Floral Park Village (2/13/26)

THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY

Village leaders address storm, commercial development

BY RIKKI MASSAND

On Thursday, February 5, the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce, along with two members of the Floral Park Village Board of Trustees, was hosted by Rev. George B. Mangan at the 135-year-old United Methodist Church on Verbena Avenue. The gathering served as the chamber’s February monthly meeting and the annual “A Feast of Floral Park.”

Four premier restaurants from Tulip Avenue — J. Fal-

lon’s Tap Room, Floral Park Diner, Gyro Village and Uptown Taco — provided a lavish buffet for attendees inside the church.

Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo and Trustee Michael Longobardi shared updates on current initiatives and priorities of the Board of Trustees and village administration.

With substantial snow still on the ground, the deputy mayor addressed the village’s response procedures during recent winter storms. She discussed residents’ responsibil-

ities, including clearing sidewalks and removing snow from around fire hydrants.

“Very often, our police had to push cars out of the snow so the plows could come through. It was a big problem with people going out in the middle of storms, thinking they could get someplace in the snow and they got stuck going down the street. There were four to five officers who pushed, MANUALLY – not using equipment or cars – at least two dozen cars out of the snow, by hand, after they had

been working their shifts in the freezing cold. The Department of Public Works and our Fire Department were also helping out as we had a number of emergencies during the storm (January 25th-26th) and when the FD Rescue responded, they arrived and were unable to get to the walks – police officers had to shovel in order to get a stretcher into the homes. DPW plowed the way for ambulances so they could get through unplowed streets,” Pombonyo said.

She thanked Public Works, Police Department and Fire Department personnel for braving the weather and assisting residents during emergencies. Pombonyo also recognized Trustee Michael Longobardi and Village Clerk Joseph O’Grady — both FD members and former fire chiefs — for their leadership during the storm.

“Thank you both for everything you did within all the roles you play for the village – the late January snowstorm was that intense,” she said.

The deputy mayor reminded attendees that village regulations prohibit snowblowers from pushing snow into the street. She noted that one resident became unruly and blew snow toward a DPW worker who was informing them of the rule.

“Many of the DPW workers are also our Sanitation workers who collect the garbage, and even it’s not a declared snow

emergency everyone should move their car from the street – we can all see the streets where the snow is still piled into the middle of the street, with an ‘indent’ where a car was parked. The plows can’t do the job without space. For businesses, shoveling sidewalks and leaving curb cuts open for pedestrians is important. DPW is still working to get rid of all the rock-hard ice, and on Tulip Avenue they are getting rid of all the buildup at the curbs so people can walk to their parked cars,” she added.

Traffic lights reviewed

Pombonyo also discussed traffic infrastructure improvements. In spring 2025, members of the Village Board and Clerk Joseph O’Grady toured Tulip and Plainfield Avenues with Nassau County Legislator Scott P. Strauss to review traffic light timing and inoperable pedestrian signals.

“We looked at the timing of the traffic lights and some of the inoperable pedestrian crossing signals. Nassau County is now working on a plan to update those pieces of equipment for us and fix the timing. I was on a call with Legislator Strauss’s office and they will be calling back to let me know the status of that project. Along with that we now have County Legislator John J. Giuffré, and his district covers the southern part of the town as well as Stewart Manor. Strauss and Giuffré will work

A quiet shift beneath the market headlines

BY SHANE PAROUSE

Much of the recent market conversation has centered on the S&P 500 and a handful of mega-cap technology stocks. But beneath those headlines, a quieter — and important — rotation has been taking place.

Over the past year, smaller-company stocks, international markets, and value-oriented investments have begun to outperform the S&P 500. After years of dominance by large U.S. growth stocks, investors are gradually broadening their focus. Small-cap companies, which tend to benefit more from improving economic conditions and lower interest-rate expectations, have gained traction. International stocks, particularly in developed markets, have also rebounded as valuations remain more attractive than those in the U.S. Meanwhile, value stocks — companies trading at lower prices relative to earnings or assets — have benefited from steady cash flows and more reasonable pricing.

This rotation doesn’t mean the S&P 500 is “out of favor,” but it does suggest the market is becoming healthier and

more balanced. Leadership is expanding, rather than relying on a narrow group of names.

For long-term investors, this serves as a reminder of the importance of diversification. Market leadership changes over time, and portfolios built to weather those shifts are often better positioned for the road ahead.

Shane Parouse, ChFC, is a Partner and Wealth Management Advisor at Shelter Rock Wealth Management. (www.shelterrockwealthmanagement. com)

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/ SIPC. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Civic Assn. meeting

The February Hillcrest Civic Association meeting will be held on Thursday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Floral Park Recreation Center

The agenda will include updates from the Floral Park trustees and police department

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

Wes Houston Presents…

Wes Houston

Maria Fairchild (Vocals, Banjo, Guitar) & Bill Ayasse (Fiddle, Mandolin)

The Author Corner

Stephanie Larkin

“Working for the City: You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” ~ Gweneva Gavin The Floral Park Mayor’s Report

Hon. Kevin M. Fitzgerald

“The Floral Park Public Library: An Overview ” ~ Patricia Eren, Director

Healthcare Aware

George Ingram

“Estate Planning & Aging” ~ Britt Burner, Esq., Elder Law Attorney 9:30

Let’s Be Franke

Patty Franke

“Estate Planning: It’s Never Too Soon” ~ Lori Somekh, Esq., Elder Law Attorney

JLCS fifth graders learn about ancient people

As part of their social studies unit on the Maya, Inca and Aztec civilizations, fifth graders at John Lewis Childs School decorated pop bottles to represent different social classes within each civilization.

