Members of the Floral Park Conservation Society, village officials, and students from Sewanhaka High School joined together on May 2nd for the monthly Weed Out at Centennials Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. See page 8.
Supervisor John Ferretti and the Hempstead Town Board invite residents to Native Gardening Workshops this Spring!
The Town has partnered with Spadefoot Design & Construction to provide residents free information sessions on the following dates
Wednesday May 20th - 6:308:00pm
Wednesday June 17 - 6:30-8:00pm
The workshops will be held at the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area at 500 Slice Drive Oceanside, NY 11572
Learn about the plants that make Long Island, Long Island and take steps to beautify your yard to attract pollinators and wildlife that help our neighborhoods
thrive. Take a special look at the salt marsh community that makes OMNSA so special by seeing it at sunset!
Register on the Town website, www.hempsteadny.gov
Residents MUST fill out the form below and RSVP to a workshop. Space is limited to 35 residents per workshop.
Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District has announced that Lauren Fretto is joining the “two schools, one district” community as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, effective July 1.
With more than 15 years of experience in education, Ms. Fretto brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is currently the dedicated principal of Babylon Memorial Grade School, which educates students in grades 3-6. Among her responsibilities, she oversees all instructional programs, promotes a positive school culture that focuses on high academic expectations for all students, plans and facilitates monthly professional development sessions for new staff and participates in curriculum committee meetings that focus on K-12 vertical articulation amongst content areas and support NYS Learning Standards. A former reading specialist, Ms. Fretto utilizes her strong literacy
background knowledge to promote academic growth in reading and writing in the building as well.
“I look forward to joining the Floral Park-Bellerose School District,” Ms. Fretto said. “My passion, skillset and experience align with the district's values, which emphasize academic growth and social-emotional learning for students. Through collaboration and communication, I am eager to partner with the school community to contribute meaningfully and help our students succeed.”
Ms. Fretto earned a bachelor’s in childhood education grades 1–6 from Molloy College, a master’s in literacy birth-grade 6 from Queens College and a Certificate of Advanced Study in educational leadership from The College of Saint Rose.
“On behalf of our entire district, I’m excited to welcome Ms. Fretto to our school community,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Lubrano said.
My vision for the district
To the Editor:
As a candidate for the Floral Park-Bellerose School District Board of Education Trustee, an incoming Pre-K parent, lifelong resident, graduate of this district, and elementary special educator with 18 years of classroom experience, I care deeply about our community and its success. I’ve spent my career in the classroom, and now I am stepping into this district as a par ent. These perspectives matter to me.
to in every decision I would make as a board member.
My vision is simple: schools where children thrive, families feel like real partners, teachers feel respected and supported, and all stakeholders have confidence in our schools.
HANK Services for Seniors (Hire a Neighborhood Kid) recently showcased the power of youth engagement and community support, as several young individuals took on paid assignments to assist residents.
I believe our schools should support every child’s academic, social, and emo tional growth. This is not just a goal. This is the standard I would hold myself
That kind of environment doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from listening, transparency, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our students. It comes from building trust and working together as a community.
Bellerose Village Floral Park South Floral Park Stewart Manor
Channels 18 & 28
My name is Jacqueline Klein, and I would be honored to earn your support.
Jacqueline Klein
The Author Corner
Stephanie Larkin
“The Carbon Paradox” ~ Renat Heuberger & Marco Hirsbrunner
Davidson & Co.
Larry Davidson
“Walt Disney: Triumph of American Imagination” ~ Neal Gabler
Rex Whicker
“Disney World Wines: VII” ~ Meal & Libation Options Within The Theme Park
Community Spotlight
Incorporated Village of South Floral Park
“The SFP 100th Anniversary Celebration” ~ Recorded: 09-20-2025
In a heartwarming display of service, brothers J and R provided much needed help to a couple by hauling patio furniture from their garage. The woman expressed her gratitude for their assistance, as she had an immunocompromised family member who needed to get out of the house to recover. With safety in mind, everyone wore masks, and she was deeply touched by the brothers' politeness and attentiveness, noting they were the most respectful teens she had ever encountered. Their heartfelt wishes for her family member's swift recovery nearly brought her to tears, showcasing the profound impact of their kindness.
Meanwhile, G assisted a resident by removing weeds from her yard. After completing the job, he ensured that the resident felt satisfied, leaving her excited about a long-term working relationship. Her enthusiastic feedback highlighted the positive impression he made through his courteous and diligent work.
In another instance, A. stepped up to lay down 20 bags of mulch in a garden. His proactive communication regarding his availability allowed him to fill an urgent need. The homeowner was impressed with A’s dedication and quality of work, solidifying the positive relationship established through HANK.
