Bethpage Newsgram (1/23/26)

SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW

Town recognizes Korean American Day

The Town of Oyster Bay recently honored Pastor Sam, who oversees English Ministries at Arumdaun Presbyterian Church in Bethpage.

The Oyster Bay Town Board recently recognized Korean American Day by honoring Pastor Sam, who oversees English Ministries at Arumdaun Presbyterian Church in Bethpage, for his spiritual leadership within our community and for his efforts to connect the Town with the proud history and

rich culture of Korean Americans.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “We are proud to celebrate Korean American Day in the Town of Oyster Bay by honoring people like Pastor Sam, who personify Korean-American values and culture. Throughout his tenure at Arumdaun

Presbyterian Church, Pastor Sam has distinguished himself for his empathy, hard work, and spiritual leadership. Pastor Sam serves as an inspirational role model for all of us, and we appreciate his incredible work in our community.”

The Bethpage Newsgram is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68. Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Bethpage Newsgram, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher

POB educator named Master Teacher

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District has announced that Jennifer Fitzpatrick has been selected for the New York State Master Teacher Program, joining an elite group of educators recognized for excellence in STEM education. New York’s Master Teacher Program is a professional network of K-12 STEM teachers from across the state that allows them to collaborate on ways to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

Ms. Fitzpatrick now joins an impressive cohort of Master Teachers from within the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, including Master Teacher emeriti Jordan Pekor and Dame Forbes, as well as current master teachers Melissa Brophy and Tara Finn.

Jennifer Fitzpatrick

These recognitions demonstrate the District’s dedication to providing an elite STEM education for its students.

The New York State Master Teacher Program is administered

Library to present sensoryfriendly kids program

On Sunday, March 22, at 12:15 p.m., Syosset Public Library will host a sensory friendly production, “Flat Stanley The Musical”, for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. This production has been modified by Sunrise Theatre Company, and will be presented in the library’s theater. The performance will last approximately one hour. A calming corner with coping tools will be available for use outside the theater.

Seats will be available beginning February 9 for families with children on the autism spectrum and sensory sensitivities. Reserve seats by email splchildrens@ syossetlibrary.org or by phone (516-921-7185). Registration will open to all beginning March 9, if space is available.

For more information visit the library’s website at www.syossetlibrary.org

Fifth graders, families face off in game show challenge

Charles Campagne Elementary School buzzed with cenergy on Jan. 12 as fifth graders and their families went head-to-head in Hollyrock Entertainment's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" event, which combined trivia questions and physical competitions .Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

The gymnasium at Charles Campagne Elementary School buzzed with competitive energy on Jan. 12 as fifth graders and their families went head-to-head in Hollyrock Entertainment's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" event.

Students invited a "special person" – parents, grandparents or guardians –to join them for an afternoon of trivia questions and physical competitions. Participants split into red and blue teams, with teachers serving as enthusiastic team managers who occasionally joined the action themselves.

The fast-paced competition featured rounds testing knowledge across multiple subjects, along with physical challenges that got everyone moving. During the "Name That Tune" segment, parents demonstrated their expertise in ‘80s and ‘90s music, quickly identify-

ing hits like "Sweet Child of Mine" and "Tainted Love" – much to their children's surprise. Students cheered loudly when Principal Julianne Inghilterra anchored her team during the tug-ofwar competition.

Hollyrock Entertainment, which organized the event, has specialized in educational entertainment since 1977. What began as a small DJ company has grown into a mobile TV game show business serving schools, camps and private events throughout the region.

The afternoon concluded with plenty of laughter and friendly rivalry. The event brought out everyone's competitive spirit while highlighting the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship – lessons that resonated with students and adults alike.

Free online tax grievance workshops

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) is partnering with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission (ARC) to host two free online community assessment grievance workshops to help homeowners challenge the assessed value of their property.

During these workshops, taxpayers who disagree with their assessment will learn how to navigate the online grievance process and dispute their assessment. There will also be an opportunity to submit via chat any questions to the representative from ARC. Questions will be answered after the presentations and/or they will contact you directly.

To ensure easy access on the day of the presentation, participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the use of Microsoft Teams prior to the workshop.

“Every Nassau County property owner has the right to challenge their

home’s assessed value if they believe it is incorrect – and you do not have to pay one of the self-promoting tax grievance law firms or another for-profit service to complete this process,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “I’m grateful to once again be working with the experts at Nassau’s Assessment Review Commission to present this workshop series – one that will walk you step by step through filing a grievance and protecting your family from Nassau’s broken and inaccurate assessment system.”

For additional information, please contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov.

The workshops will be held on:

Thursday, January 29 from noon –2 p.m.

Thursday, February 26 from 7 –9 p.m. on Thursday

To join, go to  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD16

Levittown Chamber of Commerce Spotlight on Business

SUBMITTED BY DON PATANE

The Levittown Chamber of Commerce would like to introduce Arleen Sotomayor, the sole proprietor

of VoyaBird Travel. VoyaBird Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and she also books cruises and handles your travel needs to any other part of the world. Sotomayor founded VoyaBird Travel a little over a year ago because of her love of travel and her feelings that travel opens the door to understanding. By learning about other people and their cultures, we gain a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity.

Sotomayor’s goal is to encourage people to get out and see the world and meet and talk to people who are different than they are. Listen to their stories, learn about their way of life, their traditions, their customs, and just take it all in. Learn something new. Add another page to your biography.

Before starting her travel business, Sotomayor had a successful cake decorating business called ‘It’s Just Cake’ where she made custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and

every other occasion. She did that for about 18 years before deciding to move onto something new. She says she misses it sometimes, but still has a few clients reach out every once in a while, for something special for their celebrations.

Sotomayor has been married to her husband, Chris, for 27 years. They have 3 adult children in different stages of their lives. Their oldest is 34 and living in NC; their middle child is currently working for the state as a park ranger, and their youngest is in his second year of college.  Sotomayor loves pets as evidenced in the fact that as a family they’ve had three dogs, Winnie, a Jack Russell terrier which they were blessed to have from puppy to 18 years old, Feebee, which they rescued from one of their Puerto Rico family trips, blessed them with her presence for 16 years, and Luna, another rescue from Puerto Rico, who they dote on and spoil every day and is now 12 years old.

Sotomayor says “I love art in all

forms. Whenever we both have some free time, my husband and I will sit and practice our drawing together. I love sculpting and took ceramics classes for about a year after I stopped making cakes because until then, that was all the sculpting I did. “

As far as free time, Sotomayor mentions there isn’t much of that, but with that said she likes to go on hikes with the family when it’s not too cold out, curl up on the couch under a blanket and watch a good movie, and her son and she are in a Taiko drum group and play Taikos (Japanese drums) with friends and perform in different places throughout the year.

