Floral Park Villager (5/29/26)

THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY

the Floral Park American Legion Post 334, Legion Auxiliary and Village of Floral Park held Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25th. Above local leaders with the color guard.

Rotary legacy gives children with disabilities a place to thrive

BY VIJAY THILLAINATHAN

At the Floral Park-Bellerose Rotary Club’s May 12 dinner meeting, Patrick Barry of the Patchogue Rotary Club shared stories about Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck that stayed with many of us long after the evening ended.

The camp, located on 37 scenic acres along Kaler’s Pond in Center Moriches, has deep Rotary roots. It grew out of an effort by the Rotary

Club of the Moriches to give children affected by polio the chance to enjoy a real summer camp experience. The first campers arrived in 1948.

Nearly eight decades later, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck continues that mission, serving children and adults with a wide range of disabilities through overnight camp, day programs, recreation, and respite for families.

Barry spoke about one camper

in particular: the sister of a fellow Rotarian, who was born with spina bifida and was not expected to live past her teenage years. She began attending Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck as a child. She went on to live to age 50, marry, graduate from law school, raise a family, and build a full life. Barry said the camp helped her focus on what was possible, not on what others thought she could

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Dr. Marc Isseks, assistant principal of Sewanhaka High School, was recognized as one of the most devoted supporters of public education on Long Island this year. Dr. Isseks is among 18 honorees to receive the 2026 Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award, bestowed annually on those individuals and organizations that have had a profound effect on education in Nassau County.

Nassau BOCES created the awards program to recognize those who share

its mission of ensuring a successful, challenging, caring and safe environment that enables students of all ages and abilities to achieve their maximum potential. These outstanding individuals and organizations have made strides in accomplishing key educational goals embraced by Nassau BOCES, such as ensuring student success.

Dr. Marc Isseks of the Sewanhaka CHSD was honored at an awards gala held this spring by the Nassau BOCES Educa-

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Sewanhaka High School Assistant Principal Dr. Marc Isseks (center) is congratulated on his Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award by (left to right) Nassau BOCES Board Vice President Michael Weinick and Board member Marty Kaye.

Music from Ireland to Floral Park

Emer at the Forest Fest

On Saturday, June 6, acclaimed Irish folk singer Emer Dunne and her talented musicians return to the U.S. with her captivating live show, The Folk Songbook Tour, at Swing the Teapot in Floral Park. The rich and engaging show will blend lively up-tempo favorites with heartfelt ballads and contemporary surprises. The show at Swing the Teapot will round out a tour of performances in the northeast United States.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time in the U.S. so far, meeting so many wonderful Irish American and wider audiences. There’s something so special about how people connect through these songs,

even across generations and distances, and I’m really looking forward to bringing that back again this June," Emer said.

Emer is known for her powerful vocals, her warm and entertaining stage presence and her natural storytelling ability.  Joined by her talented musicians this trio consists of Eamonn Moran on guitar (Dublin) and Shane Meehan on fiddle (Leitrim) giving the show it’s lively energy, sensitivity and dynamic groove.

Full tour dates and ticket details visit the tour page – www.emerdunne.com or phone Swing the Teapot on 516-488-2180

Volunteers help at Centennial Gardens

On May 8, a team of Volunteers from Liberty Mutual spent the afternoon preparing Centennial Gardens & Bird Sanctuary for the Hanse Family Foundation Day. With direction and participation from FP Conservation board members Rich Burgess, Marina Horan, and Tom Christman (not pictured) & Site Steward, Lisa O’Grady, the lower half of Crabapple Path was returned to pristine status ready to greet everyone attending the Hanse Family Foundation Day.

Rotary legacy gives children with disabilities a place to thrive

not do.

Another story brought smiles around the room. A parent of a child on the autism spectrum worried about sending him to camp, especially because he was so attached to his iPad. After several days without hearing from him, the parent called to check in. Staff found the iPad under his bed, untouched, with a dead battery. He had been too busy enjoying camp.

That moment said so much.

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck gives campers more than activities. It gives them friendship, confidence, independence, and the simple joy of feeling included. For parents and caregivers, it also offers something precious: time to rest, knowing their loved one is safe and cared for.

