” the saving of the building. There has been no pretense of impartiality in their actions, rejecting the advice of BCI, the expert firm which counseled that fairness and survey accuracy required that the two options on the Poll, facade and demolition, remain on the survey. After 27 attempts to come up with a survey we are served with one designed to preordain saving the building that has been sporadically received by the residents. The survey has unreliable cost estimates tainted by false assumptions and unrealistic expectations of perfect project execution. The 6 Trustee Town Hall presentations provided “ball park” costs with no documented cost estimation support until weeks later, (to avoid scrutiny?), a posting of only a select few sources tainted by suspected Mayor Veneziale appointed Committee members distortion of Westerman (items 1,2,3) findings. Significantly, at both the second Town Hall Mar. 6 (at approx. 2 hr. 55min.) and at the last Board meeting (Mar. 20) over which Mayor Carter Flanagan presided, she stated BCI was providing analysis of the Village needs for additional recreational indoor sq. ft. space.(1 hr. 44-5min.). Why haven’t residents been provided with that useful information to help them answer the survey intelligently? This is hardly a recipe inspiring confidence or faith in the current Board’s survey!

To the contrary highly credible individuals, Walter Beal, experienced commercial project executive and former real estate project bank lending executive, Jim Freel Sr. have come forward setting forth cogent, reasoned opinions about construction and financial risks of the preservation offerings on the survey smorgasbord. These 2 residents have clearly warned of the significant risks a preservation project carries, cost overruns, high risks of a doubling or more of total project costs. And as pointed out in Mr Freel’s letter last week (“Pay and Pay”, p.55) residents would be on the hook for whatever the cost would finally total! There would not be an exit strategy, no alternative, with large sunk costs falling into a money pit dooming the Village to suffer the financial consequences!

If you as a qualified resident have not yet returned the survey, please do it. Based on Trustee Courtney’s recent post if you somehow had returned it

favoring preservation, it is not too late to go on line and change your response. Either way please check off do not support Q. #4,5,6,7 and instead answer Q. #8 and 8A filling in DEMOLITION. Now is no time, if ever there may be one, to embark on the pursuit of a high risk, lengthy, costly preservation project.

S. G. Gorray

Effective and collaborative relationships

To the Editor:

As candidates for the Board of Education, we felt it important to share more regarding our educational priorities for your readers and our community members.

As appropriate, there has been a great deal of conversation around student achievement data and curriculum in our district for this election. As parents of Garden City students ranging from kindergarten to high school, and as people with experience in education, we know how important this issue is. To move our district forward in its work to teach every child, we need to dig deeper into all of the data to determine if correlation implies causation. We need to have strong working relationships between our board, administration, faculty and district families and to communicate with our families so that they have information and facts. In short, what is causing these statistics?

We must think of all student learning - not just one specific set of numbers from one test. Our gaze is wide and includes more information to see a more complete picture of what’s happening academically. The fact that one cohort, as a whole, scored lower on one test absolutely tells us something-but it doesn’t show us the whole picture. Multiple data points reveal bigger implications.

For example, when test scores are examined we need to go further into the resultant non-proficiency and proficiency rates. We need to ask: What are the standards students struggled with the most? In which skills did students complete the best? How are these skills being addressed currently? How are these skills addressed in other forms of instruction? How can we help teachers reach their goals for their students? How do we monitor all of these changes to ensure we are seeing progress? How do we communicate this progress?

We need to look at the results of other assessments from the same year in conjunction with this data. How do the different scores from within the same academic year compare? How are they different? Do different assessments reveal other skill proficiencies? By looking beyond one particular set of numbers, (but absolutely including all data points in our analysis) is to recognize

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

the layers to both the topic and the nature of this work. To work towards solutions, to support next steps, we need to understand the whole picture.

This work is not completed with broad strokes, but rather with nuanced and measured ones. There is no such thing as a ¨quick fix¨ to a problem in education, but several changes, small and large, are what moves us -and our children- forward. These conversations require the ability to ask tough questions and to analyze corresponding evidence with a critical eye in order to take responsible and result-driven action. The key element to do this work is the ability to communicate and build strong relationships with our educational and residential community. It cannot be completed in a silo. This work, with any and all of its resultant changes on behalf of our students, requires bridge building, connection and collaboration.

