Floral Park Villager (1/23/26)

THE

GATEWAY

TO NASSAU COUNTY

SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR

Hempstead Town offers Mulchfest for trees New yoga studio brings wellness focus to downtown

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (2nd right), Councilman Thomas Muscarella (2nd left), and Town Clerk Kate Murray (left) help a local resident turn his tree into mulch at the town's 6th Annual Mulchfest.

The holiday season may have come to a close, but sustainability was front and center on Saturday, January 10th, as residents gathered at Echo Park in West Hempstead for the Town of Hempstead’s 6th Annual Mulchfest.

The popular annual event invited residents to recycle their natural Christmas trees

by having them shredded into fresh mulch for personal use. This eco-friendly initiative ensured that holiday trees continued to give back by providing rich, organic material that can be used for gardening, landscaping, soil moisture retention, and weed prevention throughout the year.

“Mulchfest has become a cherished tradition in our town, and this year’s event was another great success,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti. “Residents once again showed their commitment to environmental responsibility by repurposing their Christ-

See page 3

BY RIKKI MASSAND

New Year’s resolutions focused on health, balance and overall well-being are finding support at a Verbena Avenue yoga and wellness studio that is approaching its second anniversary in Floral Park.

Here and Now Yoga, Wellness and Arts Collective, located at 22 Verbena Avenue, opened in spring 2024 and is owned by licensed, experienced instructors Michelle Ingkavet Cavanagh and Dina Denis-Paolucci.

In an interview, the owners cited the benefits of being located in a vibrant, walkable area just off Tulip Avenue, a few doors down from Swing the Teapot.

“People love that we are here, and they share with us that they’ve walked by several times and are eager to stop in and try a class. And we know some students enjoy the routine of walking up to the studio, getting a warmup and clearing their mind before a class,” Denis-Paolucci said. Folks are entering 2026 working to feel good, both mentally and physically, and the energy here propels them – we have a warm and welcoming space, with ‘feel good heat.’ This space provides a real sense of community.”

Here and Now offers yoga, mat Pilates, “yoga-lates,” Tai Chi, “Sculpt & Shred,” and wellness-fo-

cused exercise classes designed for “every body.” Denis-Paolucci explained that the physical and breath work practiced during classes or private sessions can help alleviate pain.

“We help out anybody from those with trouble walking or limitations to people who can sprint. And our arts classes include dance as we get people moving and feeling good. There are people who come to us and don’t even take yoga; some even take everything except for yoga. We try to serve all the needs and a lot of different people, from their physical matters to their intentional needs,” she said.

The Verbena Avenue studio, including its restroom, is ADA-accessible and features a specially designed rear entrance. Here and Now also offers a class for adults with special needs, attended alongside their support person. In addition, one of the studio’s Tai Chi classes is customized to focus on arthritis management and fall prevention.

For individuals who work from home, are dealing with illness, or are unable to attend in person for other reasons, approximately half of Here and Now’s weekly schedule is offered virtually.

“We had a lady this morning who’s home with the flu, and she took multiple classes online so she

FP Historical Society special presentation

On Sunday, February 1, the Floral Park Historical Society will host a presentation “Old Glory: The Presidents.” The program will be a

perspective on presidents who influenced the evolution of the American flag as we know it today.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Floral Park Recreation / Pool building, 124 Stewart St., Floral Park. The facility is handicap accessible. The public is invited. No charge. For more information, please call 516-532-1518 or go to www.floralpark

FP-Bellerose schools pre-K lottery

The Floral Park-Bellerose School District has announced the sixth year of its full-day pre-kindergarten program. This program is open exclusively to children who reside within the Floral Park- Bellerose School District and who will turn four years old on or before December 1, 2026.

In accordance with New York State Education Law, a lottery will be conducted to determine placement. Additional details about the lottery process will be provided after the application period closes.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum aligned with the New York State Pre-Kindergarten Standards

• Free for district residents

• Before and after school care available for a fee

• Follows the district school calendar

• Placement is not school specific

• Program hours vary by schools

• Transportation is not provided

Due to limited seating in district buildings, a lottery system will be used for final assignments. Any overflow students will be conveniently placed within a trusted Community Based Organization located in Floral Park.

The application survey opens January 2, 2026. To apply, visit www. fpbsd.org . All applications must be received by Friday, January 30, 2026 no later than 4:00 p.m.

Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.