Through research, students explored daily life by studying clothing, occupations, traditions and environments. Using their research as inspiration, students transformed their learning into creative models by turning simple bottles into figures representing individuals from these ancient civilizations. They also wrote detailed, descriptive paragraphs depicting a “day in the life,” highlighting daily routines and skills within the civilization.

As a culminating activity, fifth graders presented their pop bottle figures and shared key facts about their assigned civilization and social class with their peers. This project, which includes both a creative and written component, is a yearly tradition for the fifth grade, with a new theme each year.

Town of Hempstead offers Boater Safety Course

Vessels may be covered with snow and ice right now, it won’t be long until Hempstead Town thaws out and prepares for another great boating season out on local waterways. Supervisor John Ferretti and the Hempstead Town Board remind residents that New York State law now requires ALL operators of personal watercraft to receive a boater safety certificate, and Town officials have scheduled several courses to help bring local mariners into compliance.

Residents can sign up for a Town of Hempstead Boater Safety Course as early as February. This class, for ages 18 and up, will be split into three sessions: February 10th, February 17th, and February 24th, all from 7-10 PM at the Town Conservation and Waterways building (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend all three classes to become certified. Courses are administered by the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables.

“Setting sail along our region’s beautiful and pristine waterways is one of the great benefits of living in America’s largest township, but we want to ensure that residents are doing so safely to protect themselves and their fellow boaters,” said Supervisor Ferretti. “Our Bay Constables are highly trained and have invaluable wisdom to share about local waterways and safer boating practices. We encourage boaters in need of certification to attend a course right here in America’s largest township.”

Once a boater obtains their certification, documentation must be on board the vessel while sailing.

To register for one of the Boater Safety Classes, please call the Town 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 294-8900 for more information.

Floral Park-Bellerose School and John Lewis Childs School proudly joined the worldwide Global Day of Play on Feb. 4, celebrating the power of play and meaningful face-to-face connection.

Throughout the day, students enjoyed extra free time dedicated to screen-free, creative and collaborative play. These experiences help children build essential life skills, including problem-solving, communication, teamwork and imagination.

Students were invited to bring a favorite board game, card game or puzzle from home to share and enjoy with their peers.

Global School Play Day began in 2015, created by a group of educators to bring attention to the value of play in learning and foster a global conversation about the role of play in education.

Village leaders address storm, commercial development

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together on this so we’ve looped both in for communications,” she noted.

With funding received from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Floral Park Police Department will be stepping up “Don’t Block the Box” enforcement once severe winter conditions subside.

“We will have officers who are not out on FPD patrols dedicated to the enforcement against blocking the box,” she said. “As soon as we’re rid of the snow we will return to that focus again.”

Development projects considered

Floral Park Chamber President Shane Parouse said the chamber’s board of directors has closely followed proposed development projects throughout the village, particularly the 1.19-acre former Stella’s Italian restaurant site on Jericho Turnpike.

Deputy Mayor Pombonyo clarified that the Board of Trustees is currently considering whether to grant a Special Use Permit to allow two levels of underground parking for the proposed mixeduse building.

“They would obviously need this if they wanted to construct the multiple levels of apartments with a lot

See page 10

Don Licata, Floral Park Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo; Rev. George Mangan; Village Trustee Michael Longobardi; Floral Park Historical Society President, former Mayor Ann Corbett; Floral Park Chamber of Commerce President Shane Parouse; Sewanhaka High School Work-based Learning Coordinator Lorraine Knoblauch; founder of nonprofit Tricia's Kids, Inc. Tom DeMaria; Andrea Shirian; Chamber Vice President Chris Vassiliou, co-owner of the Floral Park Diner; Steven Bogdanos. owner of All the Right Moves Moving & Storage; and Zef Noci, owner/chef of Zef's Pizza Firetruck.

Michael S chroder ha s s uccessfully represented Garden City homeowners’ tax appeals for over 40 years. He has lived in the Village for 35 years .

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KNOWLEDGE

Michael and his team of attorneys know every section of the Village and key arguments for achieving the largest reductions possible .

Schroder & Strom is recommended by Garden City ’s most prominent attorneys and real estate agents for their clients’ tax appeals.

SAV INGS

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LAW FIRM AD VANTA GE

As a law firm, we are held to the highest standards and have more resources and options available for favorable outcomes – yet our property tax reduction fees are the same as tax consultants.

& Strom handles Village appeals while most other tax consultants do not.

Chances are, your neighbors are already saving on their taxes with Schroder & Strom. The Tax Grievance deadline is March 31, 2026. Start saving today. Go to nytaxreview.com and complete the Resi dential P rofile Form OR call us at (516) 742-7430.

Where to Go When Winter Sparks Romance

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Valentine’s Day and winter’s chill always spur couples to seek out destinations to kindle their romance –whether newlyweds on a honeymoon, or a couple looking to deepen their relationship, propose or celebrate some milestone (an anniversary or babymoon?). Here are some places with just the right atmosphere to provide the spark:

10 Most Romantic Places in Italy

Denyse Pantaleo, a tour designer and manager at Walks of Italy, which organizes authentic walking experiences in Europe’s culturally rich destinations, offers this list of 10 of Italy’s most romantic places.

The Dolomites, set against jagged snow-covered peaks, offers intimate alpine villages perfect for cuddling by a crackling fireplace after enjoying the pulsing excitement of skiing, ice skating, and indulging in fondue at a mountain lodge in towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and San Cassiano.

Rome, the Eternal City, is the place to express eternal love. “For a truly romantic day, visit Il Sogno di Giulietta, a palazzo in the courtyard where Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet, once lived.”

Turin, an elegant city set against the backdrop of the Alps, offers thermal bliss at spas like QC Termetorino. Explore the Mole Antonelliana and Royal Palace of Turin. Finish with a romantic dinner featuring local specialties like agnolotti and gianduja chocolate.