Sotomayor can be reached on her cell (516)343-5535 or (516) 450-5194, by email: arleen@voyabirdtravel. com, or you can find her on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=61566950621075 and Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/voyabird_travel/ or search VoyaBird Travel in either.

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Law firm marks Syosset move with grand opening event

BY RIKKI MASSAND

Last year, one of the New York tristate area’s leading legal practices relocated to a more prominent office in Syosset, just off Jericho Turnpike and in the heart of Long Island’s suburban business centers. Law firm Schwartz, Fang & Keating, P.C.—which specializes in estate planning, probate and estate tax law, as well as corporate and business formation—is now based in the North Shore Atrium at 6800 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 201W, in Syosset.

On Wednesday, January 28th, at 5:30 p.m., the firm’s attorneys and staff will welcome fellow Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce members and local business leaders for a grand opening reception at the new office. The event is free and open to the public.

Schwartz, Fang & Keating previously operated out of a Woodbury office on Crossways Park Drive West, following an earlier location on Marcus Avenue in Lake Success, where founder Stephen J. Schwartz established the practice. The recent move to a more spacious Syosset location—and the firm’s active involvement in the community—has made its legal services more accessible to local residents.

Experienced CPA-Attorneys

In an interview, firm partners Stephanie M. Keating and Neil B. Fang discussed their professional backgrounds and community-focused approach.

The attorneys are connected not only by their legal expertise, but also by their shared career paths: all three firm attorneys—Schwartz, Fang and Keating— are both licensed CPAs and attorneys. Their combined expertise spans tax law, finance and legal review, allowing clients to receive highly personalized service.

“We are here for the community and we’re very community-minded. The partners are involved and we are people-centric, we enjoy providing attention to every client and to our local communities. It goes well beyond drafting legal documents, we want to make sure things will fit the clients in order to accomplish the goals,” Keating said.

Fang began his career as a CPA more than 35 years ago. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stony Brook University in the 1980s, he completed an MBA in accounting at Hofstra University. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree from Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

“I’ve enjoyed learning and adding versatility to my career. At Stony Brook I began with a few accounting classes, so I pursued the CPA route. After I graduated from Hofstra I worked at a big firm – Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co., before its merger to become KPMG (in 1987). Then after law school, I went to work at BDO, another big accounting

firm, and ironically my daughter is now interning at the same firm,” he said.

After transitioning into law, Fang further expanded his expertise by earning a master’s degree in taxation from New York Law School.

“I practiced law on my own for some time, and one day I attended a continuing education seminar where I met the firm’s founder and senior partner – Steve Schwartz. He was looking for someone to come in and help run the practice. As a sole proprietor at the time, with my wife pregnant – expecting triplets – I figured that I needed to take the opportunity for extra work. After the first year of working together we merged my practice into his. A few years later we became partners,” Fang explained.

Family-Focused Practice

A Dix Hills resident, Fang is passionate about animal welfare and has served on the board of The Humane Society of the U.S. He and his family have also volunteered in animal rescue efforts. Fang is additionally a black belt in Krav Maga.

Fang said the firm’s growth has largely come through referrals from satisfied clients. He noted that many high-net-worth individuals living along the North Shore seek SFK’s services for trust formation and estate planning involving substantial assets.

Most new business comes from existing clients “who basically think we are doing right by them, which means we are meeting our goal,” Fang shared. “Families rely on us, and many clients express that they want their children to get to know our firm for planning down the road.”

Keating recently consulted with a family with three adult daughters, noting that the family left the meeting with a strong sense of the care and guidance she provides.

SFK serves professionals in their forties and fifties, recent retirees, and multi-generational families involved in New York real estate. Fang emphasized that clients benefit from receiving top-tier legal services on Long Island without the inconvenience of traveling into Manhattan. While the firm also maintains offices at 825 Third Avenue in Manhattan and in Iselin, New Jersey, its Long Island location offers comparable services at a lower cost due to reduced overhead.

Both Keating and Fang are licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey. Fang’s son, Matthew Fang, is also an attorney at the firm and is licensed in New York, New Jersey and Florida.

“Our firm has the philosophy of doing what is in the best interest of the client – and we’ve built relationships with a lot of clients by taking our time to make sure whatever planning we recommend really fits and they’re comfortable. We

will not rush through any process; we really make sure clients leave our meetings and consultations having had a positive experience,” Fang said.

Managing Estate Tax Matters

One of the firm’s primary areas of focus is helping clients minimize the impact of estate taxes.

“Clients work really hard over their lifetime, and we do our best to make sure those efforts are preserved and really pay off for their children and beneficiaries,” Fang said.

A Port Jefferson native, Keating earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fairfield University, where she also excelled on the volleyball court. A licensed CPA for nearly three decades, she earned her Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University School of Law while working in accounting.

“I’ve been an attorney for over 20 years now, and when I graduated from law school the accounting firm I worked in merged with another firm – one of the partners happened to be Steve Schwartz, who is now my law firm partner. Steve and I worked together and I did some projects in the law practice, and gradually I transitioned into this firm,” she said.

Keating focuses on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning and elder law, as well as estate administration and probate matters. She works extensively with seniors requiring home-care or nursing-care Medicaid, while also

advising clients of all ages.

Fang added that estate planning is important for adults 18 and older, noting that the firm often prepares healthcare proxies and powers of attorney for college-age children.

“Many times their children are recently married or are starting families of their own. Sometimes tragic things happen, and if there’s no planning then there are unintended consequences. Our attorneys work with people of all ages, and even for kids attending college we prepare documents such as healthcare proxies and powers of attorney for them, so if anything happens to them their parents legally can ask questions and receive information,” he advised.

“We tailor the estate and tax planning to fit them. I get many referrals as well, and we’re noted for being empathetic and proactive advising people on protection of assets and savings on taxes, or a combination thereof,” she said. “Our firm makes sure clients’ assets go to the people they want, how they want and when they want – it’s our work to keep people well-informed and happy.”

“This is a firm covering a broad area of the law, and we work to protect people from all walks of life – some need estate planning to preserve their assets, and others need our guidance to minimize their tax exposure. We put family first and remain dedicated to making sure loved ones are able to have the most out of somebody’s estate,” Fang said.

THERE REALLY IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

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

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

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.

Friday, January 23, at 2:00 p.m.

Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

Monday, January 26, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Card & Board Games (IN-PERSON)

Bring a game to play with your friends for the afternoon. Play canasta, Mah Jongg (must have table covering), or a board game. Rooms will be set up with tables and chairs. You will need to bring your own game and playing partners. No registration needed.