9:30 PM

FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO

Wes Houston Presents…

Wes Houston

“The Yankee Rebels” ~ A 5 -Piece Bluegrass Group

The Floral Park Mayor’s Report

Hon. Kevin M. Fitzgerald

"The ‘New’ Belmont Park” ~ Glen Kozak, Executive VP Operations & Projects

Inspiring

Stories

Bill Corbett, Jr.

“HorseAbility” ~ Katie McGowan, Founder & Executive Director

FPFD: Red Alert

Larry King, AEMT

“Prison Fire Safety” ~ Chris Currenti, Safety Manager, Federal Bureau of Prisons

The Author Corner

Stephanie Larkin

"Street Level” ~ Steven Elliott Borodkin, Memoir of a Difficult Upbringing

Hempstead Town offers Mulchfest for trees

mas trees in a way that benefits both their own gardens and our community spaces.”

This year, Town of Hempstead Parks employees shredded more than 200 trees and created 230 bags of high-quality mulch for residents to take home.  Broken-down cardboard was also accepted and recycled as part of the town’s continued efforts to reduce waste.

In addition to being distributed to residents, surplus mulch generated

1 Floral Blvd., Floral Park, NY 11002

516.326.1150 ~ Email: 4VS@4VS.org

during Mulchfest will be used throughout Town of Hempstead parks for future planting and landscaping projects, helping to maintain green spaces in an environmentally responsible way.

“The Town of Hempstead remains committed to promoting greener, more sustainable programs for our residents,” Supervisor Ferretti added. “Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s Mulchfest another outstanding community event.” From page 1

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Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

Where Vintage Beauty Meets Modern Grace

• New moody and masculine room

• New inventory, including pillows, runners, ginger jars, candles, tea towels and more!

As a thank you to our customers for supporting us we are offering 10% off all home decor Thursday to Saturday, January 29–31.

13 Nassau Blvd, Garden City South • (516) 502-0099 • theelegantnestli.com Find us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook at TheElegantNestLI Open Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 am–5 pm

Spelling bee champ crowned at Sewanhaka HS

The Perfect Party Room Rental for Every Occasion

Host your next event at the Knights of Columbus! It’s the perfect place for:

Birthdays • Bridal & Baby Showers • Anniversaries • Graduations Corporate Events • Fundraisers • Meetings and More!

Catch the AFC & NFC Championship Games!

Sun., Jan. 25: Broncos vs. Patriots @ 3 PM Sun., Jan. 25: Rams vs. Seahawks @ 6:30 PM Fri., Jan. 30: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament @ 8 PM Sun., Feb. 8: Big Game Party starting @ 3 PM Live Music, Food, & Cash Bar

DATES TO REMEMBER: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 33 S. Tyson Ave, Floral Park, NY For more details or to book our party room, text Carl Denaro at (516) 361-0544

Sewanhaka High School eighth grader Momina Ali was named the school’s Spelling Bee champion on Jan. 13. Photo courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District

Sewanhaka High School is proud to announce that eighth grader Momina Ali was named the Scripps Spelling Bee champion on Jan. 13.

Seventh and eighth grade students participated in in-class spelling tests and the top scorers advanced to their grade-level Spelling Bees. 23 seventh graders competed in the preliminary round, with Xavier Elcock-Lopez win-

ning the seventh grade title, while 24 eighth graders competed, and Ali earned the eighth grade title. The two grade-level champions then faced off in a final round to determine the school’s champion.

Ali won by correctly spelling the word “silhouette” and will advance to the regional Scripps Spelling Bee in February.

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

Junior Woman’s Club to meet

The Floral Park Junior Woman's Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m. at the Floral Park Recreation Center

Refreshments will be served - new

members welcome.

There will be a business meeting and then the group will learn the basics of mahjong.

Reviving Hope: A Breakthrough Approach to Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

"Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here, but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning - a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shared Mary of Westbury. Mary was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN. While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they are not exactly discriminating in what they destroy. The smaller nerves, specifically those in your hands and feet, are some of the first to be harmed. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy have described this pain as “burning,” “tingling,” “like walking on sharp rocks,” or like Mary explained, that fuzzy, tingling pain you experience during paresthesia (the technical term for when a limb “falls asleep”).

"Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule - forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach." Mary, like so many others, was prescribed Gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do. In their words: “There is no treatment for neuropathy.”