A’s experience with the elderly couple he assisted was equally rewarding. The senior shared his stories from his days playing basketball at a prominent university and reminiscing about the neighborhood's history. This exchange not only enriched A’s experience but also provided the senior with a sense of connection and joy, demonstrating the mutual benefits of these interactions.
Additionally, A and M took on the challenge of cleaning out a big courtyard for a local business. Although it was a bit more work than anticipated, the “HANKsters” handled it with care and professionalism, leaving the business owner satisfied with their work. Through HANK Services, both the teens and seniors gain significantly. For further information, please contact: (516) 760-9884 or info@ hankservices.org or webpage at http:// HANKServices.org
1 Floral Blvd., Floral Park, NY 11002
Phone/Fax: 516.326.1150 ~ Email: 4VS@4VS.org
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Floral Park Memorial High School is proud to announce that Elizabeth “Charlie” Turner has been nominated for the prestigious Roger Rees Award for Outstanding Performer in a Musical for their portrayal of Jojo in the school’s recent production of “Seussical the Musical.” Turner is one of just 50 students selected from across the Greater New York City area for this distinguished honor.
The Outstanding Performer Award is presented annually to two students who have delivered exceptional performances in qualifying roles in their high school musicals. The two students go on to represent the Greater New York City area at The Broadway League Foundation’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards, The Jimmy Awards.
A tremendous talent both on and off the stage, Turner has made a lasting impact on the school’s music and performing arts community. They are an active member of the Senior High Chorus, Long Island Sounds, Wind Ensemble, Senior High Band and the Marching Knights of Sewanhaka.
Floral Park Memorial High School
student Elizabeth “Charlie” Turner has been nominated for the prestigious Roger Rees Award for Outstanding Performer in a Musical.
Photo courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
your visit today!
The Floral Park Public Library launched its Seed Library on May 1st to much success. Young Adult Librarian Danielle O’Grady spearheaded the project from initial germination to full bloom.
The Seed Library builds on the legacy of John Louis Childs, founder of Floral Park, and his passion for horticulture. It’s also a great way to help patrons create (or expand) a garden, and provides essential food for native and pollinator friendly flowers to help bees, birds, butterflies and more thrive.
Patrons can select up to three seed packets weekly from the shared resource seed cabinet. Selections may include one from each of three types: flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Seeds are first come, first served while sup-
plies last.
Just like books and other media, the seed packets are checked out at the Circulation Desk once a valid Library card is presented.
Photos of the fruits (vegetables and herbs, too) of the gardeners’ labor are welcome and may be featured on the Library’s website and/or social media pages.
The Library is grateful to the following for their seed donations: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds; Burpee Seeds; Hicks Nurseries and Meg Eren.
120+ practices on Long Island. All ranked #1 for quality.
Quality care is always close to home. No matter which location you visit or what brings you in, you’ll get the highest standard of care and attention that has earned us this recognition.
Better health starts with a better health system.
“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 several years ago, 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
including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of 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 article claiming a 90% succes rate in treating neuropathy! just had to call, and I can’ begin to tell you how grateful am that I did.”
Jae Won Kim, founder o Westbury Acupuncture, say that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common “Almos all of my neuropathy patient have been told at one point o 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 Rose. “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 for it. 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.
Volunteers receiving instructions for Saturday Weed Out.
BY ANN GRIBBINS, FPCS VOLUNTEER
Mother Nature provides beautiful flowers and trees and weeds. The term “weed” means differ ent things to different folks. For this article the idea will be considered as garden spoilers.
Thank you to Mrs. Ventura and Ms. Mantione, teachers at Sewanhaka High School, for encouraging your
students to participate in community service and share their Saturday off with other volunteers at Centennial Gardens. Thank you to the seventh grade students who heard their teachers encouraging words and came to the monthly Saturday weed out on May 2nd. The student’s enthusiasm to help with a labor of love and a job well done is totally appre -
Volunteers at the ABC Garden
ciated by the adult volunteers who also attended the morning of volunteering. Many of the members of the Floral Park Conservation Society came to help. Thank you to Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo, Trustee Frank Chiara, and FPCS president Dennis McEnery.
Joann Deeks and Kathy Burrows, FPCS volunteers and FP employees added their expertise . Many other FPCS members came as well. Tom Christman, John Radkowski, and Marina Horan appreciated the students helping with the ever present issue of keeping the gardens growing and productive. The ABC Garden, the Giving Garden, the Native Plant Gardens, and the mulch areas benefited from the “many hands make light work” approach. Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary always needs help. People can come for as often as they wish, helping hands are
always appreciated.
Katy Wong and Troop 4 from the United Methodist Church, Floral Park helped with the weed out. The troop, and their leader, are present at many Garden functions. The scouts have created gardens and earned their Eagle Scout recognition by their service at the Garden.
A Native American proverb sends a moving message about the earth.
• ”Treat the earth well.