Barry noted that awareness of the camp appears limited in the Floral Park area, which means there may be families nearby who could benefit from learning about it.

Rotarians were encouraged to help spread the word by sharing information with schools, healthcare providers, support groups, neighbors, and families who may know someone with special needs.

There are also many ways to support the camp’s work, including volunteering, service projects, fundraising, and donations.

Barry’s presentation was a powerful reminder that Rotary’s impact is not always measured in big headlines. Sometimes, it is found in a child trying something new, a parent finally exhaling, or a family discovering support they did not know existed.

For Rotary, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is a powerful example of what service can build over time. For local families, it may be a resource that changes everything.

“Service Above Self” is more than a motto. At Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, it has been lived out for generations.

Families interested in learning more about Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, including programs, eligibility, and support resources, can visit the camp’s website at https://camppaquatuck.com or call 631-878-1070.

June at the Floral Park Library

June…graduations, brides, Father’s Day, barbeques, outdoor concerts–and the kickoff for the Summer Reading Clubs, with two themes this year–America 250 and Unearth a Story.

And, The Library will be ‘unearthing’ 8-foot tall, 14-foot long Sammy the Dinosaur on the Library lawn Sunday, June 28 to kick off the Summer Reading program.

Throughout the year, the Floral Park Library is featuring America 250-themed programs, exhibits, and crafts for all age groups. The highlight for June will be the Little Patriots Parade Participants will decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers (whatever the mode of transportation is) in red, white, and blue for our country's 250th anniversary, then they will parade walk around the library's property area for a fun and festive celebration.

May’s Floral Park Library Urban Explorers trip to the Intrepid was SRO, and the June bus excursion to the South Street Seaport is  likely to be the same.

The Friends of the Library Book Club meets on June 1 at 10:15 a.m., prior to their two-month Summer hiatus. The Evening Edition Book Club takes on “Isola” by Allegra Goodman. To take advantage of the longer evenings during summer months  (June,

July and August), the Evening Edition group will meet in various members’ backyards.

In keeping with the outdoor theme, the Quiet Reading Book Club holds its June meeting on the Library lawn, weather permitting.

The Library lawn is getting a workout all summer long, including a 4-week Pilates on the lawn program with Maria DaGrossa-Hanna and the annual Solstice Drum Circle Saturday, June 20, with Laura Cerrano.

Hybrid Adult Chair Yoga continues on Wednesday mornings, with the occasional Zoom only (check the calendar!) session as Micheline makes her annual trip ‘home’ to Malta.

The June 18 Empire State Defensive Driving class is the last one until September; registration is open.

Three patriotic adult programs are on tap this months:  250 Years of Long Island History with Eco-Explorers; Pressed Flower America’s Birthday Craft with Yvette Cheng; and Host a Bang Up Fourth with Chef Barbara featuring Yankee Pot Roast Sandwiches.

Teen activities are light in June, as test taking and end of school activities consume most teens’ time. There is a Teen Advisory Committee scheduled, and a perfectly timed De-stress from Stress program. Teen Buddies

Beadfest for America 250 rounds out the month.

Girls Scouts are hosting an event on the Library lawn on June 6, and Chefs of d’Future hosts a two-session family program. Also for the family, PG-rated “Hoppers” hops onto the Library screen at 2:00 p.m. on June 19.

Kids can choose from:  Play Hooray; A Time for Kids’ Baby Start and Family Preschool Hour; StoryCraft (Pre-K – 2nd Grade); Tiny Beats with DJ Shhh!; and a Glass Planter Vase (Grades 3 – 5)

Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Storytime  celebrates the 57th anniversary of its publication (ages 2–Preschool).

The weekly Adult English Language Learner classes continue on Tuesday evenings. Pre-registration is required for both Beginning and Intermediate/Advanced sessions.

The Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting groups continue to meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. throughout the Summer; no registration necessary.

The Library Board meets on July 8, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public (use the rear entrance of the Library).

The Library is closed Sunday, June 21, for Father’s Day.

Looking for some help with your résumé, job search, LinkedIn profile or interview prep? Look no further than Ellen O’Brien. Contact her at eobrien@nassaulibrary.org or 516 326.6330 x3103 for a free 30-minute career consultation.