Verona, the setting of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”: is where couples can write their own love story. Explore Juliet’s courtyard, take a stroll through Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Castelvecchio Bridge.

The Amalfi Coast, with its

dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters, offers a dreamy setting for romance. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral, watch the sunset at Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, stroll through picturesque towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

Umbria: Drive the Strada del Sagrantino, visit local wineries, explore medieval towns and vineyards. From the serene Lake Trasimeno to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Umbria is a tranquil retreat for couples seeking peace and intimacy.

Florence: Wander through historic streets of this UNESCO-listed city, visit the Uffizi Gallery, stroll the Boboli Gardens. Florence’s beauty and timeless allure create the perfect atmosphere for couples.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and gondolas, is the quintessential romantic destination. Glide through the Grand Canal, explore hidden gems like the Dorsoduro district, arrange a private gondola ride

Pompeii: Explore the ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk through the well-preserved streets and discover the House of Venus, where intricate frescoes depict tales of love and beauty. After a guided tour around the ruined ancient city, visit Cantina de

Venice seems to have been designed for romance © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

and-snowshoeing-in-slovenia)

the volcano.

Milan: With landmarks like the  Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan offers a luxurious yet intimate setting. Shop stylish boutiques, enjoy gourmet meals in trendy districts like Brera, and experience a night at La Scala opera house. From here, take a short train journey to Lake Como.

See:  www.walksofitaly.com/blog/ travel-tips/most-romantic-places-initaly

Top Romantic Winter Experiences in Slovenia

In winter, Slovenia turns into a storybook destination, where snow-covered landscapes, charming towns, and intimate experiences set the atmosphere for romance.

Moonlit Winter Walks and Snowshoeing Adventures: Velika Planina, with its charming shepherds’ huts blanketed in snow, feels like a fairytale village for scenic winter walks and snowshoe hikes to nearby plateaus. Pokljuka, a high alpine plateau within Triglav National Park, impresses with majestic spruce forests and sweeping views of the Julian Alps; Pohorje is a winter wonderland of meadows and forests (https://www. slovenia.info/en/stories/winter-hikes-

A Traditional Pletna Boat Ride to Bled Island: Glide across Lake Bled’s misty waters aboard a traditional pletna boat. Visit the island church where the tradition of ringing the wishing bell adds a meaningful and romantic ritual.

Indulge in a Couples’ Thermal Spa Retreat at the Orhidelia Wellness Centre at Terme Olimia, one of Slovenia’s most modern wellness centers; the Riviera Wellness Centre in Terme Čatež; and enjoy honey- or beer-inspired treatments at Thermana Laško. (www.slovenia.info/en/stories/ couple-pampering-in-slovenian-spas).

Romantic City Strolls Filled with Culture and Charm: Ljubljana captivates with its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The LUV Fest , a festival of love, art and wandering, is Feb 8-Mar.12). Visit  Ptuj, named the  Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026.

For more romantic winter experiences, visit  www.slovenia.info/ en/stories/ideas-for-romantic-winterexperiences

Bermuda epitomizes romance, with stunning pink sand beaches, quiet, private coves, quaint lodgings and an endless array of activities. For our family it was the perfect destination for a proposal, and then a babymoon at The Reefs (www.thereefs. com, 800-742-2008).  Bermuda Tourism Authority, www.gotobermuda.com, 1-800-BERMUDA)

Mendocino, California is one of our favorite romantic destinations – the charming northern California historic town is nestled on the rocky coast with stunning scenery, hikes, beaches and coves. A favorite place to stay is Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa, which offers utter serenity (800-5784454,  brewerygulchinn.com). Visit Mendocino County, 866-466-3636, 707964-9010, www.visitmendocino.com. February 13, 2026

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of February 15-21, 2026

Back in the earliest days of human history, long before even I was born, skywatchers noticed that the moon and planets drifted from month to month among the stars. Even more interestingly, they found that these wandering lights never strayed from a narrow arc across the sky.

With little understanding of the workings of the cosmos, they interpreted these wandering lights as either envoys of the gods carrying messages to and fro or, perhaps, the gods themselves. They devised 12 stellar groupings (the zodiac) to mark this path, and assigned mystical properties to each as well as to the planets that appeared to pass through them.

Night after night, they watched and plotted these celestial dances in hopes of gleaning the wishes and thoughts of the gods. This, of course, is the origin of astrology, which has not changed terribly much in methods and purpose over the millennia, except that today it has become a multimillion-dollar business.

Modern stargazers who do understand the workings of the universe know that there is nothing mystical at all about this region of the heavens. It represents the path along which the planets journey in front of the more distant stars. Astronomers call it the

Follow the Winter Zodiac

“ecliptic” because it’s along this arc that the sun and moon also appear to travel, and, therefore, the only locations in the sky where eclipses can occur.

Head outdoors after dark this week and you’ll see half of the year’s zodiacal constellations spread over the southern sky. In the west, Pisces, the fishes, appear shortly after sunset, but set soon after darkness falls. To the east of Pisces comes Aries, the Ram. Unfortunately, there are no really bright stars among this grouping, so your best chance of finding them will come under a dark, un-light-polluted sky.

After Aries comes Taurus, the bull, with its bright star Aldebaran, and

LOST

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

One morning I walked around the back of our yard and discovered a dead animal. I poked it with the toe of my sneaker to make sure it was really dead, not just playing possum. But as they say in The Wizard of Oz, it wasn’t just merely dead, it was really most sincerely dead.

Naturally, the first thing I did was take a headcount of all our pets to make sure the furry, stiff thing outside was not one of ours. Then I accounted for all my dog’s stuffed toys to make sure I wasn’t freaking out over something that had never actually been alive.