• It was not given to you by your parents,
• It was loaned to you by your children,
• We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors,
• We borrow it from our children”.
The Floral Park Conservation Society members appreciate all the help and energy volunteers bring to the garden.
BY KAREN RUBIN
TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
With many travelers deciding to travel shorter distances, many will explore nearer-by themeparks and attractions. But you can still turn these visits into very special YOLO (You Only Live Once) travel experiences, bringing the same appeal, adventure and sense of discovery that comes from traveling far away, to exotic locales.
We asked Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), how to make visits special.
What would a YOLO luxury travel experience look like at a themepark or attraction?
Luxury travel in today’s attractions landscape is increasingly defined by personalization, exclusivity, and seamless experiences. It goes far beyond traditional VIP line access to include private, behind-the-scenes tours, dedicated guides, curated itineraries, and premium amenities such as private transportation, elevated dining, and exclusive access to attractions outside of normal operating hours. Guests are looking for once-in-a-lifetime moments that feel tailored specifically to them, whether that’s an intimate animal encounter, a private cultural experience, or a fully customized, multi-day journey.
Who is offering these experiences?
While major operators like The Walt Disney Company and Universal Destinations & Experiences have long offered premium experiences, we’re now seeing a much broader range of providers entering this space. This includes regional theme parks, destination resorts, cultural institutions, tour operators, and even conservation-focused experiences. From boutique luxury hotels and immersive
Discovery Cove’s Ultimate VIP Experience Package offers valet arrival, private cabana, personalized concierge service and up-close animal encounters © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
attractions to expedition-style travel companies and live entertainment producers, many organizations are creating high-end, highly curated offerings that cater to travelers seeking exclusivity and deeper engagement.
Examples of some of the VIP standouts within the attractions industry?
Cedar Point, Ohio: For travelers seeking to elevate their theme park experience, a growing number of attractions are offering ultra-premium, VIP upgrades that go far beyond front-of-the-line access. At Six Flags Cedar Point, the Sunrise Thrills VIP Tour gives guests exclusive, behindthe-scenes access to some of the park’s most iconic coasters—including a rare trip to the top of Valravn’s lift hill for panoramic views—paired with immediate ride access, dining perks and premium amenities (https://www. sixflags.com/cedarpoint/attractions/ sunrise-thrills-vip-tour).
Discovery Cove, Orlando, FL: The Ultimate VIP Experience Package offers a more relaxed but indulgent escape, complete with valet arrival, private cabana, personalized concierge service and up-close animal encounters guided by zoological experts. From curated dining to private photography, these high-end add-ons cater to guests
looking for a seamless, all-inclusive luxury experience (https://discoverycove.com/orlando/upgrades/).
Graceland, Memphis, TN: At Graceland, the exclusive “Presley for a Day” experience offers an ultra-premium, behind-the-scenes look at Elvis Presley’s iconic estate. Limited to just eight guests per day, the experience includes a personal concierge, private guide, golf cart access, rare behind-thescenes entry, and a high-end dinner, along with an after-hours mansion tour and white-glove artifact access (https://www.graceland.com/presleyfor-a-day).
SeaWorld Ultimate VIP Tours (Various Locations): Ultimate VIP Tours provide exclusive, guided access to rides and animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, frontof-line privileges and personalized itineraries tailored to each group (https:// seaworld.com/orlando/tours/ultimate-vip/).
Cirque du Soleil VIP Experiences (Global): Cirque du Soleil offers premium VIP packages across many of its shows, including exclusive seating, private lounges, behind-the-scenes access, and elevated dining (https://www.cirquedusoleil. com/usa/las-vegas/o/premium-experience/la-grande-experience).
Disney Private VIP Tour Guide: Going beyond the VIP and premium ticket. Personalized VIP services include pickup by private vehicle from your Walt Disney World Resort hotel or other select hotel; pre-arrival planning; flexible start time; insight from a guide. Billed at an hourly rate on top of the VIP admission to each of the parks visited, prices range from $450 to $950 per hour (minimum 7 hours, maximum 10 hours) for up to 10 guests. Reserve up to 60 days in advance. To book, 407-560-4033, https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/ private-vip-tours/)
Universal Orlando Resort’s VIP Experience immerses you in one or more Universal parks—Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe—with a guide and exclusive perks like reserved seating at select shows and valet parking, behind-thescenes moments and priority (frontof-line) access to attractions. The VIP Experiences are added on to admission to the same theme park(s). (To book, 866-346-9350, https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/vip-experience.)
Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu National Park, Brazil: This Belmond-operated property offers an exclusive, ultra-luxury stay with privileged access to Iguazu Falls before and after public hours. (https://www. belmond.com/hotels/south-america/brazil/iguassu-falls/belmond-hotel-das-cataratas/).