Tuesday, January 27, at 11:15 a.m.

Mind in Movement (VIRTUAL)

This class consists of aerobic movement to improve cardiovascular fitness. All movements can be performed standing or sitting. Proper footwear is needed. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  The Zoom link will be sent out once you register. Instructor, Mindy Vasta.

Tuesday, January 27, at 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon Book Discussion (IN-PERSON)

Join Jackie Ranaldo, Head of Readers’ Services, for an Afternoon Book Discussion of The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration needed.

Wednesday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m.

Fact & Fiction – The Art of British Spycraft (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Claire Evans,

Anglophile and former United Kingdom resident

Come with us to delve into modern British spy novels and the real-life characters and circumstances that inspired countless plot twists. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, January 29, from 1:30 -3:30 p.m.

Seniors of Syosset Drop-In (IN-PERSON)

Funded through New York State Office for the Aging, Seniors of Syosset is a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program (NNORC-SOS). The program will offer social work support, community health nursing, and subsidized transportation to local medical appointments, free bus transportation for shopping, as well as other activities and services. Whether you are a senior in need of support, someone who wants to volunteer helping the community, or just someone who wants to learn more, we hope you will drop-in and get involved.

Thursday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m.

Funny Ladies of Comedy –

Minus Lucy & Carol Part 2 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter, Sal St. George, pop culture historian

In a field dominated by male comedians, this laugh-provoking lecture explores the most beloved women laugh-makers who have entertained us in motion pictures and TV. Part 2 includes Moms Mably, Anne Meara, Roseanne Barr, Gilda Radner, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. No need to have attended part 1 to join us for part 2.  No registration needed.

Friday, January 30, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.

See what's happening at your library!

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

Lee Road students set goals for the new year

Fourth graders Isabella Lott, Vincent Rasulo, Luke Marino-Barnett, Nicholas Biondo and Charlize O'Grady set goals for the new year.

Students at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown School District looked ahead with ambition as they welcomed 2026 with goals in mind.

In kindergarten classes, students showed their excitement in ringing in the new year by naming their personal resolution, which included spending time with their family, making good choices or learning how to roller skate. Fourth graders took

an in-depth approach by crafting vision boards that featured descriptions of their goals and actionable plans to achieve them. Their visions for the future included visiting the library to read more books or practicing sports to hone their skills. The projects were a great way for students to take on the year ahead with growth in mind.

Kindergartners named their new year resolutions.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of formation of VendEase. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/07/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Brian Brockett: 35 Broadway. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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Legislator to host tax grievance workshops

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) is partnering with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission (ARC) to host two free online community assessment grievance workshops to help homeowners challenge the assessed value of their property.

During these workshops, taxpayers who disagree with their assessment will learn how to navigate the online grievance process and dispute their assessment. There will also be an opportunity to submit via chat any questions to the representative from ARC. Questions will be answered after the presentations

and/or they will contact you directly.

To ensure easy access on the day of the presentation, participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the use of Microsoft Teams prior to the workshop.

“Every Nassau County property owner has the right to challenge their home’s assessed value if they believe it is incorrect – and you do not have to pay one of the self-promoting tax grievance law firms or another for-profit service to complete this process,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “I’m grateful to once again be working with the experts at Nassau’s Assessment Review Commission to present this

workshop series – one that will walk you step by step through filing a grievance and protecting your family from Nassau’s broken and inaccurate assessment system.”

For additional information, please contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov.

The workshops will take place on:

• Thursday, Jan. 29 , from noon – 2 p.m.

• Thursday, Feb. 26 , from 7 – 9 p.m.

You can access the meeting at  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/ LD16

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

LEGAL NOTICES

23, 2026

New York State: Where the World Comes to Play in 2026

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

New York (with New Jersey) will welcome the world to Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford for eight FIFA World Cup matches beginning on June 13 and culminating with the World Cup Final on July 19 (https:// tickets-center.com/fifa-world-cupmetlife-stadium).

NYC Tourism is mounting a campaign, “Where the World Comes to Play,” and is making it easy for travelers to find out what to do outside the matches and make the most of their visit, listing hotels, Broadway theater, arts and cultural events. These include websites that direct fans to FIFA Fan Festivals at Liberty State Park and other places (NYCtourism. com/FIFA), even listing the Best Bars to watch soccer matches.

“Fans can watch Columbia play while at a Columbian restaurant; Sri Lanka while at Sri Lankan restaurant, etc. – just about any team’s nationality has a restaurant,” said Allisa Schmid, NYC Tourism’s VP of Communications.

2026 is an Olympic year and while the world may be gathering in Cortina, Italy, the next best thing is Lake Placid, the site of the Winter Olympics of 1980 and 1932 (one of the few sites to host even once and fewer still that have hosted more than once). Today, Lake Placid is a major Olympic training center and it is common to see athletes training, teams competing in world events (the World Cup in Luge was held in December), and athletes just hanging about in the pleasant village.

Indeed, Lake Placid is Plan B for the 2026 Olympics bobsled and in February, will be the nearest thing to actually being at the Cortina

Next best thing to being at Milano Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics is being at Lake Placid, where February is filled with special events. Year-round, you can engage in activities at Olympic venues and watch athletes training and competing © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Olympics with viewing locations, and meet-and-greets with some 2,000 athletes who will compete for the New York State Games just ahead of Winter Olympics, and a full month of special events.

At Lake Placid, you can not only visit Olympic venues and an outstanding Olympic Museum but try your own hand at bobsled, luge and skeleton on the Olympic track; do cross-country skiing and even biathalon at the Nordic ski center at Mt Van Hoevenberg (where you can also ride an amazing coaster); take the elevator the athletes ride to the top of the alpine ski jumps; skate on the 1932 Olympic Oval and on the 1980 hockey rink where USA achieved its “Miracle on Ice” (an annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp is held that includes players from the gold medal winning 1980 USA Hockey Team), and ski and snowboard at Whiteface

Mountain.

Whiteface Mountain is operated by the state’s Olympic Regional Development Authority which also manages the ski areas at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks (located in North Creek, it is fabulous for intermediates and is where a new Gore Mountain Zip Coaster is opening this summer, part of a larger redevelopment that includes a new lodge and upgraded chairlifts, boosting the North Creek Ski Bowl for year-round visits), and Belleayre in the Catskills (2 ½ hours from New York City, it is especially great for families to ski and is opening a 28,600 sq. ft. Discovery Lodge to support year-round tourism). All three NYS ski areas are now part of the Mountain Collective Pass. New York State actually has more ski areas (52) than any other state –you are never more than 2 hours away from a ski area (see ISkiNY.com).