Need assistance with those smart devices and more? One-to-one tech help with Joe for tablets, smartphones, laptops, Kindles and general questions is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktechhelp@gmail.com).

For more information on dates and times, events registration and program details, visit the library website, floralparklibrary.org, call 516 326-6330, or visit us at 17 Caroline Place. All events and programs are subject to change and/or cancellation.

Check out the Friends of the Floral Park Library offerings at the Circulation Desk. All sales of books, DVDs, bookmarks, puzzles, and more support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization.

You’re invited to follow the Library on Facebook (floralparklibrary), X (fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS AT HARRY CHAPIN LAKESIDE THEATRE IN EISENHOWER PARK

Sunday, June 7th

FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS AND BLESSID UNION OF SOULS

Thursday, June 11th - 6:00pm

Senior Afternoon Concert featuring Amber Ferrari and Debra Toscano

Thursday, June 18th

Juneteenth Celebration – Earth

Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion, Gospel Choir and DRIFT featuring members of TAUK and MJT

Friday, June 19th - 3:00pm

FIFA World Cup Watch Party USA vs. Australia

Monday, June 22nd - 6:00pm

Senior Afternoon Concert

The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno

Friday, June 26th

The Allmost Brothers BandAllman Brothers Tribute, Sons of Skynyrd –Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

Saturday, June 27th

FREESTYLE MEETS SALSA –featuring BRENDA K. STARR, TITO PUENTE JR., TKA/K7, JOEY CRUZ, LA SONORA 495 AND FOREVER FREESTYLE BAND

Sunday, June 28th

REGGAE NIGHT WITH INNER CIRCLE, WAYNE WONDER AND IRIEspect

Thursday, July 2nd – 5:30pm TD PRESENTS CELEBRATE AMERICA FIREWORKS & DRONE SHOW with Live Music By: Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock

Friday, July 3rd

Fireworks Rain Date

Thursday, July 9th

Oldies Night with E’stefano DiSanto, Johnny Farina, Bobby Wilson, Vito Picone & The Elegants and The Brooklyn Bridge

Saturday, July 11th

Disco Unlimited

Thursday, July 16th

Harry Chapin Day – Corey Rieman and The Dilemma Band with Scarborough Fair - Simon & Garfunkel Tribute

Saturday, July 18th

Simply Stapleton –

Chris Stapleton Tribute

Sunday, July 19th - 6:00pm

Last Exit – Pearl Jam Tribute

Foo For All – Foo Fighters Tribute

Thursday, July 23rd

LANIE GARDNER & BROOKE MORIBER

Friday, July 24th

ZBTB – Zac Brown Band Tribute and Guys with Guitars

Saturday, July 25th - 6:30pm

JEFFERSON STARSHIP, ATLANTA

RHYTHM SECTION, FIREFALL AND PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

Sunday, July 26th - 4:00pm

Family Day On The Lake, featuring Beauty and The Beat, Princesses and wide-ranging entertainment for children and families

Thursday, July 30th

3 Decades Rewind

Rock Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s

Friday, July 31st

Half Step – Grateful Dead Tribute

Saturday, August 1st

SALUTE TO VETERANS with Desert Highway

– Eagles Tribute and American Bombshell

Sunday, August 2nd

Lovesong – 80s New Wave Tribute

Thursday, August 6th

THE OUTLAWS

Friday, August 7th

COLE SWINDELL

FREE ADMISSION | Bring Blankets or Chairs | Parking Field #6 Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, August 8th

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway

Monday, August 10th - 6:00pm

Senior Afternoon Concert

Gerry Ferretti and the Mutant Kings and Jenna Esposito

Thursday, August 13th

Neil Diamond Tribute

Friday, August 14th

Swingtime Big Band

Saturday, August 15th

MIDTOWN MEN ORIGINAL CAST OF JERSEY BOYS

Thursday, August 20th

Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute

Friday, August 21st

LOUD LUXURY with OPENING BY DJS CAFFEINE ACADEMY, DJ DENNIS

THE MENACE AND JUST JOE

Sunday, August 23rd

WORLD RENOWNED PUERTO RICAN

SALSA ORCHESTRA

Thursday, August 27th

Long Island’s American Idols featuring Constantine Maroulis, Kevin Covais and Robbie Rosen with Special Guests