As candidates, we know that our track record of working within Garden City community organizations has provided us with the experience to be able to do this important work on behalf of all of our children effectively. We can ask the tough and critical questions, while also working with all stakeholders. As parents, we know the importance of being able to access and understand information about our children’s abilities and achievement in a way that is both straightforward and honest. Regular communication about this work with the community is important to us to provide everyone with a strong understanding of our district’s goals and direction.

A vote for Debra Cupani and Erin Debrich on May 20th is a vote for results and to build effective and collaborative relationships to help do the work.

Debra Cupani

Erin Debrich

Wealth destruction of your RMD

To the Editor:

A very specific consequence of the current economic policy may, and no doubt has cost senior citizens a real loss of wealth. Many members of this community who rely on accumulated wealth in the form of 401Ks, or related tax-advantaged retirement funds have been punished. If you are in the category of being required to take a Required Minimum Withdrawal in 2025, the value of the assets retained in a tax advantaged retirement account are set as of December 31, 2024. Unless the totality of your wealth is invested in an interest-bearing bank account, assets invested in Stock and Bond funds have fallen dramatically since January 1, 2025, as evidenced by the various stock and bond market indices.

Now here is the issue. If you decide to withdraw funds from your mutual fund investment on a quarterly basis this year as many can do, a decline in

the value of the funds means that you have liquidated more assets at a lower cost, ergo lost money. It takes more assets to satisfy the real dollar value of the Required Minimum Distribution. The only way you recover that loss is if the remaining assets rise sufficiently in value by December 31, 2025, to overcome your lost wealth.

Not only is this phenomenon taking place in individual retirement accounts, pension funds, and long-term investment portfolios are also under severe strain based on their own requirements

to pay for fixed benefits while valuations of assets held decline in value. Action needs to be taken. The simple act of congress suspending the RMD requirement for 2025 may provide the remedy that time may allow for those assets to recover in value. The suspension should last for the entire year. Sadly, some retirees may never recover if they rely on RMD’s to pay for existing living expenses or necessary planned projects.

Matthew R. Cody

Environmental Tip of the Week

Arbor Day - Why Trees?

The first Arbor Day was held in April 1872 as the result of efforts by J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska pioneer who sought to teach homesteaders about the benefits of trees. In 2025, 153 years later, Arbor Day is celebrated globally. In New York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has started the “23 Million Trees by 2033” initiative whose goal is to plant that many trees in the next twelve years. Why trees? Trees are essential to the ecosystem. Trees clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen, help prevent soil erosion, reduce ground temperature by providing shade, and are host habitats for myriad species.

What can you do? Garden City is proud to be designated a Tree City and encourages you to take care of your trees. You can also support local efforts by attending the GC Arbor Day ceremony to be held at the Library on Friday, April 25 at 2 PM, when a tree donated by the Rotary Club will be planted on the Library lawn. Additionally, you can visit the DEC website dec.ny.gov for local events, such as the April 25 sapling giveaway organized by the Cornell Cooperative Extension, to be held at the East Meadow Farm at 832 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow,

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

The Recreation Adult Programs in the Field House begin on Wednesday, October 16 according to the following schedule:

Mondays - Mens’ Basketbal l 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 non- residents.  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 will begin 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.

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.

Hours will conclude on May 1. Enjoy the nice weather!

2025 Spring Art & Science Splash! Registrations

Open

Our art and science classes are designed to inspire and educate your child in an environment where giggles and grins are encouraged. Children will get messy with paint, clay, slime and so much more! Instructors (who are called “Mess Masters”) provide all the materials necessary for your child to participate in the class and no additional purchase is required to attend. We also offer weekly classes, workshops, camps, homeschool classes, art kits and gifts for kids. Registrations are now open. Dates and times can be found on their website. Forms can be obtained at,

• Online: https://forms.gle/1QeEM5J7texByRbq8

Nassau Haven Park

Kids Spring Golf Clinic Programs

Designed for all ages and abilities, our enrichment curriculum follows a 5-level progressive skill development so that students can set goals to achieve and progress at their own pace. Our low student-to-coach ratio allows for individualized attention — meeting each student where they are in their journey & progression. Session dates are Thursdays, May 29 – July 24, 5:15–6:15 p.m. at Nassau Haven Park.

The Upcycle Acadamy Fashion Summer Camp

www.FutureFashionStars.com

Color Illustration - Flat Sketching Silhouette / Shape / Proportion Sustainability - Trend Spotting Design

- Upcycling - Styling & More!  Look Book Photoshoot & Fashion Show on the last day of camp!! Keep the designs you create. All apparel and upcycle

materials provided.