Puy du Fou – Le Grand Tour, France: Puy du Fou offers an immersive luxury rail journey, “Le Grand Tour,” a multi-day experience aboard a vintage-style train traveling across France. Enjoy theatrical storytelling, fine dining and curated excursions inspired by the destination’s history and culture (https://www.experiences.luxurytrainclub.com/itineraries/ le-grand-tour-france).
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of May 17-23, 2026
That brilliant light now glistening in the west at sunset is again the “star” of the show. It is, of course, the planet Venus, and this week it’ll pair up with two other celestial wanderers: Jupiter and the moon.
Jupiter, another very bright planet, has been descending farther to the west as the spring months progress, and it is now approaching a close encounter with Venus by the end of the month. This occurs because these worlds, along with the Earth, orbit the sun, and our constantly changing viewpoint makes them appear to drift slowly against the more distant and “fixed” stars.
Over the next week, though, another solar system body will enter the scene: the moon. Since our celestial neighbor orbits the Earth once a month, we can see it change its position in the sky from night to night.
Shortly after sunset on May 17, you might try searching very low in the west for the tiny and delicate crescent moon, but to find it, you’ll need a very clear sky and a low horizon, and possibly binoculars.
If you don’t succeed, don’t worry. It’ll be pretty tough to spot, but if you wait until the next night, it’ll be much easier to see. On the 18th, it will appear not far from Venus. Of course, the moon won’t really be next to this planet; they will be separated by 124 million miles that evening, but since both lie roughly
along the same line of sight, they’ll appear together in the sky. For a really amazing view, check out the pair through binoculars!
The following night, May 19, the moon will have moved eastward along its orbit and will appear about midway between Jupiter and Venus. If your sky is
clear on May 20, check out the western sky again, and you’ll notice that the moon is not only a significantly thicker crescent but now lies above Jupiter.
Of course, this whole view is purely an illusion caused by our inability to see true depth in the cosmos, but it does result in a truly pretty picture. And speaking of pretty pictures, this week offers a good opportunity to try your hand at photographing the spectacle.
Since the trio appears low enough in the sky at dusk, you can frame the scene with a foreground subject -- a dramatic tree, building, sculpture or person, for example. You don’t need fancy or expensive equipment to do this; just a regular camera or smartphone will do fine. You may find, however, that zooming in a bit will produce a more compelling image.
If you shoot half an hour or so after sunset, you can probably trust the automatic settings of your camera or phone. Much later, though, you may need to adjust settings as you go because the light at dusk changes rapidly. Don’t be afraid to experiment; if some photos turn out poorly, you can always hit “delete,” and no one will ever know!
I hope your skies are clear this week so you can enjoy the planetary sky show. And if you get some nice photos, please email me. I’d love to share your success!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
I’ve had issues with my lower back in the past. It usually happens when I’m doing something strenuous, like putting on my socks. Because of this, I typically never know when it will strike. It’s kind of like knowing someone around the corner is going to hit you with a freight train, except you don’t know which corner or how they came to be driving a freight train on the sidewalk.
There are other times my back goes out and it makes sense. Such as recently, when we bought a new old house, with lots of stairs inside and out, and I decided I wanted to be moved in ... in a day. Yes, eight hours to completely unpack and put away a kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and other assorted rooms and stuff -- a challenge which is near impossible, yet I was willing to try. Having moved three times in the past three years, I have actually gotten quite good at this and decided this must be my superpower. My husband has even given me a special superhero nickname.
Captain Crazy.
Having just done this now for the fourth time, I am inclined to agree with him. Especially in light of the fact that
after this feat of superhuman strength and endurance, I didn’t then go on to save the world from evil alien turtles who want to wipe out the human race. No, I just bent over to tie my sneaker and completely wiped out. In this instance, I’m pretty certain that it wasn’t the tying of the sneaker but rather the eight hours that led up to that. Tying the sneaker was simply the straw that broke the camel’s -- or, rather, the columnist’s -- back.
Unfortunately, when this kind of thing happens, I really don’t know how long the pain will last. It could be a couple of days, or it could be till next Christmas.
Which raises the question: How do you move into a house when you’re flat on your back?
My husband was busy surveying the things that needed to be fixed. He carried a can of WD-40 in one hand, sincerely hoping he would find something that should be oiled. If you asked my husband what his favorite item is for fixing things, I have no doubt he would say, without hesitation, WD-40. From his passion for the stuff, it would seem that any household problem could be solved by spritzing it with WD-40. So you could imagine his excitement when we got a new, very old house, filled
with rusted thingamabobs and squeaky whooziwhats that all needed oiling.
He indeed looked quite serious about his quest, and so I thought he would be very reluctant to help me with my job. But since there was no one else who could unpack besides him and me, I realized I would have to make it worth his while.
“Hey honey, can you help me out?” I called out to him.
“I’m busy. I have to oil things,” he said.