Friday, August 28th

Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute

Monday, August 31st

FLO RIDA

Tuesday, September 1st

ZZ TOP

Thursday, September 3rd

THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET

Friday, September 4th

LOS LOBOS

Saturday, September 5th

Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute, Who’s Next – The Who Tribute

Third annual Wellness Fair held at JLCS

John Lewis Childs School students in grades K–6 explored new ways to stay healthy and active during the third annual Wellness Fair, held from May 11–12. Coordinated by teacher Candice Nagle, the two-day event featured six hands-on stations designed to encourage physical and mental well-being.

As they rotated through each activity, students tried yoga and high-intensity interval training workouts, contributed to a collaborative mindful art project, acted out emotions in charades, sampled bell peppers, and completed a Screen-Free Fun Bingo game.

Children rotated through six stations designed to encourage physical and mental well-being.

Students tried yoga and high-intensity interval training workouts.

Sewanhaka admin wins award from BOCES

FOREST

THURSDAYS 1:30–5:30 PM

ACCESSIBILITY: now accepting SNAP/EBT; ask us about needs-based discounts GARDEN

WEEKLY SHARE of certified organic produce from June to November (25 weeks)

SEASONAL VARIETY: farmers select items for peak ripeness and flavor

SIZE CHOICE: get a full share (10 items/week) or a partial (6 items/week)

ADD-ON OPTIONS: meat, dairy, baked goods, eggs, fruit, and more!

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tional Foundation. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that raises funds for innovative educational programs that fall outside of the agency’s budget.

Recently, Dr. Isseks delivered a threeday intensive afterschool workshop to teach SHS students about investing in the stock market. After teaching them sound investment strategies and sensible approaches to establishing a portfolio, he took the students on a visit to the world’s largest asset management company, BlackRock, Inc.  A published author, Dr. Isseks has penned several

articles and two books on education.

“Dr. Isseks is among those modern educational pioneers who are working to transition our schools away from rote memorization and compliance, and into creativity, engagement and critical thinking,” wrote his award nominator. “Instead of simply sounding the alarm over the necessity of these changes, Dr. Isseks goes the extra mile in providing research-based, practical and effective instructional approaches to achieving these goals. In my estimation, he is one of the most innovative educational thinkers of our era.”

WHAT DOES ‘HEALTH SYSTEM’ EVEN MEAN? IT MEANS A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR HEALTH.

A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes.

It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation. It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.

Better health starts with a better health system.

From storm basin to gardens and bird sanctuary

Gardening is always fun!

BY ANN GRIBBINS, FPCS VOLUNTEER

Many volunteers, many hours, many smiles, many tears, many words of encouragement, many photos not taken and today this thirteen acre area in Floral Park is enjoyed by many. An overused word ? Not when you think about it. Many = a large

but indefinite number of people. When it all started pictures were only taken by a camera, the film was processed and the pictures were produced. Eastman Kodak Company, incorporated in 1892, started as a partnership between George Eastman and Henry Strong to develop pictures created with cameras. This company

Frequently groups will come and help, here are volunteers from National Grid. These gatherings are always positive experiences for all.

Children getting off to a great start in the gardens.

Many gather each year in February for the Bird Count

has a long and interesting history. In the beginning it cost money to buy cameras and take pictures and, as a result, many did not take the number of pictures as they do now. Today it seems as if everyone can take a picture, any time, any place, any expression, and print it. “Watch out”.

The Gardens have a history, and here are some pictures from the beginning, through the years and in the present.

For many years Centennial Gardens hosted a Pre-Belmont Stakes fund raiser Party. On Friday evening, before the race, many would gather for food, beverages, raffles and fun. It was a wonderful evening to be with friends.