Fortunately for Mary, where Western medicine fails, Westbury Acupuncture tends to

prove itself. Jae Won, National Board-Certified Acupuncturist, has been blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern, medical technology to design a real solution for peripheral neuropathy that doesn’t involve invasive surgeries or prescription medications with uncomfortable side effects. These Renew Nerve Ⓡ protocols, specific to Westbury Acupuncture and its network of certified providers, actually treat neuropathy versus attempting to mask its symptoms.

"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves. It’s been used for centuries to treat peripheral neuropathy and similar conditions” tells Jae Won. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ , which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP Resonance BioTherapyⓇ is

akin to watering a plant. This treatment stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients and energy they need to repair and recover.”

ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ was originally designed by NASA to speed up healing and recovery. “To have access to this kind of technology has been life changing for our patients” shares Gen, one of the incredibly compassionate Patient Care Technicians at Westbury Acupuncture. “We even have people asking if they can take the equipment home, so we’re working on developing some at-home options for our less mobile patients.”

After only four weeks of treatment, Mary is already seeing incredible improvement. "I've taken the handicap placard off my rearview mirror and I'm finally back to walking on the beach. I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that

the neuropathy pain was just the price I have to pay for still being alive. Jae Won has really given me hope for a better life!"

Jae Won L.Ac and the staff at Westbury Acupuncture have a 90% success rate in reversing peripheral neuropathy, and not just that caused by chemotherapy. They also have tremendous success in treating diabetic neuropathy and neuropathy of undetermined origin, otherwise known as idiopathic neuropathy. “I watched my grandmother suffer with neuropathy during her final years and it broke my heart when she was told there was nothing they could do. This condition is one of the main reasons I went into medicine. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to help people truly thrive in their golden years.”

The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a comprehensive consultation and detailed neurological evaluation.

If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy, call (516) 500-8281 to schedule.

For new patients, an initial consultation is complimentary. Simply visit www.WestburyAcupuncture.com for more information and to take advantage of this offer.

Floral Park avenues, courts, streets and more

BY ANN GRIBBINS, FPCS VOLUNTEER

Centennial Gardens’ Paths to Nature

Have you ever thought why some roads in Floral Park are called streets or avenues, or courts ? Have you ever asked why the road is called Geranium Avenue or Mildred Place or Hazel Court?

At the age of seventeen John Lewis Childs, in 1874 , came to Floral Park. At the time the area was called East Hinsdale. Today, we thank John Lewis Childs for changing the name to Floral Park and giving us this Great Place to Live. John was a gifted and talented person who accomplished many positive ventures during his short 45 years. He started the first mail order seed catalogue business in the United Stats. He also built hotels, a printing press, a lumber yard and was a accomplished Ornithologist. JLC also was a NYS Senator and the first mayor of Floral Park.

Why call one roadway a Street and another an Avenue? In earlier times there was a reason for these designations, today this ruling is not enforced and roads are named randomly. In earlier time a Street would be perpendicular to an Avenue. The Avenue would be in a north south direction. A Court would be a short dead ended cul-de-sac restricting through traffic. That idea came from castle courtyards. Boulevards were wide straight roads. Developers today name the roadways according to the appeal of the public using marketing and history and local regulations.

The first main streets of Floral Park were Tulip Avenue, Carnation Avenue, Geranium Avenue and Verbena Avenue.

The Geranium Flower is a simple flower with a lasting message. Friendship, protection, and peace, reminding all that these attributes belong in the home.

The Geranium flower has been grown since Victorian time. Red Geraniums are associated with protection and courage. White Geraniums represent new beginning while pink geraniums have a message of appreciation. Today the Geranium is the most planted plants of flowers worldwide. They thrive in pots, garden boarders, enjoy deadheading - removing finished flowers - and bloom from spring through fall. Spring is coming, along with it you will find the Geranium plants in nurseries waiting to become part of your garden.

The Carnation comes by way of the Greeks and Romans. Called the divine flower and linked to love the pink flowers were connected to love. Religion, art, mythology and culinary traditions brings the flower to modern floral symbolism. The name could come come from corona or crown. Modern thinking represents it as a symbol of love, a flower that has been part of history for a very long time. It is prized for its’ beauty and fragrance in floral designs. Colors of the rainbow can be seen in flower arrangements. Cultivated for 2000 years Carnations are native to Greece. In 1601 William Shakespeare wrote about the Carnation in A Winter Tale calling it the the fairest flowers o’th’ season.