“I know, but I’m on my back and I need your help.”
He showed up at the door, having now created a holster for his WD-40 so he had his hands free to hold whatever it was that needed to be oiled.
“What?” he said.
“We have a problem. There are still a lot of boxes to unpack, and my back is out,” I said.
“We’ll have to deal with that later. I’ve got to go oil the garbage can.”
“That’s fine, but I thought you should know that one of the boxes has your tools in it.”
He paused. I could see the unoiled wheels turning.
“I probably don’t need the tools yet,” he finally said hesitantly.
“And,” I continued, “another box
has the toilet paper.”
He put down the WD-40.
“OK,” he said looking at the boxes. “Where do I start?”
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
There was a time when homeowners approached renovations with a clear finish line in mind. You remodeled the kitchen, updated the bathroom, replaced the roof, and eventually reached a point where the house felt “done.” Today, that mindset is rapidly disappearing. Across the country, more homeowners are embracing what many are now calling the “Forever Renovation”—a continuous cycle of upgrading, adapting, improving, and reimagining their homes over time.
Instead of one large remodeling project every 15 or 20 years, homeowners are now making smaller, ongoing changes year after year. The house is no longer viewed as a static asset. It has become an evolving space that shifts alongside changing lifestyles, technology, work habits, aging needs, and financial realities.
In many ways, the modern home is becoming a permanent work in progress.
Several major trends are driving this transformation.
The pandemic permanently changed how people view their homes. Houses are no longer simply places to eat and sleep. They now function as:
• Offices
• Classrooms
• Gyms
• Entertainment centers
• Multi-generational living spaces
• Wellness retreats
• Investment vehicles
When people began spending dramatically more time at home, they also became more aware of what wasn’t working. Small inconveniences suddenly felt magnified.
That awkward spare bedroom became a problem when it had to function as a full-time office.
The outdated kitchen became frustrating when families started cooking at home seven nights a week.
Poor lighting, lack of storage, and limited outdoor living space suddenly mattered much more than they once did.
Rather than moving, many homeowners chose to adapt their existing properties instead.
One of the biggest reasons behind the Forever Renovation trend is simple economics.
Millions of homeowners locked in mortgage rates between 2% and 4% during previous years. Trading those rates for today’s significantly higher
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
borrowing costs often makes little financial sense.
For many families, moving would mean:
• A substantially higher monthly payment
• Increased property taxes
• Higher insurance costs
• Closing costs and moving expenses
• Less purchasing power
As a result, homeowners are increasingly choosing to improve the home they already have rather than enter an expensive housing market.
The mindset has shifted from:
“We should move someday.”
To:
“How can we make this home work better for us long term?”
That shift has fueled steady renovation activity nationwide.
In the past, homeowners often waited until they could afford one massive remodeling project.
Today’s approach is different.
Instead of spending $150,000 all at once, many homeowners are tackling projects in stages:
• New flooring this year
• Bathroom renovation next year
• Outdoor living upgrades after that
• Smart home improvements later
• Energy efficiency upgrades over time
Social media has also played a major role in normalizing constant improvement. Platforms filled with renovation content have created an environment where homeowners are continuously exposed to new ideas, design trends, organizational systems, and lifestyle upgrades.
The result is that homes rarely feel “finished” anymore.
There is always another improvement waiting.
Homes today are evolving technologically at a pace we have never seen before.
Just a decade ago, features like these were considered luxury items:
• Smart thermostats
• Video doorbells
• Whole-home Wi-Fi systems
• Smart lighting
• EV charging stations
• Home security automation
• Integrated entertainment systems
Now many buyers expect them.
Technology upgrades have become similar to software updates—continuous rather than occasional.
This creates a new category of renovation that previous generations never faced. Even homes that are structurally sound may feel outdated technologically within only a few years.
Homeowners are increasingly renovating not because something is broken, but because expectations keep evolving.
America’s population is aging, and many homeowners have little interest in leaving their homes later in life.
Instead, they are renovating with longevity in mind.
This has led to growing demand for:
• First-floor primary bedrooms
• Walk-in showers
• Wider doorways
• Better lighting
• Slip-resistant flooring
• Stair alternatives
• Multi-generational living layouts
Many homeowners are planning renovations not just for today’s comfort, but for future mobility and accessibility needs.
This long-term thinking reinforces the Forever Renovation concept. Rather than eventually downsizing, many owners are adapting homes so they can remain there indefinitely.
One of the most dramatic shifts in recent years has been the explosion of outdoor living renovations.
Backyards are increasingly functioning as extensions of the home itself.
Popular projects now include:
• Outdoor kitchens
• Covered patios
• Fire pits
• Pools and spas
• Pergolas
• Outdoor entertainment systems
• Year-round seating areas
For many homeowners, improving outdoor space provides emotional and lifestyle value without requiring the disruption of moving.