The Fairy Festival has been another community fun happening at the Gardens. We have Ann Moynagh to be thankful for this wonderful event. The Children and Adults would dress in their favorite costume and enjoy the magnificent miniature villages under the trees created by Dominic McCarten, Head Architect and Builder of the Fairie Garden. In

Phil Gribbins, an original founder of the Giving Garden, with Jean Sinnott, sign creator.

recent years there was also a contest called the Family Fairie House Challenge. Thank you goes to Marina Horan for adding this great event to the festivities.

Marie Martone and her parents Pat and Rick Cominsky shared their talents to create the Children’s Gardens and many activities happened there. The Halloween party was a favorite of many. Laura Pentecoste continues the classes for children started by Marie.

Hance Family Foundation has their annual race / walk and event at the Gardens every spring. Please enjoy some of the picture history of the Park and visit the Gardens. Visitors and volunteers are always welcome.

Volunteers will meet at the main entrance on Floral Parkway at 9 a.m. June 6th for the next weedout. The Park is open noon to 5 p.m. everyday, weather permitting, from April until November.

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.

Up for a Staycation? No Reason to Venture Far When NYC’s Cultural Riches Abound

BY KAREN RUBIN

No need to travel to see Raphael at the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Paul Klee at the Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris because you can see these artists’ works right here in New York City this summer. Good news for the many who are opting for a staycation this year - because we have an abundance of cultural riches, world-class attractions and institutions on our doorstep. Here’s what’s on view this season in New York City:

National Urban League’s Urban Civil Rights Museum, Harlem, is opening in June: The museum, which will be housed in National Urban League’s new Harlem headquarters, the Urban League Empowerment Center, will be the first in the northern U.S. dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement.

Ellis Island Museum is reopening mid-2026 after undergoing a $100 million revitalization that includes reimagined exhibitions, new theaters and major technological upgrades.

The People’s Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante, Inwood, opening this year, will spotlight NYC’s immigrant communities through theater, music, dance and community events.

The Hip Hop Museum, South Bronx, opening this year just south of Yankee Stadium, will pay homage to the South Bronx’s rich culture and history as the birthplace of hip-hop.

Cultural Exhibitions, Festivals and Performances

Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs at the American Museum

of Natural History takes visitors back 66 million years to the Cretaceous Period, exploring life before and after the asteroid strike that caused mass extinction. Featuring life-size models, fossils, touchable exhibits and immersive media, the exhibition reveals how dinosaurs, marine reptiles and other species vanished, as well as how the event set the stage for the rise of mammals and, eventually, humans.

Unrolling Eternity: The Brooklyn Books of the Dead at The Brooklyn Museum: For the first time, visitors can see one of the only complete and gilded  Books of the Dead, carefully restored over three years by the Brooklyn Museum’s conservation team. The 21-foot papyrus, displayed with early Books of the Dead and related artifacts, reveals ancient Egyptian burial practices, artistic mastery, and the story of its original owner, Ankhmerwer.

The Occupied City: New York and the American Revolution at the Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan (thru 2026): Marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this major exhibition

You don’t have to travel to Amsterdam to see Dutch Masters. At New York Historical’s “Old Masters, New Amsterdam,” Jan Steen’s “Peasants Merrymaking Outside an Inn” is a view to what life in New Amsterdam was like 400 years ago © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

transforms the entire third floor into a 7,000-square-foot immersive journey through Revolutionary-era New York. Framing the Revolution as a story of civic choice and consequence, the exhibition underscores how decisions made by New Yorkers 250 years ago continue to reverberate across the city and the nation today (https://www. mcny.org/exhibition/occupied-city).

Frida and Diego: The Last Dream at The Museum of Modern Art (until Sept. 12), through their paintings, drawings and iconic portraits, explores their artistic partnership and lasting influence as a dialogue between visual art and performance.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (thru June 28) is the first comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the Italian Renaissance master, showcasing 200 paintings, drawings and tapestries that highlight his creativity and poetic sensibility. Spanning his career from Urbino to Florence and Rome, the show reveals his innovations in portraiture, religious imagery and the portrayal of women, offering a singular look at works rarely seen together.

The Jewish Museum is presenting two major exhibitions this summer:

Circa 1776: Jews in Colonial America, presented in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, explores themes of Jewish life throughout colonial and post-colonial America. The installation highlights works in the Museum’s collection, displayed as a complement to  Identity, Culture, and Community: Stories from the Collection of the Jewish Museum (thru Aug. 9).