Garden City Recreation CenterThe Cottages, Weekly Monday–Friday, 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.,

July 7 – 11: Behind the SeamsIntro to Fashion

July 14 – 18: Love Story - Pastel and Pretty

July 21 – 25: Pop Star - Stage Worthy Style

July 28 – August 1: The Good Vibe Club - Sweats with Graphic Messaging & Sun Bleached Denim AGE 8–11 // FEE: $395 per week

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 .

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

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 pm in St. Paul’s Center (108 Rockaway Avenue) beginning April 1. To register please visit www.chesswizards.com.

Spring

Session of Youth Tennis Lessons

Registration is underway

The Spring Session of Youth Tennis Lessons will begin play on Monday, April 21st with the registration for these lessons beginning on Monday, March 24th. The Spring Session will be 8 weeks long, with the lessons occurring Monday through Thursday — which would put the Spring Session ending around the second week of June. Once registration opens, you will be able to sign up on the Recreation website, gardencityrecreation.org, or in person at the Tennis Clubhouse and at the Recreation Office located at 108 Rockaway Avenue.

Please visit the recreation website for fees, and meeting dates.

For further information, call the Community Park Tennis Office at 516 483-2525

Hooray- Hooray

Mini Golf at Community Park is open for the season as of Saturday, April 19.

Special: All games are $2 per person for the month of April

Tennis Players: reminder the Tennis Center is closed on Sunday, April 20  (Easter Sunday)

Tennis Contract Holders: Reduced court rate during this week: $36 per hour all day! Senior rates are also in force during the designated times.

Summer Tennis Camp information is coming soon! The tennis camps begin on Monday, June 30, under the direction of our experienced pros, Rick Bates and Justin McMackin.

GC Recreation and Parks: Summer Tennis Camp – Ages 6

to 15

Registration is now underway

Online registration is available: Information and registration form: www.gardencityrecreation.org

The Tennis Camp program offers children an opportunity to learn and advance their tennis skills in a fun setting while working with experienced tennis instructors. Our camps are set by age and children are grouped according to ability within their camp — please note that the type of tennis ball used will be determined by the course level. Sessions are at the Community Park Tennis Center. The age of the child, at the start of the session, will determine which session the child may attend, proof of age may be required. Please read the information below to determine which camp your child is eligible to attend. You may sign-up for more than one camp!

GCHS students become detectives at Collaborative Community Friday

Garden City High School students in Ms. Bridget Kelly’s and Mr. Charles Hager’s classes spent Feb. 28 searching for clues to solve a mystery. The engaging, hands-on learning experience was just another Collaborative Community Friday event the students completed together.

Collaborative Community Fridays, which were developed by Ms. Kelly, strive to create enriching learning experiences alongside unique social opportunities for all students. With Mr. Hager's science class learning about genetics, the pair designed a lesson incorporating key concepts from their unit while aligning with Ms. Kelly’s students’ needs.

During this session, the students were divided into four mock "detective squads" with the task of working together to solve the crime of the missing school mascot uniform. The groups analyzed various clues left behind at the scene and compared

them to fake DNA samples from six different teacher subjects. By the end of the lesson, each group successfully solved the mystery, identifying the “suspect” and sharing their findings.

“It was truly inspiring to see all of our students collaborating, especially on a subject that is often so complex and challenging,” said Ms. Kelly. “The individualized materials allowed every student to actively participate, fostering an inclusive learning environment where they could support one another. Watching them engage, problem-solve, and work toward a shared goal made the experience both meaningful and fun for everyone involved.”

Collaborative Community Fridays take place monthly in different classrooms, providing Ms. Kelly’s students and their peers with regular opportunities to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary activities.

courtesy of the Garden City School District

GARDEN CITY RECREATION AND PARK NEWS

Equipment needed: flat soled sneakers and a tennis racket. Please note rackets are provided for the novice level.

Platform Tennis News

We have some interest in forming a level 3 Women’s platform tennis team for next season. If you are interested in playing or would like more informa-

tion, please email:sespey@gardencitny.net

Register for a Free Plot in the Community Garden

Do you like to garden but just don’t have enough space to plant? GC Rec has you covered with a garden plot right in front of the Rec Office at 108

Rockaway Ave. Registration for a plot in the Community Garden will open Monday, April 28, 2025. The Garden will officially open Monday, May 12, 2025.