This trend is especially strong among families seeking greater enjoyment from the property they already own.
While the Forever Renovation trend has benefits, it also comes with downsides.
Many homeowners are discovering that living in a constant state of upgrading can become exhausting.
Projects often take longer and cost more than expected.
Supply-chain disruptions, labor shortages, permit delays, and rising material costs have complicated the remodeling process significantly.
Some homeowners also fall into a psychological trap where the house never feels complete. The constant exposure to renovation content online creates endless comparison.
As soon as one project ends, another begins.
Instead of enjoying the home, some people begin managing it like an endless construction project.
That emotional burnout is becoming increasingly common.
Interestingly, today’s homeowners are also becoming more selective about which projects truly matter.
Instead of renovating purely for resale value, many are focusing on:
• Daily quality of life
• Energy savings
• Flexibility
• Comfort
• Wellness
• Long-term functionality
This marks a major shift from earlier decades when resale-driven renovations dominated homeowner decision-making.
People are asking different questions now:
• Will this improve how we live?
• Will this reduce stress?
• Will this make the home more adaptable?
• Will this help us stay here longer?
That perspective often leads to smarter, more intentional renovations.
Perhaps the biggest factor behind the Forever Renovation is emotional.
Homes have become deeply personal in new ways.
For many families, moving no longer feels appealing even if they technically could afford it. Communities, schools, neighbors, routines, and emotional familiarity matter more than ever.
Instead of chasing the “next house,”
Continued on page 5
BY TOM MARGENAU
I sometimes find myself waxing nostalgic about the “good old days” of working for the Social Security Administration. Even though when I started working for the SSA in 1973, the agency was already almost 40 years old, I still think of that time period as the good “old” days.
But then sometimes I wonder if those days were really all that good. So let me take you back to a Social Security office in 1973.
The office was always clean and located in the heart of a city. (Of course, in big cities, there were frequently more than a few offices scattered around the metropolitan area.) Sometimes the office was in a Federal Building along with other government agencies in town. But more often than not, it was in a stand-alone building in an easyto-get-to part of town. These were almost always spaces that the government rented from the building’s owners.
But believe it or not, way back then, the SSA occasionally bought a building to use as a Social Security office. These were known as “trust fund” offices because the money to buy the space came out of the Social Security trust funds. (I really don’t know, but I am sure this practice stopped many years ago.) Just like a house that is owned is usually nicer and better kept up than a house that is rented, I remember that the few trust fund offices I was familiar with were some of the nicest government properties I ever saw.
Once inside the office, there was always one reception desk and then a whole slew of desks behind the receptionists where people like me worked. Today’s SSA offices are different - at least the ones I’ve seen since I retired in 2005. Sadly, today, they look a bit fortress-like, with armed guards and all kinds of barriers between the public and the SSA workers. I guess that’s just a sign of the times we now live in.
Also, in the “old days,” you could simply walk into your local Social Security office and get taken care of. Although you may be able to just walk into an office today, you better be prepared to wait a long time because you generally must have an appointment to take care of any Social Security business.
Also, in-office staffing has been cut dramatically. There were 82,000 employees when I started working for the SSA. We were constantly winning awards for providing top-notch public service, frequently even beating out private sector service providers. That doesn’t happen anymore because staffing levels have been slashed to about 50,000. (People always claim they want a smaller government. And at least in the case of Social Security, they are getting it.)
That’s why today, people are strongly encouraged to handle their Social Security business online. And of course, that’s not a bad thing. It can be so much easier
to take care of matters using the SSA website: www.socialsecurity.gov. I remember when I filed my Social Security claim about 10 years ago, it took me all of about half an hour to finish the process. And I did it while sitting at my computer desk in my pajamas!
Back when I started working for the SSA in 1973, of course, no one showed up at the office in their PJs! In fact, people tended to get dressed up for a visit to a government office like Social Security. (Remember when people dressed up to travel by plane or train?)
Once the person was at my desk to file a claim for Social Security benefits, I would pull out the appropriate paper application form. asking them all the questions and filling in the answers for them. They would sign the form, provide me with any documents they might have brought along (such as a birth certificate), which I photocopied, returned to them, and then they were on their way.
I would then hand the application form and supporting documents to my secretary. (I’m sure those secretarial positions no longer exist in the modern SSA.) She - and it was always a she - would type up a little “tally strip” with the claimant’s name and SSN and place it on my “tally board” (a small metal flip-top device) with all the other tally strips indicating the claims that I had pending at my desk.
The secretary would then order the “earnings record” for the claimant’s SSN. This had previously been done by mail. But we had recently moved on to the modern marvel of a teletype machine. (Gosh, we thought that was so futuristic!)