Paul Klee: Other Possible Worlds marks the first American museum show to focus on the artist’s powerful late work, produced during his last, unsettling decade of life until his death in 1940. The exhibition features 100 paintings and drawings, including his rarely exhibited and iconic Angelus Novus (1920), called the “Angel of History” by German philosopher Walter Benjamin.

Old Masters, New Amsterdam at the New York Historical: Featuring works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan Steen, many never before seen in New York, the show uses Old Master paintings to immerse viewers in the world of the city’s earliest settlers 400 years ago, when the Dutch founded New Amsterdam (thru Aug. 30).

Its 71,000 square foot Tang Wing for American Democracy at The New York Historical opening June 18 is dedicated to the nation’s founding principles and will serve as the future home of the American LGBTQ+ Museum.

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

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of May 31 - June 6, 2026

A Stunning Planetary Pair

Stargazers of ancient times, watching as the starry heavens turned about the world in which they lived, were convinced that the Earth was stationary and central to all. They also marveled as five wandering stars drifted among these lights of heaven from night to night, from month to month.

The Greeks called these “asters planetai” -- wandering stars -- and believed they might be the gods themselves, and that observing their movements through the heavens could help foretell events on Earth.

Two of these wanderers now appear in our western sky at dusk. Highest in the west after sunset is Jupiter, the king of the gods, accompanied much lower in the sky by brilliant Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

Today, of course, we know these two bright lights as worlds of our solar system. Dazzling Venus is a planet about the same size as our own Earth and shrouded by highly reflective clouds. The fainter of the two -- but still quite bright in its own right -- is the giant planet Jupiter.

If you’ve been checking up on these two over the past few weeks, you most certainly have noticed that they appear to be approaching one another. They seem to be converging because they, along with our

Earth, orbit the sun, and our constantly changing viewpoint makes them appear to drift against the more distant and “fixed” stars.

Keep watch over the next week or so, and you’ll see quite a show developing in the western sky. On the evening of Tuesday, June 9, you will see that Venus and Jupiter appear at their closest -- less than a degree and a half apart -- and will form a bright “double star” in our western sky at dusk. This will be

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Feeling the Pressure

a great time to aim binoculars in their direction since both will appear in the same field of view.

Now, if you’ve got a small telescope, aim it toward each of these worlds for a stunning view. You will notice Venus in a “gibbous” phase -- not quite a full disk -- with a purely white, featureless disk. Jupiter, on the other hand, will display its pastel clouds stretched by its rapid rotation into parallel bands across its face, as well as three or four of its largest moons.

Though these two planets appear near each other in the sky, keep in mind that what you’re seeing is an illusion. Venus and Jupiter appear to us along nearly the same line of sight but are actually quite distant from one another. This week, Venus lies about 111 million miles from Earth, while Jupiter lies about 450 million miles farther.

After June 9, the two worlds will appear to separate once again, with Venus higher in the western sky at the same time each evening. Jupiter, on the other hand, will appear lower in the sky each evening until July, when we’ll lose sight of it in the glow of dusk. What story might the ancient sky watchers have woven to explain the slow dance and rendezvous between the king of the gods and the goddess of love in the waning light of dusk?

I’ll leave that to your imagination!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

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BY TRACY BECKERMAN

For a long time, I was a dedicated slow cooker fan, which worked well when my kids were little and I could dump everything in the pot in the morning and then pull it out ready to go at dinnertime. But once the kids left the nest and I was just cooking for two, it seemed like a good time to give a pressure cooker a whirl.

My friends had been bugging me about it for ages, and they all swore that this was the fastest, easiest thing on the planet to use. While they were right about “fast,” I soon found out that in terms of ease, I was somewhat pressure-cooker challenged.

I should mention about now that I am the person who routinely sets off the smoke alarms in the house when I’m cooking. I have been known to ruin rice and will often present a dish as Chicken Surprise or Beef Surprise because it’s a surprise even to me what it is. I have about a 50% success rate, which means 50% of the time we have a pretty good dinner, and 50% of the time the dog does.