*Space is very limited. *

All plots are free for residents, registration is required. Please fill out the interest form found on the Recreation

website gardencityrecreation.org/ headlines and return it to the recreation office.

Please note, this program is on a first come first serve basis. We will not be holding any plots for residents that have previously gardened with us. The combination to the gate has been changed.

A group photo of the students who participated in the second Collaborative Community Friday.

Students worked in groups during the second Collaborative Community Friday.

Photos

Garden City Boys’ Lacrosse f lexes depth and dominance

The Garden City Trojans Boys’ Lacrosse team delivered a commanding trio of victories over a five-day stretch, combining suffocating defense, precise ball movement, and offensive firepower to dispatch Bethpage, Jamesville-DeWitt, and Massapequa in decisive fashion. With postseason seeding on the horizon, the Trojans look every bit the contender that their tradition demands.

April

17:

Garden City 6, Bethpage 1 Bethpage High School

In a game defined by defensive tenacity and stellar goaltending, Garden City leaned on senior goalkeeper Jake Schlipf, who turned away 13 shots in a performance that proved to be the bedrock of a 6-1 victory over Bethpage. Schlipf’s calm presence and quick reactions denied the Golden Eagles any early momentum and allowed the Trojans’ offense time to find its rhythm.

Ben Smith opened the scoring on a sharp feed from Merritt Ruckh, and Garden City never looked back. After a tightly contested first half, Chase Kraus opened the second with a clinical finish, followed by a laser from Charlie Koester to stretch the lead to 3-0.

Bethpage managed a late third-quarter goal, but it was not enough to spark a rally. Smith added another tally off a slick dish from Anthony Asaro, and Koester capped the game with a low screamer in the fourth. But it was Schlipf, impenetrable between the pipes, who won the day.

April 19: Garden City 10, Jamesville-DeWitt 6 Scranton University

Under overcast skies and the imposing hills of Scranton, two state powerhouses clashed in what felt like a playoff preview. Garden City rose to the moment with a 10-6 win that underscored its offensive depth and defensive discipline.

From the opening faceoff, the Trojans attacked with urgency.

Anthony Asaro scored two quick goals to unsettle the JamesvilleDeWitt defense, and Garden City kept the pressure on with strikes from Dan Medjid, Charlie Koester, Chase Kraus, and Brayden Robertiello.

Each Garden City goal was met with a Jamesville-DeWitt response, but the Trojans never relinquished

control. Koester, commanding from behind the cage, scored twice more before Medjid added his second to give GC a 9-6 edge. Koester then iced the game late, finishing a five-goal showcase weekend.

The Trojan backline—Luke Lesuer, Andrew Dengler, and Declan Wuchte—held their ground against

one of upstate New York’s premier offenses, turning a heavyweight matchup into a clear-cut victory with NY State and National seeding implications.

April 22: Garden City 13, Massapequa 6 Mitchel Field Complex

Under the sunset sky at Mitchel

Garvis Toler

Brian Nolan

Timmy Prybylsk i(31), Gus Galli (24) and Ryan Haniffy (10).

Jason Bremer

Anthony Asaro and Brayden Robertiello trap an Eagle.

Trojans take the field.

Blake Casscadden with the air check.

Taylor Minuto chases down a Massapequa General.

Garden City Boys’ Lacrosse f lexes depth and dominance

Field, Garden City and Massapequa began this game with a methodical feeling-out process, trading possessions and probing each other’s defenses. But once the Trojans found daylight, they broke through with emphatic force.

Asaro started the scoring with a hard dodge, and Koester quickly followed with back-to-back goals, including a fast-break finish off a

Gus Gali assist. GC led 4-1 at the half, with Schlipf again making key saves to protect the lead.

The second half belonged entirely to the Trojans. Chase Kraus opened the third with a sharp finish, and Asaro followed with a bounce shot in transition. Blake Cascadden added a goal in transition, while Ben Smith scored twice—including once on a man-up advantage—and Koester

stung the top corner for GC’s 11th. Massapequa clawed back with a late run, narrowing the gap to 11-6, but Owen Andersen sealed the win with two late goals from X, capping a balanced team effort.

Looking Ahead

With these three wins, Garden City has announced itself not just as a Long Island powerhouse, but as a

team with serious state and national ambitions. As postseason brackets take shape, the Trojans’ deep bench, stifling defense, and multidimensional offense make them a nightmare matchup for any contender.