Besides FIFA World Cup, other world-class sports events coming to the state include:

Saratoga Race Course’s Final Belmont Stakes (Capital-Saratoga): Historic Saratoga Race Course will hold the 158th running of the storied Belmont Stakes for its third and final time, on June 6, while Belmont Park remains under construction. Other prestigious races like the Travers Stakes occur throughout the 40-day summer meet at America’s oldest sporting venue, from mid-July through Labor Day. While in Saratoga, visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, www.racingmuseum.org.

U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Long Island): Hosted by the United States Golf Association and one of the PGA Tour’s four major championships, the always challenging golf tournament will take place at the Southampton golf course June 15 - 21.

Lake Placid will host the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series October 3-5, this time featuring men’s and women’s UCI World Cup races in both endurance and gravity formats. The three-day event includes UCI Cross-Country World Cup Races at Mt Van Hoevenberg and UCI Downhill World Cup at Whiteface Mountain (www.ucimtbworldseries.com/news/ whiteface-mountain-to-host-ucidownhill-world-cup-in-lake-placid)

For more information about travel around New York State, visit iloveny. com.

© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 25-31, 2026

Few things are as captivating as a dark, star-filled sky. But the stars we see and enjoy don’t just “exist”; they all came into being long ago inside of massive clouds of gas and dust known as “nebulae.”

Within these clouds, clumps of interstellar material eventually begin to collapse under their own weight; when one becomes dense and hot enough, thermonuclear fusion begins at its core, and a star is born. Leftover material is accreted into smaller bodies orbiting nearby: a planetary system.

We can find such stellar birthplaces scattered all around the heavens, and many are visible to anyone with just binoculars or a small telescope. The most amazing, however, is visible even to the unaided eye right now: the Great Orion Nebula. As its name suggests, it’s located in the brilliant constellation Orion, the hunter, now appearing in the southeastern sky after dark.

This ancient constellation was known to the Sumerians of Mesopotamia as far back as the 4th millennium B.C. Later, the Egyptians saw Orion as the god Osiris, and the early Greeks knew him as the son of the sea god Poseidon and a powerful hunter.

Two bright stars, Betelgeuse and Bellatrix, mark the hunter’s shoulders. Saiph and Rigel form his knees. In his

A Stellar Nursery Tale

midsection lie three stars in a nearly straight line that trace his belt. And below hangs his sword that appears as a smudge of light. This is the Great Orion Nebula, also known to astronomers as M42.

M42 is a colossal cloud of interstellar gas and dust that lies some 9,000 trillion miles, or about 1,300 lightyears, away, and is one of the largest, brightest and most beautiful of all “deep sky” objects.

It is also one of the most prolific star-forming clouds in our part of the Milky Way Galaxy, where new stars and planetary systems are continually being born. Binoculars show it as a hazy smudge surrounding some bright stars, but aim a small telescope in its direction, and you will experience one of the most marvelous sights in all the heavens.

Here you’ll see the wispy structure of this stellar nursery, and near its center you’ll easily spot a tightly packed grouping of four young stars (the “Trapezium”) that illuminate the cloud from within. Astronomers estimate these stars to be only about 300,000 years old; sounds pretty ancient -- and it is when we think in human time scales -- but these are mere stellar toddlers, equivalent to only about two or three years old in human terms.

It is from a similar nebula somewhere in our galaxy that our own star and planetary system came into being some 4.6 billion years ago. Exactly

where that was, we cannot say, of course, but we know that our sun and the planets of our solar system formed within such a cloud. Perhaps even more remarkable is that, from such an origin, our species has evolved the curiosity, intelligence and technology to learn this very fact!

LOST IN SUBURBIA

I Am Woman, Hair Me Roar

If bright moonlight makes it tough for you to spot the nebula this week, don’t worry. You’ve got plenty of time. Orion and M42 will grace our evening skies all winter long!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

When you have short hair, it is inevitable that you will spend an inordinate amount of time growing your hair out, and then getting fed up and cutting it again. I have been down this hairbrained road several dozen times before, complaining for months until I am convinced my husband is going to cut it all off while I sleep just so he doesn’t have to listen to me whine about it one more day.

The last time I decided to torture myself with this hair thing, I made it about six months before my husband told me to either cut it or shut it. Of course, it wasn’t the only thing I’d talked about for six months, but it was definitely in the top five along with 1) my thighs, 2) my wrinkles, 3) my butt, and 4) my kids (I had to throw that last one in there so I didn’t sound completely self-involved).

I actually really liked my former, short spiky “’do,” but various people

who offered opinions I didn’t ask for convinced me that my short haircut was making me look older, and when you’re over 60, being told something makes you look older goes over about as big as a prescription for a colonoscopy.

This time around, I managed to get past the dreaded “growing it out over my ears” stage, and the “looks a little like a mullet” stage, without running screaming to the hair salon. It helped that whenever I had a hair attack, my stylist seemed to be out of town or all booked up. It also helped that my husband hid all the scissors in the house, except the kids’ old plastic school scissors. I did actually try to use them in desperation one day, but they only cut one hair at a time.

Eventually, the day came when my hair was officially “grown out,” and even though I was getting lots of positive feedback, I still wasn’t sure if it was the right “’do” for me.

“So what do you think of my new hairstyle?” I asked my daughter one day.

She contemplated my “’do” for several seconds.

“You look like someone who could be the president of the PTA,” she finally responded.

I’m sure she meant this in the most positive, mundane, suburban-mom kind of way. This was kind of like the time she told me when I had on a pair of jeans that I had a Mom Butt, which I’m quite certain is not nearly as complimentary as telling someone they have a Victoria’s Secret Butt. And while I knew there were plenty of cool, fashionable, self-confident PTA presidents out there, I was pretty sure they were not the ones my daughter was referencing when she made that comment.

Scraping up what was left of my good self-image, I pulled my presidential hair back in a ponytail and then drove directly to the hair salon.

That night, my husband walked in and noticed my new short haircut.

“Lost the battle?” he observed.

“Yes,” I said. “By a hair.”

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 2026 CREATORS.COM

Crossword Answers

REAL ESTATE WATCH

LI Real Estate in 2026: Nassau vs. Suffolk

As we move into 2026, the Long Island real estate market is no longer driven by frenzy, fear, or speculation — but by strategy. Elevated mortgage rates, tight inventory, rising insurance costs, and shifting household priorities have reshaped how buyers, sellers, and investors must think. Yet opportunity remains — and in some cases, it has improved — for those who understand where value is emerging and how Nassau and Suffolk counties are diverging.