Finally, reluctantly, I went outside and approached the dead thing. It was bigger than a squirrel and smaller than a breadbox, which incidentally is kind of a stupid comparison because no one I know has a breadbox, so I’ll just say it was about the same size as a cat.

The dead thing, in fact, turned out to be a dead possum. As far as I could tell, there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with it -- aside from the fact that

Half of the year’s zodiacal constellations will be visible in the southern sky after dark this week.

Gemini, the twins, and its equally bright “twin” stars Castor and Pollux. Finally, low in the eastern sky, we struggle to spot a dim, nondescript constellation. Cancer, the crab, is one of the smallest and faintest of all celestial patterns.

Once you find the zodiacal band, you’ll be able to keep watch of the planets’ motions as did the ancients. Right now, look for faint Saturn not far from the stars of Pisces low in the west after dark, and brilliant Jupiter glistening among the stars of Gemini high in the east. Uranus and Neptune also lie along this band, but you’ll need a telescope to find them.

Later this week and next, you’ll be able to watch as the moon swings along

IN SUBURBIA

Playing Possum

it was dead. This, of course, was an issue. But the biggest issue, aside from its deadness in our yard, was the fact that there was no one to remove it from our yard except me. Normally when I find dead things around the house or outside of it, I leave them for my husband to deal with. It comes with his job description. I make the meals, pick up the dry cleaning, do the laundry, and take out the garbage -- and he disposes of dead things. But my husband was not here, and the dead possum was smack in the back of the yard where the dog likes to run around. The dog also likes to eat, play with and roll around on dead things. You can see how this was a problem.

So, I did what any sensible, suburban woman with a similar problem would do. I called the police.

“Hi there,” I said. “I have a dead possum in my backyard. Can you send someone over to pick it up?”

There was a pause. Then someone on the other end snorted, said no, and hung up. Honestly, I didn’t actually think they would come, but I thought it

was worth a shot.

Regrettably, I realized there was no one else I could call, meaning I was going to have to do the deed. So, I put on rubber gloves, a ski mask and a radiation suit I happened to have lying around the house, and I went outside.

I nudged the possum with my toe again, but it didn’t budge. I nudged harder, and nothing happened. This is when I realized that the possum was actually petrified, as in hard-as-arock-petrified, not scared-petrified, and stuck to the ground like a fossil in bedrock. It occurred to me that the possum may have been there, at the edge of my backyard, dead, for quite some time, and may have even actually taken root.

I thought for a minute, then went into the shed and got a big shovel. I jammed it under the possum and heaved, but nothing happened. Then I threw all my weight on the shovel. This time the dead possum lifted out of the ground, onto the shovel, into the air and, in a perfect arc, flew over my neighbor’s fence. Problem solved.

this path as well. This should not surprise you; it, too, is part of our solar system and travels along roughly the same arc. I say “roughly” because the moon’s orbit is actually tipped by about 5 degrees to the plane of the ecliptic, so it does appear to stray slightly above and below it.

As the seasons change, you’ll be able to follow the zodiac into the spring sky and find some of its constellations located there. By summertime, you’ll be greeted by an entirely new cast of zodiacal characters.

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

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

Snow Days: Keep Them or Get Rid of Them

BY MARC SPECTOR

We all remember how wonderful it was back in the day when we were kids and we heard that it was going to snow. At least for me, I think, and most of my contemporaries.

Not only was it a break from school, but also a chance to relax, maybe sleep in a bit, go play in the snow, or as the years went by, watch News 12 and see how everyone else was “dealing” with and “coping” with the snowstorms. Talk about equalizers!

As if getting up early in the morning when it was cold and dark was not enough, the angst associated with being a teenager intensified . All of the pressure of being young and having lots of academic responsibilities, with not enough time to do it in, and apparently not too many people caring about that fact too much, it all added up to stress, and lots of it. Besides, snow days tended to be a relief, albeit a temporary one, from the pains of everyday life, at least to an extent.

Obviously there are differences of opinion between those who want the snow days back and those who want to get rid of them forever. But both sides do have also problems associated with them: proponents of KEEPING the snow days cite safety and security as paramount, and keeping students and teachers safe, which sounds perfectly

sound to me. Others go for a more psychological reason, namely the emotional effect that the snow days have on us, bringing nostalgia for days of yore, a chance to refresh, reboot, spend time with family and friends and perhaps even explore unusual community resources and opportunities previously not done! Again, that sounds fine with me. And, finally, having snow days prevents unequal discrimination with regards to transportation accessibility and availability, as no one irrespective of financial and socioeconomic status should have to go to school in really bad weather, in my opinion.

But the naysayers have their point as well: the potential disruption of the academic calendar schedule, being forced to “add on” days at the end of the year, and, indirectly the difficulties associated with having to “catch-up” and “get back into” academics after even a short hiatus. There are also legitimate concerns about unequal technological allocations which raise potential discrimination issues, as not everyone has high quality internet access, nor a supportive home environment for it, either. Meal distribution for economically disadvantaged students can also become an issue, as in where would those kids now get their food from if school is closed? And finally, for parents who have to work during the day, now, their schedule is interrupt-

ed potentially leading to financial loss and a big stressor on their respective employers as well.

So, what’s the answer?

Personally, I am in favor for the most part of keeping the snow days but nevertheless understand the dilemmas therein associated. It’s essentially a choice between personal enlightenment and practical considerations, but it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing either, I don’t think. Another reason why I tend to be in favor of keeping these days is that it effectively teaches us albeit indirectly that “stuff happens” and keeps us on our toes with regards to that aspect of life. It would also be a day to be happy without being productive, a sorely needed practice in today’s society. A day to experiment in “just relaxing and rediverting” which we might need more than we think we do. And there is also the susceptibility of modern-day technology to not function properly all the time, creating frustration and uneven academic continuity for some.