The message is clear: Garden City isn’t just winning. They’re building something formidable.

GC Middle School presents “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.”

City Middle School put on “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”

On March 21 and 22, Garden City Middle School featured their talented students in this year’s musical, “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”

From acting on stage to coordinating backstage operations, including lighting and sound teams, students across the school were instrumental to the success of these productions. Their months of dedication and commitment were reflected in

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

every detail of the performances, from outstanding vocals to dynamic choreography, captivating audiences from beginning to end.

The Garden City School District would thanked the following for their help in the production of the musical: Ms. Kristen Aguilo, Ms. Nancy Menges, Ms. Lynnette Skrivanek, Mr. James Van Casteren and Ms. Olivia Maynard.

Garden

Garden City shines at April 21 track meet

On April 21, the Garden City Trojans put on a dominant display of athleticism and teamwork in a tri-meet against Jericho and MacArthur, claiming top finishes across a variety of events. With standout performances in both track and field, the team showcased depth, determination, and individual brilliance.

Leading the way in the field events, Connor McHugh soared to a new personal best in the pole vault, clearing an impressive 14 feet to secure first place. In the throws, Justin Rivera took the top spot in the discus, demonstrating power and precision to give Garden City an early edge.

The track events were no less electrifying. DJ McDonough dominated the sprints, taking first place in both the 100m and 200m with commanding performances. McDonough also anchored the 4x100m relay team, joining forces with Connor Wellbrock, Luke Webber, and Jacob Antilety to clinch first place in a thrilling team effort.

Middle distance and distance events were equally successful for Garden

City. Andrew Byrnes paced the field in the 1600m to capture first place, while Charles Leune claimed the 400m with a powerful kick in the final stretch. In the 400m intermediate hurdles, Dean Colletti delivered a strong, technically sound race to take first place as well. Rounding out the distance dominance, Ryan McAlea surged to first place in the 3200m, controlling the race from start to finish.

These exceptional performances are a reflection not just of the athletes’ hard work, but also the steady guidance and motivation provided by Coaches Dreher and MacDonald. Their leadership has been instrumental in cultivating a winning culture, pushing athletes to reach their potential and preparing them to perform at their best when it counts.

The meet was a true testament to Garden City's well-rounded strength and the athletes’ dedication to their craft. With personal records, multiple event wins, and a strong team presence, the Trojans are building serious momentum as the season progresses.

Love to write?

Luke Webber and Connor Wellbrock

Carter Olenick and Michael Tusiani-Eng

Connor McHugh

Thunder Youth Football registration

The Thunder Diez 10s. These boys will begin their final season of Thunder Football together this fall. They have learned how to play football the right way, while form ing friendships and memories that will last forever.

Registration for the 2025 Garden City Thunder season opened April 1. Please visit www.GCThunder.com for online registration.

Thunder Football is open to boys ages 7–11 (next year’s 2nd through 6th grade) who live in Garden City and want to compete against other towns in Nassau County. The teams are coached by volunteers who teach the fundamentals of football, sports manship and how to be good team mates. Registration ends May 15.

Garden City Little League Parade

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (left) greeted members of the New York 9–11 Year Old Baseball District 29 Champions during the Garden City Little League Opening Day Parade on April 5, 2025.

The Thunder Reilly 10s.

GCHS Girls Lacrosse shines in Florida

The Garden City Girls Lacrosse team embarked on their inaugural spring trip—this time to Florida! During their visit, they had the exciting opportunity to compete against both IMG Academy and Cherry Hill West. Beyond the competition, the team explored the campuses of the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa, where they toured state-of-the-art athletic facilities and gained valuable insight into collegiate programs. To cap off an unforgettable trip, the team spent a fun-filled day at Busch Gardens, bonding over thrilling rides and creating lasting memories.

Garden City kicked off their Florida journey with a hard-fought win over IMG Academy. Kathryn Monaco opened the scoring for the Trojans off an assist from Deanna Prisco. Arci Haffner followed with two quick goals, the second set up by Kim Colucci. Colucci then added a

goal of her own, keeping the momentum alive. Tori Ottomanelli closed out a dominant first quarter with a goal assisted by Prisco—her second of the game.

IMG Academy, known for its strong program, adjusted in the second quarter and responded with four unanswered goals, holding Garden City scoreless during that stretch.