Naturally, the pressure cooker

came with directions, but I thought the machine looked pretty straightforward to use, so I decided to forego reading how to use it because that had worked so well in the past -- when I didn’t read the directions and blew up the new microwave, toaster oven and coffee maker.

I looked up what I thought I didn’t know online, but I soon realized I didn’t know what I didn’t know. There were many posts about “venting,” which I assumed was about not holding your anger in. I decided I was pretty good at that already, so I skipped those parts.

There were some other posts about making sure your pressure cooker was locked, but I didn’t see a lock function on my model, so I figured it was self-locking. All of this was probably covered in the manual, but I’d already used that to help mop up the latest Chicken Surprise I’d ruined, so I decided to just wing it.

I picked a pretty easy recipe, followed the directions and went through all the steps. I was terrified that I would overcook the food, but when the timer dinged, I discovered the food wasn’t overcooked at all.

It was raw.

I tried going through the whole thing again, and 30 minutes later, it was still raw. Thinking I had it on the wrong setting, I decided to switch from steam to saute, and within minutes the pressure cooker started screaming at me that the food was burning.

“What?? Is it raw or is it burning?” I yelled at it as I unplugged it from the wall and gave it a dirty look so it knew I was angry. “See, this is me venting!!” I looked at the dog, who nodded sympathetically as he waited at my feet for something raw or burnt to drop to the floor.

“This is too stressful for me,” I said. “I’m having pressure cooker PTSD.”

I took a deep, cleansing breath and looked online to see if I could figure out what I was doing wrong.

As I read some troubleshooting info, it soon became clear that I was neither venting the steam nor locking correctly.

I gave it another go, and on the third try ...

The food was still raw.

A few hours later, my husband came home and found me on the sofa in a heap, and the pressure cooker in the trash.

Why is your new pressure cooker in the trash?” he asked.

I narrowed my eyes.

“It’s venting!”

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

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Do smart homes actually make life easier, or more complicated?

We hope your Memorial Day was fun and relaxing that you remember all those who gave and sacrificed for our freedoms and Democracy.

The promise of the smart home is seductively simple: your lights adjust themselves, your thermostat learns your habits, your doorbell watches your porch, and your coffee starts brewing before your feet hit the floor. Technology companies have spent the better part of two decades selling a vision of domestic life without friction — a world where convenience hums quietly in the background while algorithms anticipate our needs.

Yet for many people, the reality of the smart home feels less like “The Jetsons” and more like unpaid IT work.

The modern household is now filled with gadgets that require firmware updates, companion apps, passwords, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, subscription plans, and occasional pleading with a voice assistant that still cannot distinguish between “turn on the hall light” and “play Hall & Oates.” Smart homes may indeed make life easier, but only after they first make it more complicated.

That contradiction sits at the center of today’s consumer technology culture. We are buying convenience while accepting a new layer of maintenance.

In theory, the smart home solves countless tiny irritations. Smart thermostats reduce energy bills and remove the daily dance of adjusting temperatures. Robot vacuums quietly patrol floors while their owners work or sleep. Smart locks eliminate frantic searches for house keys. Motion sensors turn lights on automatically. Video doorbells provide reassurance when packages arrive. For elderly homeowners or people with disabilities, these technologies can offer meaningful independence and safety.

There is no question that some smart devices genuinely improve daily life. A parent carrying groceries appreciates unlocking the front door with a phone. A traveler gains peace of mind checking security cameras remotely. A forgetful homeowner no longer worries about whether the garage door was left open.

The problem begins when convenience stops being invisible.

Traditional household tools were largely self-contained. A lamp needed electricity and a bulb. A lock needed a key. A thermostat needed batteries every few years. Smart devices, by contrast, rely on sprawling ecosystems that often behave unpredictably. One company’s light bulbs may not work seamlessly with another company’s smart speaker. An internet out-

age can suddenly turn a “smart” appliance into a very dumb one. A software update can rearrange controls or disable features overnight.

Instead of reducing friction entirely, smart homes often relocate it.

The burden shifts from physical effort to digital management.