About a week or so later, the earnings record would show up in the mail for the claim. It showed all the earnings recorded to the claimant’s SSN. And we would use those earnings to tabulate the person’s Social Security benefit.
These calculations frequently got pretty complicated and messy. That’s why each Social Security office had a dedicated staff of benefit computation experts who would figure up what the claimant was due in monthly benefits. She (and once again, I remember these experts always being women) would prepare a benefit award form that I -- as the claims-taking technician -- would sign.
Then, once I had gathered any other evidence I might need for the claim (maybe a marriage record, for example), we would mail the claim and all supporting documents to the “payment center.”
There were about six or seven such centers around the country. That’s where the claim resided for the rest of its life, and that’s where buttons were pushed that would start sending out monthly checks to the claimant. The whole process usually took two or three months, if not longer.
Today, of course, all of this happens electronically and can happen in a matter of days. Although for a whole variety
of reasons, even today, claims can get delayed and take a longer process. But still, the modern online electronic world is so much faster and more efficient than our paper-oriented world a half-century ago.
I also think back to things like a simple change of address. Today, you can go online and essentially make the change instantly. But back in my early days with the SSA, changes of address were mailed to the payment center and could take weeks to process.
I remember two SSA forms that, for some reason, I can still recall their numbers. One was the SSA-2339. Let’s say you came into an office and had a question about how your benefit was figured. If I couldn’t figure it out, I would fill out this 2339 form by hand, essentially saying something like: “This guy wants to know how his benefit was figured.” Then that would get mailed to the payment center.
Continued on next page
BY LOU THEODORE
Once again, this one is for those in the reading audience who bet on sports. It’s become a semi-annual event. It’s transition time as we leave college and pro football plus the college basketball season and say hello to America’s pastime – baseball. All three are important to many of us since sportsbooks have now become front and center for the betting public. For me, the sportsbook is DraftKings. For others, it’s Fan Duel. In any event, here’s how the winter season came down for me and what’s coming up with baseball.
Before the baseball analysis begins, we need a post-analysis. Keep in mind the NHL is still ongoing. Here is what I had to say on 12/1/25: “Tampa and the Islanders (100-1) should be considered. I’ve got a decent shot here with a couple of token saves on the Jets, Dallas and Carolina. On to the analysis of last year’s activities and the coming baseball season.
With college football. I came close
Continued from page 3
many people are investing emotionally and financially into making their current home better over time.
The home evolves alongside the family itself.
Children grow up.
Parents age.
Work changes.
Needs shift.
And the house changes too.
That ongoing adaptation is redefining modern homeownership.
The Forever Renovation trend may ultimately reshape the housing market for years to come.
If fewer homeowners choose to move frequently, inventory could remain tighter than historical norms. Homes may also become more customized and less standardized as owners prioritize
but Ole Miss (25-1), Georgia (10-1) and Texas Tech (15-1) came up empty. Pro football. Another disaster here. “My two hey bets were the Jets and over, and the Steelers and under.” I’m still taking heat on both these bets. Green Bay also disappointed. College basketball. Broke out even here. My key bets were CONN (22-1) and Gonzanga (20-1) with savers on ILL, ALA and (thankfully) MICH. I thought St. Johns had a shot but refused to bet on a Rick Pitino team.
On to baseball. Hope springs eternal. Here is what I have this season. I have a token bet on the Mets. This is strictly a sentimental one. I have been a Met fan since day one and lived the ups and downs. However, this season is hard to swallow. They have the highest payroll in all of baseball and yet appear to be a mediocre second-rate minor league team. Both the manager and general manager should be fired, and Cohen should sell the franchise and get out of baseball. As for the Yankees, I just can’t see them with Boone (another loser) as
manager. Is it that hard to find another Bobby Valentine? In any event, I’m playing primarily longshots this year, and once again, am off to a poor start, keying on Kansas City and Detroit in the American League. In the National League, I have token savers on Atlanta, Milwaukee, and San Diego. One of my dear friends also had me go partners on Oakland and Washington to make the playoffs.
In any event, good luck if you get involved with any other sportsbook activity.
I haven’t recommended a stock since the turn of the century. Because of my involvement with geothermal energy, I recommended Novell (NOV) nine months ago to all those close to me. No one bought. The stock is up over 75% and still moving. A recent investment ($125) in Ormat (now $115) hasn’t done as well.
Note: Most Nassau residents will be voting this month on schoolboard members and taxes. Here’s how I feel. Why
personalization over resale neutrality.
We may also see:
• Greater demand for flexible floor plans
• Increased focus on durability and efficiency
• More aging-in-place design
• Expanded smart home integration
• Stronger emphasis on wellness-focused living spaces
The idea of the “starter home,” “move-up home,” and “retirement home” may continue to blur together.
For many Americans, the future home may simply be the one they already own—continuously renovated, constantly evolving, and intentionally shaped over decades rather than years.