Undeterred, the Lady Trojans regrouped in the third quarter. Ottomanelli struck first, assisted by Colucci, who then scored again off Prisco’s third assist. Ellie Andersen, Meaghan Lynch, Brynn Riley, and Brooke Hopkins delivered a standout performance on the defensive end, applying relentless pressure and making key stops throughout the game. Behind them, goalie Kate Connolly was a force in the cage, coming up with eight clutch saves to help seal the win. The team’s collective effort and composure under

Class of 2025 senior lacrosse players.

Back row (left to right): Kitty Clavin, Makaela Morris, Kyle Finnell, Tori Ottomanelli, Meaghan Lynch, Ellie Andersen.

Front row (left to right): Brooke Hopkins, Brynn Reilly, Kathryn Monaco, Emerson Goettelmann, Elizabeth Staub, Ava Borzillieri, Kate Connolly and Arci Haffner.

pressure propelled Garden City to a hard-earned 7–6 victory.

On Thursday, the Trojans faced Cherry Hill West and delivered a commanding 18–6 win. Showcasing their depth and versatility, 12 different players scored. Ashley Clark and Kim Colucci led with four goals apiece and Arci Haffner added two. Regan Backer, Deanna Prisco, Averie Smith, Tori Ottomanelli, Ava Borzillieri, Katie Horn, Ella Clark, Kiera Ruoff, and Stella Goettelmann each added

a goal, highlighting Garden City's well-balanced, high-powered offense.

Midfielder Ali Bennett and attackers Katherine O’Hanlon and Emerson Goettelmann also made impactful contributions, rounding out a complete offensive performance. The team’s swift ball movement and unselfish play were on full display, with assists from Haffner, Smith, Clark, Michaela Molgano, Monaco, Ciara Hegarty, and Ruoff.

Defensively, Garden City dominat -

The 2025 Grls Lacrosse team.

Kiera Ruoff (right) gets past her defender to score.

GCHS Girls Lacrosse shines in Florida

ed as well. Elizabeth Staub, Daly Prybylski, Kate Scuderi, Kennedy Palmer, Jessy Martin, Nora Donahue, and Claire Arendt all played key roles in shutting down Cherry Hill West’s attack.

A special thank you to Patrick Smith (Instagram: @516laxreels) and Jimmy Connolly for capturing incredible moments through their videography and photography this season.

Be sure to follow @gcgirlsvlax on Instagram for updates throughout the girls ’ season!

Kim Colucci totals 6 goals while in Florida.

Daly Prybylski (left) and Claire Arendt work together on defense.

Garden City, NY

4-bedroom, 2-bath. MLS# 841430. $1,475,000.

3-bedroom, 2-bath. MLS# 848176. $875,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 845398. $1,899,000.

Garden City, NY

5-bedroom, 4.55-bath. MLS# 828069. $2,399,000.

3-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 841465. $1,250,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath. MLS# 835678. $1,899,000.

Garden City, NY

4-bedroom, 3.55-bath. MLS# 834097. $2,549,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 845782. $1,950,000. Sunday, 4/27 | 11:30am - 1:00pm Rockville Centre, NY 5-bedroom, 3.55-bath. MLS# 840205. $1,398,000.

Garden City, NY Studio, 1-bath. MLS# 840065. $325,000.

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 837845. $948,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2,55-bath. MLS# 831833. $1,899,000.

Park, NY

3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 848198. $695,000.

2.5-bath. MLS# L3561270. $1,468,000.

Mary Krener

Heaney

Heaney

Lynn Puccio

Cheryl Trimboli Scott Wallace

Arthur Anderson Jessica Brantuk

Ann Collins

Claudia Galvin Rene Blair

Christine Cudahy Manager

Linda Mulrooney Eileen O’Hara Diane Piscopo

Daureen Hausser

Stephanie Marchan

Aimee Escher

Patrick Gibbons Matthew Minardi

Kathy Lucchesi

MacDonald

Brigid Marmorowski

Patricia Dickson

Floral

Marianne Imperial

Alesya Busel

Floral Park, NY

5-bedroom, 2-bath. MLS# 831776. $950,000.

Garden City, NY

3-bedroom, 2-bath. MLS# 831521. $6,500/mo.

Atlantic Beach, NY

Seacliff, NY

Wyndham West, #M23

Wyndham West, #804

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 804189. $6,500/mo.

Wyndham East, #604 Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 804224. $6,300/mo.

Oliver Grandison

HOUSE