This is no longer a one-size-fits-all market. Nassau and Suffolk are operating under two distinct sets of economics, lifestyle demands, and housing stock realities. Knowing how — and where — to move is now the difference between frustration and success.

The 2026 Market Landscape: Stability Without Stagnation

The national narrative in 2026 centers on a market that is stable but not slow. Interest rates remain higher than the historic lows of the early 2020s, but inflation pressures have eased, employment remains strong, and household formation continues. On Long Island, inventory remains constrained — not because people don’t want to sell, but because many homeowners are financially “locked in” by low mortgage rates from years past.

This creates a paradox: fewer listings, but serious, motivated buyers. Sellers retain leverage, but buyers who understand creative financing and off-market strategies can still secure excellent opportunities.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the growing contrast between Nassau and Suffolk.

Nassau County in 2026: Scarcity, Stability, and Seller Strength

Nassau continues to function as a supply-constrained, premium market driven by proximity to Manhattan, high-performing school districts, and established communities. Homes are older, lots are smaller, and zoning restrictions limit new construction.

Seller Leverage Remains Strong

In Nassau, sellers in desirable school districts and walkable communities maintain significant leverage. Even in 2026, homes priced correctly often attract multiple interested buyers — not always bidding wars, but strong, serious offers.

However, today’s buyers are more analytical. They expect:

• Proper pricing

• Pre-sale inspections

• Seller concessions where appropriate

• Energy-efficient upgrades

• Clear flood and insurance disclosures

Homes that are updated, well-staged,

and properly marketed are still selling quickly — while dated homes now face longer timelines and negotiation pressure.

Buyer Reality: Fewer Choices, Higher Standards

Buyers in Nassau face limited inventory, higher price points, and tighter competition for move-inready homes. This pushes many buyers to:

• Expand search areas

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

• Accept smaller footprints

• Renovate rather than relocate

• Consider multi-generational living

Creative financing strategies — including seller credits, interest rate buydowns, assumable loans, and even seller financing in select cases — are becoming essential tools.

Investment Outlook in Nassau

Investment opportunities in Nassau remain low-risk but lower-yield, driven primarily by:

• Long-term appreciation

• Stable tenant demand

• Low vacancy rates

Investors focus on:

• Legal accessory apartments

• Owner-occupied two-families

• Small multifamily properties near transit corridors

Returns may be more modest, but risk-adjusted stability remains a major draw.

Suffolk County in 2026: Space, Growth, and Strategic Upside

Suffolk tells a very different story — one of expansion, adaptability, and emerging opportunity. With larger lot sizes, newer housing stock in many areas, and room for development, Suffolk offers flexibility Nassau simply cannot match.

Buyer Opportunity:

More Home for the Money

In Suffolk, buyers in 2026 enjoy:

• Larger homes

• Bigger lots

• Lower price points

• Greater renovation potential

This is especially attractive to:

• Remote and hybrid workers

• Growing families

• Buyers relocating from the city or other states

• Investors seeking higher yield

However, buyers must be mindful of:

• Flood zones

• Insurance costs

• Commute patterns

• Septic systems and well water considerations

Sellers Face a More Balanced Market

Unlike Nassau’s seller-dominated environment, Suffolk operates under more balanced conditions. Sellers must

be strategic:

• Overpricing leads to stagnation

• Presentation matters more than ever

• Upgrades and energy efficiency impact value

• Flood mitigation and insurance transparency are essential

Homes that offer value, flexibility, and clear documentation move well — but sellers can no longer rely solely on scarcity.

Investment Outlook in Suffolk Suffolk is where growth-oriented investors are focusing in 2026. Opportunities include:

• Multifamily properties

• Short-term rental markets

• Value-add renovations

• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

• Transit-oriented developments While risk is higher than Nassau, so is upside — especially in emerging neighborhoods and commuter-friendly corridors.

The Insurance & Flood Factor: A Market Divider

Perhaps no factor divides Nassau and Suffolk more than flood exposure and insurance dynamics. Rising insurance premiums and tighter underwriting standards have reshaped buyer behavior — especially near coastal and low-lying areas.

In Nassau:

• Many older homes require upgrades for compliance

• Buyers demand clear elevation certificates

• Flood insurance pricing increasingly affects affordability

In Suffolk:

• Flood exposure varies dramatically by location

• Some inland communities face minimal risk

• Coastal and bayfront areas face significantly higher insurance costs

In both counties, properties that have invested in:

• Proper drainage

• Backflow preventers

• Sump pump systems

• Elevated utilities

• Storm-resistant materials

…are commanding higher buyer confidence and faster sales.

Seller Strategies for 2026: Nassau vs. Suffolk

Nassau Sellers Should:

Price accurately from day one

Invest in presentation and inspection transparency

Offer strategic concessions rather than price reductions

Highlight school districts, transit access, and energy efficiency

Prepare for sophisticated, financia ly savvy buyers

Suffolk Sellers Should:

Focus on value and flexibility

Highlight lot size, expansion potential, and zoning opportunities

Address flood and insurance questions proactively

Price competitively to drive momentum

Prepare for longer marketing timelines

Buyer Strategies for 2026: Nassau vs. Suffolk

Nassau Buyers Should:

Work with agents who access off-market opportunities

Be financially pre-positioned

Explore renovation potential

Use creative financing strategies

Act decisively on well-priced homes

Suffolk Buyers Should:

Conduct thorough flood and insurance due diligence

Evaluate long-term commuting and infrastructure plans

Consider value-add opportunities

Look beyond turnkey homes

Negotiate strategically on longer-listed properties

Investment Strategy in 2026: Stability vs. Upside

Investors face a clear choice in 2026: Nassau = Stability

• Lower risk

• Predictable appreciation

• Strong tenant demand

• Lower cash flow but greater longterm security

Suffolk = Upside

• Higher potential returns

• Greater development flexibility

• Renovation and expansion opportunities

• Higher risk but greater reward

Smart portfolios often blend both — using Nassau for stability and Suffolk for growth.

The Human Factor: Why People Are Moving — and Staying

Beyond numbers, 2026 is being shaped by life transitions:

• Aging homeowners downsizing

• Families expanding or relocating

• Divorce and estate settlements

• Career shifts and retirement planning

• Health-related moves

These transitions are fueling both inventory and demand — often quietly, through off-market channels, private transactions, and discreet listings.

Agents and advisors who understand these motivations — and who

Continued on page 5

BY TOM MARGENAU

I’m sure you’ve seen these little teaser links on the Internet that can sometimes be too irresistible to ignore. They have catchy titles like “20 Celebrities Who Have a Secret Past” or “10 Common Foods That Will Kill You.” This kind of come-on is called “clickbait.” Frequently, it’s a form of false advertising that is designed to entice people browsing the web to follow a link to read or view some content that is usually disingenuous at best, and totally misleading at worst.