A compromise might be the only effective remedy… reserving the traditional snow day for the “really bad snow days” where states of emergency are implemented and roads deemed treacherous to drive, or maybe what some educational institutions are doing already, having specifically previously allocated “snow days” already inserted

NUTRITION NEWS

Heart Healthy February

into the calendar beforehand, which would serve as asynchronous learning dates and making sure that the important material gets covered. And as for the food insecurity issue, the school districts should have alternative plans in hand before the year even starts to address the concerns of socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

I think that hybrid compromise might be just what we’re looking for. Let’s be honest, we don’t (usually) get that much snow on Long Island, but we still live in the Northeast and winter is just as much of a season as the other three. So, why not enjoy it to the best of our ability? I think that a break in the “action” not only gives us a break from the grind, but also a catch up period and time to reflect on life, where we’ve been, where we’re headed, etc. I comprehend fully why too many snow days can be disruptive, too. So, I propose the aforementioned compromise.

With climate change and global warming going the way it has been for a while now, soon we might move into a new climatic “zone” and snow days will naturally become a thing of the past. But until then, let’s just enjoy a sporadic snow day and not overimplement nor overutilize them, just enjoy them for what they are, natural and beautiful. And also enjoy extra rest and relaxation!

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects many. It’s a risk factor, along with high cholesterol and smoking, that can lead to heart disease. About half of all Americans have at least one of the three risk factors.

High blood pressure is a medical condition that happens when the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. The high pressure, if not controlled, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain. High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure. You can lower your blood pressure with lifestyle changes or with medicine to reduce your risk for heart disease and heart attack.

A second risk factor is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance made by the liver and found in certain foods. Your liver makes enough

for your body’s needs, but many of us get more cholesterol from the foods we eat.

If we take in more cholesterol than the body can use, the extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, including those of the heart. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries and can decrease the blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys and other parts of the body.

Like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get it checked with a simple blood test.

The lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol include eating less saturated fat (found in animal foods), less trans fat (found in pro-

cessed foods) and less salt. Choose more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to lower sodium and fat intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating at least 1 1/2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables every day, as well as limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day.

Add as many fruits and veggies to your diet as you can. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium and contain nutrients such as potassium that can help lower blood pressure. Also try to eat lean sources of protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish and lean meats as well as beans. Choose whole-grain breads and pastas and look for lower-sodium versions of canned and packaged foods.

The bottom line is diet alone may not completely cure or prevent high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but it can help.

Q and A

Q: Are there foods that can help with bad breath?

A: One of the biggest culprits of bad breath, referred to as halitosis, is bac-

teria on the tongue, which can interact with amino acids in foods to produce a foul smell. Decreased saliva production also prevents the mouth from cleansing itself by removing odor-causing food debris. Eating foods like garlic and onions, as well as smoking, can also lead to stale breath. Bad breath can sometimes signify a more serious underlying health condition, but for nonmedically related situations, several foods have natural compounds that help keep bacteria at bay. Try apples, green tea, cherries, ginger, parsley, yogurt with probiotics, melons and cinnamon. In addition, stay hydrated with water, chew gum to stimulate salivary glands and avoid coffee.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

BY TOM MARGENAU

As I’ve pointed out before, I usually find myself answering the same questions over and over again. But I’ve saved up a couple of oddball questions -- and here they are. But first, I want to make it clear I am not calling the people who emailed me the questions “oddballs.” However, I am saying the questions they asked were odd -- or at least out of the ordinary.

Q: I recently signed up for my Social Security after working for more than 40 years. I’ve often wondered this. I know that once you have 40 quarters of coverage, you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. I bet I had those 40 quarters way back when I was maybe 30 years old. Could I have quit working back then and still gotten a Social Security benefit someday? And if so, why didn’t I just do that?

A: Interesting questions. Before I answer them, let me clarify a term for some readers. You talked about “quarters of coverage.” That’s an old term that hasn’t been used in years. Younger readers might know that as “credits.” And here is why.

When Social Security first started, the law said that if you worked and paid Social Security taxes on earnings of $50 or more within a calendar quarter (January-March; April-June; etc.), you got one “quarter of coverage” applied to your Social Security account. And then the law further said that once you had 40 of those quarters, you were then “insured” for Social Security retirement benefits.

But about 50 years or so ago, they did away with the calendar quarter business and changed the rules to say you got one “credit” for each specified amount of money you made, not to exceed four credits in one year. That specified amount goes up slightly every year. For example, in 2026, you get one credit for each $1,890 you earn. But again, no more than four credits can be earned in a year. So that means in 2026, once you make $7,560, you have earned the maximum four Social Security credits you can get.

Here is an interesting way of looking at that. For most of us, that means you probably have to work about a month or more before you earn four Social Security credits. But for a billionaire like Elon Musk, for example, he probably earns his four credits five minutes after he walks into his Space X offices on Jan. 2 of each year! OK. So that clarifies why “quarters of coverage” and “credits” are the same thing. Now, to answer your question about quitting at age 30 and getting your Social Security.

You could potentially do that. But you would end up with an awfully small Social Security benefit. That benefit will be based on your average income over your highest 35 years of earnings. So if you end up with only 10 years of earnings on your record, that means they would have to factor 25

Some Oddball Questions

years of “zero” earnings into your Social Security computation. And that would drag down your average earnings, and thus your Social Security benefit, to a very low amount.