Tulips are spring blooming colorful flowers from the Lily family. Tulips have large red, yellow, white, purple, pink and orange flowers. They are also variegated in color. Although they flower for a short time in spring , the sight of the tulip flower brings smiles to all who look forward to spring. As with many flowers the Tulip comes from Europe and Asia. From 1634 to 1637 the Dutch Tulip Mania caused the Golden Age of paintings with the tulip prominent in Dutch paintings. The Netherlands have become a major

producer of tulip bulbs ever since. The flower doses not have a scent and can cause an allergic reaction to some. Verbena dates back to ancient times. It was considered a sacred plant with mystical qualities. It has many medicinal qualities including treating wounds and inflammation. It also has calming qualities and is an ingredient in teas. The qualities do not stop there, it is also used in skin care. In the early history of Floral Park there were fields of Verbena growing near the RR and people would travel here to see the beautiful flower.

John Lewis Childs shared his gifts with an area on Long Island he named Floral Park. In addition to bringing his seed company he brought his interest in birding. Current residents now have Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, following in his footsteps of flowers, trees, and birding. Don Haug, long time

birder, has many bird feeders near the entrance to the Gardens, these feeders can be seen through the fence. The birds are grateful, Don has a challenge keeping the feeders full from November to March. Doug Cioffi , birder and photographer, has created beautiful picture bird books, they can be found at the Floral Park Library. Marina Horan and Doug give presentations about birds at the Floral Park Library and also give seasonal walks identifying the birds in the Gardens.

Most of the roads in Floral Park have been named after flowers and trees. Some have the names of people who were related to or friends of JLC. There are some who could have both qualities. Hazel Court is an example of the persons’ name and a plant. You can research the name of your block to find out how it obtained its name.

There have been many changes since the beginning of

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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.

New yoga studio brings wellness focus to downtown

From page 1

felt less isolated. Our classes can bring someone out of the isolation of being home,” Denis-Paolucci said.

The owners also spoke about the philosophy of yoga beyond physical requirements.

“We hope to have new opportunities and events here for people to experience that this year. Michelle and I are very hands-on with students, and we check in on folks who registered for our classes. At times people will need a little encouragement, and we make them know we’re here and we care about them, and we ask what we can do to help. And our community members check in with each other as well. This is what we hoped to build and we’re continuing to build our roots in Floral Park,” Denis-Paolucci said.

New Year Specials and Events

During January, first-time Here and Now students can take advantage of the studio’s “One-Week Special,” which allows unlimited classes over a seven-day period for $29. Another New Year special includes a 10-class punch card, valid for any 10 classes, priced at $148.

In November, Here and Now hosted a kids’ movie night, also known as Parents’ Night Out, featuring a dance party, movement games and pizza for children ages 6 to 12. Parents drop off their children for a supervised evening at the studio. One upcoming movie planned for late February is the Japanese animated film My Neighbor Totoro.

Cavanagh described a program currently in development in which parents could bring children ages 0 to 4 to the studio, where a volunteer would sing, read books, play games and set up an obstacle course while parents attend classes.

“People enroll the kids in daycare, Three-K and Pre-K and they hire nannies, but we’re hoping to bring this program to Floral Park families soon. To start we’re networking with the Floral Park Moms group, local families and the chamber of commerce,” she said.

Another idea being explored is a “Yoga & Pizza” field trip for children during the February school break.

Arts Space

For the Arts Collective portion of the studio, Denis-Paolucci explained its mission to strengthen the local arts scene.

“We wanted to create a showing for live performance arts, and there will be a Saturday evening program on May 2, titled ‘Raw Materials’ – bringing original performing arts by New York creatives to the Floral Park downtown, with a live audience here, in our raw space. This includes dance, theater, music, comedy and anything that’s performative. The community can come in to watch, and tickets will be donation-based and on a sliding scale from $10 to $25. There will be limited seating so please register in advance,” she said.

At the conclusion of Raw Materials, participating artists will take part in a Q&A session. Applications for artists — from emerging creatives to seasoned professionals — are currently open through the studio’s website, with selections beginning in February.

“This will be something new, exciting and different we can show here to enhance the community. It’s a win-win; on a nice Saturday people from NYC visiting Floral Park can check out the local shops and restaurants right here on Tulip Avenue,” Cavanagh noted.