And there is a growing number of Social Security-themed clickbait. As I mentioned in a recent column, one of the most common ones goes something like this: “6 Major Changes to Social Security Coming in 2026.” And I’m sure many people fall for that come-on and open the link because they sure don’t want to miss out on any major changes to the program that might affect them.

But if you take the bait and open the link, you will learn that the “major changes” coming in 2026 are simply routine updates to Social Security that happen every year. For example, one of those changes is the annual cost-of-living increase that every Social Security beneficiary gets every January. Another is the routine annual increase in the amount of money a working beneficiary under full retirement age can make before any penalties are imposed on his or her benefits. There is not a single “major change” contained in any of these come-ons.

An increasingly common clickbait scenario, frequently sent as an email, usually goes something like this: “Click here to get your annual Social Security statement.” Those are always false because the Social Security Administration rarely sends Social Security statements, or any other Social Security information, to people via email.

I have never been naive enough to take the bait and open those kinds of emails. But I have two friends who did. One guy told me he was sent to a page that was trying to sell him insurance. But far worse than that, another friend said he followed the link and it led him to a porn site!

Another common theme of Social Security-related clickbait sites involves “secrets.” Here are a couple I saw recently. “Three Social Security secrets no one knows.” And another: “The secret to how you are losing out on $3.4 trillion in Social Security.”

I guess the temptation of learning a secret sells. But when it comes to Social Security, there really aren’t any. There might be some information that you are not yet aware of. But all of that information is definitely not secret because it is readily available from places like the Social Security Administration website (www.socialsecurity.gov), a local financial planner or from reading this column. And frequently, the so-called “secrets” are really just bits of information I’d bet most people are already familiar with. For

Social Security Clickbait

example, here are those “Three Social Security Secrets No One Knows.” One: Your benefits are reduced if you take them before full retirement age. Two: Your benefits are increased if you delay filing until after your full retirement age. Three: There is no point in waiting beyond age 70 to file for Social Security.

The reduction for early retirement is pretty straightforward and relatively modest. It is roughly one-half of 1% for each month a Social Security check is taken before full retirement age. But here is an interesting and revealing point. The clickbait site says your benefit is “slashed” if taken early.

The site also says you get a “generous” increase if you delay your benefits until after your full retirement age. The delayed retirement credit you get is actually twothirds of 1% for each month you wait after your FRA to file for benefits.

And why do these clickbait sites exaggerate the downside of early retirement and overplay the upsides to delayed retirement? Because almost all of them have one goal: to get you to wait until age 70 to start your Social Security -- and in the meantime, to sign up for financial services offered by the companies sponsoring the sites.

To illustrate this further, let’s recall that other clickbait come on I mentioned earlier -- the one that said: “The Secret to How You Are Losing Out on $3.4 Trillion in Social Security.” Well, I guess somehow the author of that website used some very dubious math to figure out that all retiring baby boomers in this country will be losing out on combined benefits of $3.4 trillion if they don’t wait until age 70 to start their Social Security checks.

So I guess my wife and I have missed out on part of that $3.4 trillion because we both took our Social Security benefits at 62. I’ve discussed our reasons for doing this many times in this column. In a nutshell, we both decided to grab our benefits early because we wanted to have fun spending that money before we got too old to enjoy it. (And of course, it helped that I also had my civil service pension for all the years I spent working for the federal government.)

I am definitely not saying everyone should file for their Social Security as soon as they reach age 62. I am simply pointing out that there are various reasons why some people might not want to wait until age 70 to file.

As I’ve said over and over again in this column, I am not a financial planner. I’m just an old, retired Social Security guy. But I do know enough to tell you there are many obvious factors you need to take into account when deciding at which age to begin your Social Security benefits. Do you think you will live to a ripe old age, and you will want more benefits in the long run? Then wait until age 70. Are you unsure of your longevity and are looking for more cash up front? Then take Social Security before then. Are you trying to

guarantee higher survivor benefits for your spouse after you die? Then wait until age 70. Or do you and your spouse prefer to have more of that money in your early 60s as opposed to just one of you having more money later on? Then file sooner.

I can also tell you that I’ve heard from enough financial planners over the years to realize that more and more of them are suggesting that most people would be wise to start their benefits at full retirement age.

So another message of today’s column is this. When deciding when to start your Social Security benefits, consider all the things going on with your health, your fi-

nances and your marital status. And maybe talk to a financial planner. But definitely do not rely on clickbait to make your Social Security decisions.

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 2026 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LI Real Estate in 2026: Nassau vs. Suffolk

Continued from page 3

handle them with empathy and precision — are commanding significant market advantage.

Final Thoughts: 2026 Is a Strategy Market

Long Island real estate in 2026 is not about timing the market — it’s about understanding the market.

Nassau offers:

• Scarcity

• Stability

• Seller strength

• Long-term appreciation

Suffolk offers:

• Space

• Growth

• Flexibility

• Investment upside

Whether you are a homeowner considering a move, a buyer seeking opportunity, or an investor building wealth, the path forward is not passive — it is strategic.

Those who adapt to new financing realities, insurance dynamics, zoning changes, and buyer psychology will not merely survive 2026 — they will thrive in it.

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

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

Certified International Property

Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.

National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

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

WRITER’S CORNER

your Home.

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

Book clubs, food groups or chess?

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

I’m in the habit of looking at the calendar of events for both my public library and the senior center because I never know what new clubs and activities they might post. Sometimes they add a beginners’ macrame class, a calligraphy class or a woodworking class and other times they’ll highlight a guest speaker for the general public.

All people have to do is show up and they might get to hear a famous author speak not only about their latest books but about how they found a publisher at the beginning and got their first books printed and bound.

It’s very interesting and while they had a spate of speakers whose topics didn’t thrill me, I know if I wait long enough, I’ll get to hear a great speaker.

When I perused the calendar of events recently I noted the monthly book club and two newer groups - the food club and the chess club. I’d never seen these last two listed as events at my public library so I read more about them.

One write-up I saw said: Once a month you can have a group that loves to talk about food! What could be better? We meet right before lunch and that’s okay. Not only do we talk about food, we eat food, too! We start with a theme such as lemons and we gather recipes that pertain to that particular theme.

Searching for recipes that contain lemon, I found several places to go for reliable recipes. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with additional optional seasonings is terrific. Basil Shrimp is from allrecipes. My favorite is Lemon Bars from Ree Drummond at The Food Network.

The best way to feature a food is to bring samples of it for members to taste.