The Forever Renovation is not just a housing trend.
It reflects a broader shift in how people define comfort, stability, investment, and home itself.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker
of Turn Key Real Estate. 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, Geo-
are seniors paying these outrageous school taxes (about 75% of the total tax load) when they have no kids in the school system? They might try to get us to pay college tuition in the future. Complaints to the Mayor and Town Supervisor resulted in “there’s nothing we can do.” If I were in office (and, yes, I did run unsuccessfully earlier), action would be taken. My suggested solutions have been repeatedly ignored. In the meantime, the school system continues to be burdened by high salaries, excessive benefits, and a truly bloated administration bureaucracy. These taxes are compressing property values; one can only imagine property values with only 50% of the present tax load.
Visit the author at: www. theodorenewsletter.com and / or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook
thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search 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
Continued from previous page
And maybe a month or so later, I would get back a handwritten response and, assuming I could read it, I would call the beneficiary with an explanation. And then there was the SSA-555. We would use that if the inquiry was “critical.” For example, if you complained that you didn’t get a check this month, I would
fill out the SSA-555 -- and I would still mail it to the payment center for a response. I guess that because the form was bright pink and had the words CRITICAL CASE in bold letters, it was handled more quickly. But still, thinking back, that seems like such a ho-hum way of dealing with a “critical” issue. Once again, things are so much more efficient today in the online world.
Gosh, do I feel like an old geezer talking about those “good old days” that were not always so good after all!
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
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Hamburgers are a staple of backyard barbecues. When summer arrives, few foods embody the laid back vibe of the season better than grilled hamburgers.
There’s nothing wrong with a traditional approach to hamburgers, but going the extra mile and augmenting the flavor with some special ingredients can make these beloved summertime staples even more popular. If that’s your goal, then consider this recipe for “Hamburgers with Stilton Cheese, Caramelized Shallots and Mushrooms,” courtesy of Lines+Angles. Makes 4 servings
For caramelized shallots:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
For hamburgers:
1 1⁄2 lbs. fresh shallots, peeled and sliced Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon sugar
For mushrooms:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1⁄2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For caramelized shallots:
1) Melt butter with olive oil in a thick-bottomed pan until the oil is shimmering. Add the sliced shallots and stir to coat. Cook, stirring on occasion, for 7 to 10 minutes. Do not let the shallots burn or dry out. Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the shallots.
2) Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. If shallots seem to be drying out, add a little water or oil to the pan. Shallots should be brown but not burned. Continue to cook and stir; scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bot-
1 1⁄2 lbs. ground sirloin, chuck or round
Coarse salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices Stilton cheese
4 hamburger rolls or sandwich rolls
1 tablespoon melted butter
Lettuce leaves
tom of the pan, until the shallots are a deep, rich, browned color.
For mushrooms:
1) Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in balsamic vinegar, garlic and mushrooms. Saute for 20 minutes, or until tender.
For hamburgers:
1) Moisten your clean hands with cold water and divide the ground beef in 4 equal portions. Form into a flattened ball. Season with salt and pepper.
2) Refrigerate until ready to cook.
3) Prepare the grill and preheat to high. Brush the grill grate with oil.
4) Place the prepared burgers on the hot grill grate. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium, or until an instant read thermometer inserted through the side of the burger into the center reaches 160 F.
5) Brush the rolls with melted butter and toast them on the grill for about 45 seconds. Assemble the burgers, with lettuce leaves, Stilton cheese, caramelized shallots, and mushrooms. Serve.
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Welcome to this charming Tudor nestled in the heart of Floral Park Village, where timeless character and classic architectural details create a warm and inviting place to call home. A welcoming front entry with coat closet and elegant French door opens into the sun-filled Living Room featuring a beautiful Fireplace, great setting for cozy evenings or entertaining guests. The Formal Dining Room showcases two custom built-ins, adding both charm and functionality, while the Eat-in Kitchen with Pantry Closet offers excellent space for everyday living. An easy access door leads directly to the beautifully landscaped backyard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. A gracious two-tier wide staircase leads to the spacious second floor landing, where you’ll find a generously sized Primary Bedroom along with two additional wellproportioned Bedrooms. The Full Hall Bathroom features both a separate tub and shower. An additional staircase provides access to a large high ceiling attic, offering exceptional storage potential. The Full Basement includes Laundry, Utilities, and abundant storage space. Completing this wonderful 40x100 property is a beautifully landscaped backyard, long driveway, and detached 2-Car Garage. Vibrant Floral Park Village amenities including Floral Park Police, Floral Park Sanitation, Recreation Center with Olympic Size Pool, conveniently located near Shopping, Restaurants, Highways, Transportation with Easy Access to LIRR a few blocks away, School District #22. Make this your next home!
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Please call Marie O’Connor-Grant for a
at