Q: My wife and I are both in our late 50s and starting to think about Social Security. I have had well-paid jobs all my life and always paid the maximum into Social Security. My wife spent a big chunk of our 35-year marriage staying home and taking care of the kids. She just barely has her 40 quarters. Can I take the next 10 years or so, transferring my earnings to my wife’s Social Security record, thus building up her Social Security account? I figure we could do this because we file a joint tax return.

A: You can’t do that. How you file a tax return has nothing to do with the assignment of Social Security earnings to individual records.

And even if you could do such a thing, you wouldn’t want to do it. Why? Because your wife will end up getting higher Social Security benefits as a spouse on your record than she ever would get on her own account. Let’s say your benefit will be $4,000 per month and your wife’s own small retirement benefit will be $500. Assuming you start benefits at your full retirement age, she would be due a spousal benefit of $1,500 on your account to supplement her own $500 benefit.

Now, let’s say you were able to give some of your earnings to your wife for several years. That might boost her own benefit to maybe $800 per month. But she is still going to end up with $2,000 in total benefits ($800 on her record and $1,300 from you). So why bother trying to boost her own benefit?

Q: I am 73 years old and have been getting Social Security since I turned 66. I just stopped working. I started working when I was 13. One thing that has always bugged me is that the earnings I had between ages 13 and 18 never showed up on my Social Security record. I didn’t make much back then, but at least it was something and those earnings probably would have increased my Social Security benefit. I have been fighting for years to get those earnings included in my Social Security records. I think I’ve hired a half dozen lawyers over the years to help me fix this. And still nothing has happened! Can you help me?

A: I can help you by telling you to stop obsessing over this and to stop wasting money on lawyers. Even if you got those old earnings added to your Social Security records, they wouldn’t increase your benefit by a single nickel.

Why? Because your retirement benefit was based on your highest 35 years of earnings. And for most people, their highest 35 years are their last 35 years. You said you filed for retirement benefits when you were 66. So it’s a pretty good bet that your

original Social Security benefit was based on your earnings between ages 31 and 66. So that means any earnings you had before that, especially the paltry money you made as a teenager, would never be used in your retirement benefit calculation. One other note. You said you just stopped working at age 73. There is a pretty good chance that each year’s worth of earnings you had between age 66 and 73 bumped up your benefit by a little bit. How and why that happens is WAY too complicated to explain in what’s left of today’s column. But if you get my book, “Social Security - Simple and Smart,” there is

a whole chapter that explains how earnings after retirement may (or may not) increase your Social Security benefit. 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

Is Your Home Climate-ready for the Next Ten Years?

A few years ago, “climate-ready” sounded like something only coastal homeowners needed to worry about, like Flood zones, Hurricanes, Maybe wildfires out West.

In 2026, that thinking doesn’t hold up anymore.

Homeowners across the country are dealing with hotter summers, heavier rain, longer power outages, rising insurance costs, and weather patterns that no longer follow the old rules. Even places once considered “safe” are seeing stress on homes that were never designed for this level of heat, moisture, or volatility.

So the real question isn’t whether climate change will affect your home. It’s whether your home is prepared for what the next decade is likely to bring.

Climate-ready doesn’t mean extreme

Let’s clear up a misconception first. Making your home climate-ready does not mean building a bunker, ripping everything out, or spending a fortune on the latest green technology. It means something simpler—and more practical:

• Can your home stay livable during extreme heat or cold?

• Can it handle heavier rain without damage?

• Will insurance companies still want to cover it?

• Will rising energy costs hit you harder than necessary?

• Can you stay in your home comfortably as conditions change?

For most people, climate readiness is about resilience, not perfection.

The quiet stress points in many homes

When homes struggle with climate shifts, it’s usually not because of one dramatic failure. It’s because of small, overlooked weaknesses that add up.

Here are the big ones showing up most often:

Heat management

Homes built decades ago weren’t designed for prolonged heat waves. Poor insulation, aging windows, dark roofs, and inefficient cooling systems can turn a house into a heat trap. Even if your air conditioner works, it may be working overtime—and driving up energy bills in the process.

Water, water, water

Heavier downpours are stressing foundations, roofs, gutters, and drainage systems. Basements that “only flooded once” are flooding more often.

Yards that used to absorb rain are now channeling it toward the house.

Power reliability

More extreme weather means more outages. Homes that rely entirely on electricity for heat, cooling, medical equipment, or communication are increasingly vulnerable when the grid goes down.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Insurance exposure

This is the sleeper issue. Insurance companies are quietly reassessing risk—sometimes by raising premiums sharply, sometimes by limiting coverage, and sometimes by leaving markets altogether. Homes with outdated roofs, poor drainage, or higher exposure to heat and water are being flagged more often.

What climate-ready actually looks like

A climate-ready home doesn’t need every upgrade. It needs the right ones. Here are changes that consistently make a difference:

Better building envelope

Insulation, air sealing, and modern windows do more than improve comfort. They reduce energy demand during heat waves and cold snaps, making your home easier to keep livable even under stress.

Smart water management

Functional gutters, extended downspouts, proper grading, sump pumps with battery backups, and permeable landscaping all help keep water moving away from your house instead of into it.

Heat resilience upgrades

Shade trees, lighter-colored roofing, exterior shading, and efficient cooling systems can lower indoor temperatures dramatically—sometimes even when the power is out.

Backup power planning

This doesn’t always mean a wholehouse generator. For many homeowners, a smaller battery system or generator that supports essentials (refrigeration, medical devices, internet, basic lighting) is enough.

Durable materials

Fire-resistant siding, impact-resistant roofing, and moisture-tolerant flooring are becoming less of a luxury and more of a long-term cost control strategy.

What this means if you’re a first-time buyer

If you’re buying your first home, climate readiness should be part of your evaluation—right alongside price and location.