The chess club was being led by a volunteer from the community, by a man who’s played chess as a hobby for 40+ years. People were encouraged to join the chess club and they had two different groups - one for beginners and the other one for more advanced chess players.

Occasionally they get a guest speaker to talk about the origins of chess and how it’s grown as a hobby over time. By most accounts a basic form of chess began in the 6th century in India. Word of the game spread through trade routes and other means.

It was in the 19th century that formal tournaments began. The first World Championship was held in 1886 in the U.S. with games played across NYC, St. Louis and New Orleans. It was in 1924 that the World Chess Federation was founded to standardize rules and organize international events.

That’s a little history of chess. When I saw the choices of the book club, the food club and the chess club, I knew the book club appealed the most to me. I just had to hope the day and time worked in my schedule. It did!

As a new member of the book club I started reading books I wouldn’t normally find at the library or anywhere else. One of the first books on the book club’s list for the year was The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. It was published in 2021 but I’d never heard of it. I really liked it.

How this this mystery and thriller book starts: Hannah, a professional woodturner living in California, receives a short cryptic note from her husband

Owen telling her to protect his teenage daughter Bailey. The message puzzles Hannah but she soon learns that Owen has disappeared in the wake of legal raids at the tech company where he works called The Shop.

People often judge a book by its cover. Or by its blurb. You never know. My book club friends and I recently read Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue by Spencer Quinn, published in 2025.

In Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue, 71-yearold Loretta Plansky investigates the suspicious disappearance of her tennis partner, Kev Dinardo, after his yacht explodes following their senior tennis championship victory. Convinced the fire wasn’t lightning, as Kev claimed, Mrs. Plansky breaks into his home and finds it ransacked. At some point Kev goes missing then she discovers that her tennis pro son, Jack, has also.

Loretta goes on a dangerous adventure involving organized crime, deep diving and a huge alligator named Fairbanks. An entertaining character, Mrs. Plansky likes to look deeper than the obvious.

My friend, Dana, in the book club mentioned how she’d read Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge which came before Spencer Quinn’s Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue so she was familiar with some of the characters and was excited to see this second novel in the Mrs. Plansky series.

She added that Spencer Quinn is the pen name for Peter Abrahams who is known for the bestselling Chet and Bernie mystery series narrated by a canine partner named Chet. Abrahams writes under his own name for other suspense novels - he uses the Spencer Quinn pseudonym for his dog-centered detective stories.

Dana likes reading a good mystery but not heavy, detailed mysteries and these two Mrs. Plansky books were really entertaining.

Calling herself a senior citizen amateur sleuth, Dana said, “As a ‘sometime detective’ I look for things that may not seem exactly right. That prompts me to investigate and like Loretta Plansky, sometimes that gets me into trouble. I’m a senior and just like the book’s main character, I’ve never been an assassin or a CIA agent. Still, my antenna goes up. I’m the curious type who wants to try and figure out why things are the way they are.” Dana brings her comments back on topic - to the book - and she says Mrs. Plansky is funny and relatable to many people. She adds that, “For Loretta Plansky, age is just a number and she is a bold and feisty character. Writer Spencer Quinn has a very good imagination and I look forward to reading book 3 in the Mrs. Plansky series.”

Mark in my book club said he enjoyed reading this mystery with some funny twists in it. If he had his choice, if he was choosing a book to put on our reading list, he’d choose The Good Detective by John McMahon.

Mark added that he likes reading mysteries or any type of book really while listening to pop music. “It’s a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours,” Mark said. “After doing chores and watching a little TV I like to read. Any new fiction books on the bestseller list appeal to me but if a friend recommends any page turner, I’m game.”

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SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

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Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

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901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

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Fried

Egg, Bacon, Cheese and Tomatoes on a Bread Roll

Comfort food is often associated with dinner fixtures like meatloaf and baked ziti. But comfort also can be served up at the breakfast table.

Breakfast sandwiches are wildly popular and can act as early morning fuel after a good night’s rest. When the urge strikes to prepare some early morning comfort food, cooks can look to this recipe

4 bread rolls, split in half horizontally and toasted

8 slices thick bacon

4 large eggs Salt, to taste

1) In a skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until nicely browned and crispy. Drain bacon on paper towels.

2) Remove most of the bacon drippings from the pan and fry the eggs to your liking. Season to taste

for “Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheese, and Tomatoes on a Bread Roll” courtesy of Lines+Angles. Makes 4 servings

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 slices cheddar cheese

1 fresh tomato, rinsed and sliced

with salt and pepper.

3) Arrange a slice of cheese and 2 slices of cooked bacon on the bottom half of each roll. Add tomato slices and a fried egg to each. Top with the remaining half of the bread roll. Serve.

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y. 516-538-4503

www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com

Boosting

F riday, January 23,

POB educator named Master Teacher

From page 1

by the State University of New York (SUNY), and was established in 2013 to recognize standout K-12 public school STEM teachers, and build a collaborative statewide network dedicated to strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Master Teachers serve as instructional leaders who oversee and engage in cutting edge professional development within the STEM education field, sharing best practices, mentoring educators, and fostering equitable and engaging learning experiences for students across the state.

This year, Ms. Fitzpatrick was one of only 29 teachers selected to participate in the Long Island regional cohort. As a Master Teacher, Jennifer Fitzpatrick will participate in a four-year professional development and leadership experience, collaborating with peers, SUNY faculty, and educational partners to advance teaching and learning both within the District and across the region.

“The POB school community is incredibly proud of Jennifer Fitzpatrick and our entire roster of Master Teachers,” said Dame Forbes Director of Science, Research and Technology. “This recognition highlights Jennifer’s ded-

ication to her students and reinforces our District’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in STEM education.”

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Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

Broadway’s Beetlejuice visits JFK

Members of John F. Kennedy Middle School ’ s Masquers Guild received an extraordinary learning opportunity on Jan. 14 when Broadway actor Andrew Kober led a three-hour masterclass in the school auditorium. The timing couldn ’ t have been better – the student theater group is currently in rehearsals for their upcoming production of “ Beetlejuice Jr. ” a shortened version of the show Kober performed in on Broadway.

The intensive session was structured to maximize hands-on learning and featured three distinct components. The masterclass began with 30 minutes of ensemble-based physical and vocal warm-ups, during which Kober introduced his approach to character development and storytelling. This foundation set the stage for the heart of the workshop: two hours of detailed scene and song work.

During this extended coaching session, Kober worked directly with students on selected scenes and musical numbers from the show, focusing on ensemble connection, characterization and the importance of physicality, timing and specificity in performance. Even students not actively performing benefited from observing the coaching process, gaining insights they could apply to their own work. The masterclass concluded with a 30-minute Q&A session where students asked questions about “ Beetlejuice, ” Broadway, television and film work, and life as a professional actor.