The studio continues to explore inclusive programming. Private sessions for Reiki healing, nutrition counseling, massage, one-on-one yoga and mindset coaching are offered by appointment. The lower level features space for kickboxing, along with the tranquil Balsana Wellness Room.

Every Sunday at 2 p.m., Here and Now offers a donation-based class — yoga, wellness or arts — allowing participants to “pay what they can.” The online schedule reflects the featured class each week.

“We’ve thought of a few ways to bring in the community if folks aren’t sure about a membership, or they can’t afford one. Come in on a Sunday afternoon, try something new and pay what you can,” Denis-Paolucci shared. “It’s also a unique opportunity for our teachers to try something different here, allowing them to experiment within their crafts.”

On January 25, the donation class will be Chair Yoga, followed by Restorative Yoga on February 1, offered both

in person and via Zoom.

Careers, Passion & Business in Rhythm

Denis-Paolucci, a Bayside resident and native of Middle Village, has built her career around dance as a performer, teacher and choreographer.

“I realized teaching was my path, and I came to yoga during college when I was interested in somatic practices (body-centered techniques to reconnect the mind and body) in order to improve my dance performance and prevent injuries,” she said.

She later produced the 30-minute dance film “As Time Grows By,” which explores relationships and the passage of time, and is currently working on a short film.

Ingkavet Cavanagh, a Commack native, began dancing at age 3 and later pursued acting, performing in Manhattan productions starting in 1991. After earning her bachelor’s degree from NYU, she spent a decade working in film, television and voiceover in the Los Angeles area. She remains a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Now living in New Hyde Park, Cavanagh holds a master’s degree in nutri-

tion and advises clients both in person and via Zoom.

“My performance bug affects my teaching and how I interact with people, and how I make videos for social media – everything is connected,” she said.

One of her newer offerings is a self-defense workshop for teenage girls ages 13 to 19, most recently held on January 10.

“The class will help prep girls to be on their own at college. It’s a hands-on awareness workshop where the girls learn what to do if you actually need to fight back,” she said.

Each summer, Cavanagh also plans a four-day holistic yoga and wellness retreat. This year’s retreat will take place August 6 through August 9 at Menla Retreat & Dewa Spa in the Catskills and will include sound baths, yoga, bonfires, Alexander Technique spa sessions and gourmet vegetarian meals.

More information about classes, specials, retreats and events is available at hereandnowyoga.com or by calling 516-880-3924.

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

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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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Boceski Masonry

Louie 516-850-4886

PREPARE FOR POWER

OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator.

Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER

OUTAGES with Briggs & StrattonPowerProtect(TM) standby generators the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

SAFE STEP

North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub.

Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-855-916-5473

HEALTH SERVICES

BIG APPLE ACUPUNCTURE

Xiao S. Chen Lac

Unmatched Expertise

Tailored Treatment Personalized Acupuncture

All types of pain treated including neck, back, hip, sciatica. Treatment adjusts internal organ balance, enhances immunity, metabolism and endocrine function. Promotes circulation, resulting in increased energy, weight loss and reduced facial wrinkles. We Accept Most Insurances

www.bigappletcm.com 516-250-7051

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications

516-248-9323

www.familycareconnections.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured #80422100000

Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

TUTORING

STRUGGLING WITH BIO? LET’S MAKE IT CLICK! From cell structure to ecosystems, I help students truly understand not just memorize.

AP Honors

Regents: Biology Environmental Science Virtual or In-Person

Dr. Amanda Shore, University Professor ShoreThingBiology@gmail. com

SERVICES

AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-

NET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

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

Why Winter Can Be A Smart Time To Sell Your Home

1. Your Home Stands Out with Less Competition. Generally during winter months fewer homes are on the market because many people wait until spring to list their homes. It can be a wise decision to take advantage of less competition, thereby setting the stage for your home to stand out.

2. Winter Attracts Motivated Buyers Ready to Act. While winter traditionally brings fewer buyers to the market, this season is proving different. Many highly motivated buyers are actively searching—serious purchasers who are prepared to move forward and close quickly.

3. Your Home May Show Better.

One key to attracting a buyer for your home is to create an atmosphere where they can imagine themselves living in it. Winter is a perfect time to show off the cozy, warm, and inviting qualities your home possesses.

4. Using The Winter Season To Your Advantage.

Creatively decorate to appeal to the senses. A fresh wreath provides beauty and a lovely scent. Use lighting inside and out to give your home an inviting feeling. Consider some well-placed scented flameless candles on timers.