Ask questions like:

• How old is the roof, and what is it made of?

• Has the basement ever taken on water?

• What are typical summer energy bills?

• Has the insurance premium changed recently?

A cheaper home isn’t cheaper if it’s expensive to insure, cool, repair, or protect.

What this means for long-term owners

If you plan to stay put, climate readiness is really about protecting future choices.

Small upgrades made now—better insulation, drainage fixes, roof improvements—are usually far less expensive than emergency repairs later. They also make your home easier to sell if you ever decide to move, because buyers are becoming more aware of these risks.

Think of it as maintenance for a changing environment.

What this means for retirees

For retirees, climate readiness intersects directly with comfort and independence.

Extreme heat is harder on older bodies. Power outages can be more than inconvenient if you rely on medical equipment or climate control. Water damage and major repairs are especially disruptive on fixed incomes.

Prioritizing reliability—stable temperatures, fewer emergencies, lower ongoing costs—can make aging in place safer and less stressful.

What this means if you’re renting now but plan to buy

Pay attention to what you experience as a renter. Does your unit overheat? Do storms cause leaks or outages? Are utility bills unpredictable?

Those experiences are valuable data. They can help you spot red flags—and smart features—when you eventually buy.

Start with readiness, not fear

Climate-ready homes aren’t about fear or doom. They’re about realism.

Calling all College students!

The next 10 years are likely to bring more heat, more intense weather, higher energy costs, and tighter insurance standards. Homes that adapt gradually will fare better than homes that wait for a breaking point.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start by asking a simple question: If the weather gets harder on this house, will the house push back—or give in?

The answer can guide your next smart move.

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

National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate). Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions. National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

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

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

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Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

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

Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

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Cherry pie makes for a flavorful finishing touch

Dessert can be the crowning touch to a delicious meal. Pie is a popular dessert that undoubtedly benefits from versatility. It comes in so many flavors that it’s possible to eat a slice of pie

Pie dough:

2 1⁄4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 teaspoon table salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2⁄3 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄4-inch cubes

7 tablespoons vegetable shortening; chilled

1⁄3 cup iced water

Cherry filling:

6 cups sweet cherries (pitted), or 6 cups pitted frozen cherries

Cherry

Pie

each day for a month and never have the same one twice. For those with a predilection for “Cherry Pie,” this recipe from Lines+Angles is sure to please.

For 8 servings

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 small lemon, zested to yield 1 teaspoon zest and juiced to yield

2 teaspoons juice

1⁄8 teaspoon ground allspice

1⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon almond extract

1 tablespoon brandy

3 to 4 tablespoons quick-cooking

tapioca

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1) Mix flour, salt and sugar in a food processor fitted with steel blade. Scatter butter pieces over flour mixture, tossing to coat butter with a little flour. Cut butter into flour with five 1-second pulses. Add shortening and continue to cut it in until flour is pale yellow and resembles coarse cornmeal with butter bits no larger than small peas, about four more 1-second pulses. Turn mixture into medium bowl.

2) Sprinkle all but 1 tablespoon of the ice water over mixture. With blade of rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix. Press down on dough with broad side of spatula until dough sticks together, adding up to 1 tablespoon of remaining ice water if dough does not come together. Divide dough into two balls, one slightly larger than the other. Flatten each into 4-inch-wide disk. Dust lightly with flour, wrap separately in plastic, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

3) Remove dough from refrigerator; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly, about 10 minutes. Heat oven to 400 F. Toss fruit with sugar, lemon juice and zest, spices, almond extract, brandy, and tapioca; let stand for 15 minutes.

4) Roll larger dough disk on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle, about 1⁄8-inch thick. Transfer and fit dough into 9-inch glass pie pan, leaving dough that overhangs the lip in place. Turn fruit mixture, including juices, into pie shell. Scatter butter pieces over fruit. Refrigerate until ready to top with remaining dough.

5) Roll smaller disk on lightly floured surface into 10-inch circle. Lay over fruit. Trim top and bottom dough edges to 1⁄2-inch beyond pan lip. Tuck this rim of dough underneath itself so that folded edge is flush with pan lip. Flute dough in your own fashion, or press with fork tines to seal. Cut four slits at right angles on dough top to allow steam to escape. If pie dough is very soft, place in freezer for 10 minutes before baking.

6) Place pie on baking sheet; bake until top crust is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F and continue to bake until juices bubble and crust is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes longer.

7) Transfer pie to wire rack; let cool to almost room temperature so juices have time to thicken, from 1 to 2 hours.

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www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com

Boosting

Village leaders address storm, commercial development

From page 6

of units, as we can not let folks park on the streets overnight there. We’ve been hearing testimony about this and reports from the lawyers for Stella Cerrone LLC – and the Board has listened to the residents’ comments at each hearing. We are taking written comments and going through the paperwork now, considering what we hear legally, as the village is working with an attorney who specializes in development and land use like that. That is on the table now, and we will soon make a decision in that portion of the application – public comment on it concluded on Tuesday (February 3rd). The next steps after this process involves potential applications for variances — if the developer chooses to build the project higher than the legal four stories or if they want to make apartments smaller than what we allow, which is 1,000 sq. feet, or to change the parking space numbers involved this would go to our Zoning Board of Appeals in the future. Then following ZBA it would go before our Architectural Review Board (ARB) which Trustee

Longobardi is on, and they would review the site plan work and the images of its facade and architectural elements,” Dr. Pombonyo explained.

Trustee Longobardi noted that residents frequently ask him about the proposal. He reminded attendees that underground parking already exists in the village, including at Floral Terrace, 250 Jericho Turnpike.