Kober brings extensive Broadway credentials to his teaching. His performance credits include the Broadway productions of “ Beetlejuice, ” “ Les Misérables, ”“ She Loves Me, ” “ Sunday in the Park with George, ” “ School of Rock, ” “ Hair, ” “ Beautiful, ”

and “ How to Dance in Ohio. ” He has also performed in London ’ s West End production of “ Hair ” and the First National Tours of “ Beetlejuice ” and “ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. ” Kober is a graduate of the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.

The students were attentive and enthusiastic throughout the session, clearly thrilled to receive feedback and practical tips from someone with such intimate knowledge of the show they ’ re preparing to perform.

The masterclass has left the cast even more energized and excited about bringing their own version of "Beetlejuice ” to the JFK stage.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

The students were attentive and enthusiastic throughout the session, clearly thrilled to receive feedback and practical tips from someone with such intimate knowledge of the show they're preparing to perform.

Upcoming Programs at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, January 23

1:00 p.m.: Open Play: Mahjong and Cards - Whether it’s bridge, canasta, mahjong, or any other card game, bring your friends and enjoy a game day at the library.

2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “Superman” (2025) - In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. Rated PG- 13. 2 hrs.

Saturday, January 24

10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months to 5 Years) - Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.

2:00 p.m.: Foreign Flix Saturday: The Nightingale (All Ages) - This heartwarming drama follows a widower, his granddaughter, and their pet bird on a journey from Beijing to his hometown in Yangshuo, Guilin, blending modern city life with traditional Chinese culture and family healing. Starring Baotian Li, Qin Hao, Li Xiaoran, and Xin Yi Yang, the film was nominated for Best Narrative Feature at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. 1 hour and 40 minutes. This movie will be shown in Chinese with English subtitles.

Sunday, January 25

1:00 p.m.: Movie: “White Bird” (Grades 5 & Up) - “White Bird” is a

moving, family-friendly film based on the graphic novel by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France who is hidden and protected by a kind classmate and his family, showing how courage and compassion can shine even in the darkest times. Rated PG-13, 2 hrs.

2:30 p.m.: Little VEX Innovators with Infinite Robotics Inc. (Grades K–3) - This program engages kids in hands-on building and coding with VEX IQ robotics, making it perfect for curious elementary students eager to explore the world of robotics!

Monday, January 26

10:30 a.m.: Sensational Playtime (Ages 18 Months to 3 Years) - This is a play-based program for Early Childhood designed with occupational therapy objectives in mind. It will focus on developmental motor and social skills to foster the emerging skills for this age group.

6:00 p.m.: Bond with Your Teen: Paint Night with Madhumita SenA parent and teen each paint their own giraffe canvas, creating two separate pieces that gently lean toward each other when placed side by side. This simple, sweet artwork celebrates connection, trust, and the quiet comfort of being close -- even while growing in different directions.

Tuesday, January 27

11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with

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Ordering a weekly subscription right to your doorstep will also save you more money than buying an individual paper.

Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

2:30 p.m.: New Currents with Elinor Haber - Join Elinor and participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day -- the international, national and local scene. We’ll focus on trends that affect us now and in the future. Bring your thoughts, issues, and a friend to join in the discussion.

4:00 p.m.: Graphic Novel Book Discussion: “White Bird” by R.J Palacio (Grades 5 - 6) - White Bird by R.J. Palacio is a moving graphic novel that follows Sara, a young Jewish girl hiding in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Told through tender illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores courage, kindness, and the power of compassion even in the darkest times. On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, join us for a discussion of this important book. Pick up a copy at the library to read at home before the discussion.

7:00 p.m.: Evening Chinese Book Discussion with Jin Wei - We will be discussing “The Real Life MBA” by Jack and Suzy Welch.

Wednesday, January 28

6:00 p.m.: Movie Night: “Freakier Friday” (2025) - 22 years after Tess and Anna endured an identity crisis,

Anna now has a daughter and a soonto-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might strike twice. Rated PG, 1hr 51min.

6:00 p.m.: Woodland Creatures Light-Up Globe (Grades 2–4) - Make a light-up winter globe featuring your favorite woodland animal!

6:30 p.m.: Virtual: Silver Scribblers: Creative Writing Workshop - Everyone has a story to tell—what’s yours? Join Silver Scribblers, the library’s creative writing group designed especially for older adults who love words, memories, and imagination. Whether you’re jotting down family stories, crafting poetry, or exploring new forms of writing, this friendly group offers encouragement, inspiration, and a welcoming space to share your voice.

Saturday, January 31

2:00 p.m.: Lunar New Year Celebration - Join Li Liu when she performs traditional Chinese acrobatics with hand balancing, plate spinning, ribbon dancing and more. Li will explain some of the Lunar New Year rituals. There will be fun for all and some audience participation Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/month Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.

Town offers

Winter Toddler Sports Program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Toddler Sports Program will return this winter, beginning February 10. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Councilman Imbroto. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins February 10th and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

• Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and

• Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Registration will be available online through the Parks Registration Portal at oysterbaytown.com/sports beginning Wednesday, January 14, at 9 a.m. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program. The last day to request a refund for this program will be February 19, 2026.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

Barbara Bucovetsky Sells Homes! There Must Be A Reason...

NOBODY SAYS IT BETTER THAN MY CLIENTS:

Barbara Bucovetsky

Licensed Associate RE Broker barbara.bucovetsky@compass.com O: 516.517.4866 | M: 516.428.2016

“Barbara is a one-of-a-kind professional who really knows her stuff! She is thoroughly versed in the market and knows everyone there is to know to assist in the process. She is 100% accessible, always available to answer questions no matter how small. She goes above and beyond.”

— Jennifer A. & Sharon S.

“What impressed us the most is that in an age of ‘fast talk’ and ‘just make the sale’ you were a fresh breath of sincerity, honesty and direct advice and opinion You never hesitated to tell us ‘like it is’, whether good or bad, which helped us make decisions resulting in a sale at the price you suggested and within the time period you estimated.” — Ilene and Sandy F.

“Barbara, your tireless efforts resulted in the house selling quite quickly and at a price that I was extremely pleased with. It is evident that this is more than a job for you. My dear friend told me that you are the only real estate agent she would deal with. I now know why!”

— Ethel L.

“Barbara knew what help we needed. She guided us every step of the way, answering all our questions and helping us deal with our concerns. Barbara had no concerns. She only had solutions. But most of all she had a passion for her work that drove her to excel. We were in the right hands.”

— Fran & Bob G.