“This is not something totally new to our village, but the Board has a process ahead of us to get to that decision. Whatever the decision is, the property owners now have the right to move forward. As the deputy mayor noted, their next phase with the proposal would be zoning for anything that does not meet our current zoning. The anticipation is they are going to go for variances, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Chamber focused on local economy

Parouse emphasized the chamber’s focus on economic vitality.

“As a Chamber of Commerce we are of course our focus is business and the local economy, and how development here relates to helping our businesses.

That’s the way we are looking at this, and I think it is a good thing that development and renewal of commercial areas is happening. Over on Covert Avenue there is lots of change happening there with new stores and the housing development. It means more businesses and more residents living here. That will translate to taxes generated and spending money, hopefully with our local merchants. I would like for our chamber members to be as informed as anyone about those things and stay on top of it – we actually want to know what is going on,” he said.

Pombonyo also mentioned 99 Covert Avenue — the former bank property behind Key Food — which could be completed in the spring following plan revisions. The project may return to the village for municipal review within the next two months.

She referenced the mixed-use redevelopment at 41–61 Covert Avenue, where a September 2020 fire destroyed several businesses. The project will include 12 second-floor apartments above ground-floor commercial space for Hillcrest Floral Park.

Pombonyo said there is already significant interest in both the apartments and available office space. Longobardi added that a list of prospective occupants is being compiled.

“It’s too early for the developer to start locking in their tenant businesses due to the expected timeframe of completion of the building – though that is expected to be some time in the summer – as well as the final layouts, as prospective tenants are waiting to see what the spaces would look like. They recently removed the scaffolding off the front and it came out great, and now they’re working on the building’s sides with so much other work going on inside. The inside is not divided yet, but from what I understand if a business tenant wanted to lease two spots there is that flexibility in place,” he noted.

The next Floral Park Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at Swing the Teapot, 6 Verbena Avenue. Program details will be announced soon. Registration is available at floralparkchamber.org.

February at the Floral Park Public Library

If January is the month of change, February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers…February is for doers. – Mark Parent

And, there’s plenty to do at the Library this month, including several patriotic themed programs in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

On the February Teens “to do” list there’s the inaugural meeting of the Teen Advisory Committee (grades 6 – 12), which promises community service… and pizza! Also, there’s the Vacation Teen Cuisine program with Chef Rob…and more pizza, along with a Broadway Show Bill offering from P[ART]y Art, and several “TBD” programs in the works at press time.

There’s always something to do for the kids. In the first of four monthly sessions, Crafty Kids honors American’s big birthday with patriotic-themed programs (pre-K – grade 2). February also means Mardi Gras, and the Bayou Princess and Royal Events Princess parties will be in the house (castle?).

More “to dos” for the younger set include Drop in Valentine’s Day craft, a Pom Pom Queen craft program, P[ARTy Art for preschool thru 2nd grade and for grades three thru five. Chef Julie serves up programs for preschoolers thru grade one and a second session for grades two thru five.

Mrs. Lazos, one of Floral Park's former kindergarten teachers, is back this month with a new 45 minute-session consisting of literature and an art proj-

ect.

Rounding out the month, Play Hooray, Funkytown Playground, and A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pres-school Hour.

For adults, something no one likes to do: weekly Tuesday Tax Prep sessions with AARP by appointment only. Another “taxing” program brings the Nassau County Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll to the Library the evening of February 10th for a tax grievance program. Want more? Registration is open for an Estate Planning and Eldercare workshop. Remember: February is for doers!

Wednesday morning Hybrid Chair Yoga is a welcome distraction from the “isn’t it spring yet?” thoughts, as is Cooking Mediterranean with Chef Naela, and Get Birding!, which celebrates the annual Great North American Bird Count.

February is Heart Health Month, and Bayada Nurses will host a table to share important information for a healthy heart.

Our  February Adult patriotic-themed event is  already at capacity: Artist Danielle Barbaro leads a Mixed Media American Flag workshop, and Melissa Space of Them’s The Breaks dips strawberries in yummy chocolate and other toppings for Valentine’s Day (also at capacity).

The first trip of the new year finds the Floral Park Library Urban Explorers headed to the Frick Museum.

The weekly English Language Learner class continue on Tuesday evenings. Beginning in January, there will be two levels – Beginning and Intermediate. Pre-registration is required for both.

The Morning Friends of the Floral Park Library Book Club meets at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, February 2, and the Evening Edition Book Club discusses  the Valentine month appropriate “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel.

The Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting groups meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; no registration necessary. Yarn donations welcome!

The Library Board meets on Wednesday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m.. The meeting is open to the public (use the rear entrance of the Library). The Friends of the Floral Park Library hold their first 2026 meeting on Thursday, February 15, at 5:00 p.m..

Looking for some help with your résumé, job search, LinkedIn profile or interview prep? Look no further than ellen o’brien. Contact her at eobrien@

nassaulibrary.org or 516 326.6330 x3103 for a free 30-minute career consultation. Need assistance with those smart devices and more? One-to-one tech help with Joe for tablets, smartphones, laptops, Kindles and general questions is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktechhelp@ gmail.com).

The Library is closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16. For more information on dates and times, events registration and program details, visit the library website, floralparklibrary.org, call 516 326-6330, or visit us at 17 Caroline Place. All events and programs are subject to change and/or cancellation.

Check out the Friends of the Floral Park Library offerings at the Circulation Desk. All sales of books, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, bookmarks, and more support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization. Follow the Library on Facebook (floralparklibrary), X (fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).

Cluttered?

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our main office today 294-8900 for more information.

From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture

“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”

“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”

“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”

And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.

“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W. Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.

“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”

While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things

neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown. This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”

Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.

Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the

just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”

Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”

To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”

“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then

tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”

Four months after treatment, Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.

If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.

There is hope.

Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.

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