Consider the average smart home setup today.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

A homeowner may juggle separate apps for lighting, security cameras, appliances, speakers, streaming systems, robot vacuums, and climate control. Each device arrives with its own login credentials, privacy settings, notification preferences, and compatibility limitations. Even relatively tech-savvy users can become overwhelmed by the sheer administrative load.

And unlike older appliances, smart devices age strangely. A refrigerator from 1998 might still work perfectly today. A smart speaker from 2018 may already feel obsolete because software support has ended or newer standards have emerged. Consumers are no longer merely buying products; they are entering ongoing service relationships with technology companies.

That introduces another complication: dependence.

A smart home only feels magical when everything works. When it fails, however, the failure can ripple across an entire household. Voice assistants stop responding. Smart locks disconnect. Cameras lose cloud access. Automations break after software updates. The user suddenly discovers that tasks once handled instinctively now require troubleshooting forums and reboot sequences.

This is not accidental. Smart homes evolved from the logic of the tech industry, not the appliance industry. Silicon Valley prizes rapid iteration, constant updates, and ecosystem lock-in. But homes are not smartphones. People expect domestic infrastructure to be stable, predictable, and durable. Nobody wants to debug their kitchen.

Privacy concerns deepen the tension. Smart homes operate by collecting data — often enormous amounts of it. Voice assistants listen for wake words. Cameras monitor front doors. Thermostats track occupancy patterns. Smart TVs record viewing habits. The convenience economy depends heavily on surveillance, even if consumers rarely think about it in those terms. For some users, that tradeoff feels worthwhile. Others increasingly won-

der whether turning every object into an internet-connected data collector was ever necessary in the first place.

There is also a psychological dimension to smart homes that receives less attention: automation can subtly increase expectations rather than reduce stress.

Once a household becomes automated, people begin noticing every inefficiency that remains. Why should lights require manual switches at all? Why is the coffee not synchronized with the alarm? Why did the blinds fail to close at sunset? The more convenience technology advances, the more irritating ordinary inconveniences become.

Ironically, the pursuit of a frictionless home can make residents hyperaware of friction.

Still, it would be unfair to dismiss smart homes as gimmicks. Many technologies initially appear cumbersome before eventually becoming seamless. Early automobiles required hand cranks and constant mechanical maintenance. Early personal computers demanded technical fluency. Today, both are ordinary tools.

Smart home technology may simply be in its awkward adolescence.

Standards are improving. Interoperability is becoming more reliable. New protocols are reducing compatibility chaos. Devices increasingly function locally instead of relying entirely on distant cloud servers. The industry appears to be learning that consumers do not want houses behaving like unstable software experiments.

The future smart home may ultimately succeed not by becoming more visible, but by disappearing into the background entirely.

That, perhaps, is the real measure of technological success. The best household technologies are rarely the most impressive; they are the ones we stop noticing altogether. Electricity transformed domestic life because people no longer had to think about it constantly. Indoor plumbing succeeded because it became invisible infrastructure.

The smart home still has not achieved that level of maturity.

Right now, many households exist in an uneasy middle phase where automation offers genuine benefits while simultaneously demanding new forms of labor. People save time vacuuming but spend time reconnecting Wi-Fi devices. They gain convenience through voice commands but lose patience during software glitches. The

net result depends heavily on individual tolerance for technological maintenance.

For enthusiasts, smart homes are empowering playgrounds of customization and efficiency. For everyone else, they can feel like houses with too many opinions.

So do smart homes make life easier or more complicated?

The honest answer is both.

They simplify specific tasks while complicating the broader experience of managing a home. They reduce physical friction but introduce digital friction. They offer comfort, efficiency, and security, but often at the cost of privacy, simplicity, and reliability.

The smartest homes today are not necessarily the most automated ones. They are the homes where technology serves quietly, predictably, and sparingly — where devices solve real problems instead of inventing new ones.

A home should not feel like a customer support ticket.

The companies that ultimately win the smart home race may not be the ones adding the most features. They may be the ones that finally understand a simple truth consumers have been trying to communicate all along: people do not actually want smart homes. They want easy homes.

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, 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

Continued on page 5

BY TOM MARGENAU

Why Are There So Many Rules?

People frequently ask me one of two rhetorical questions. Sometimes they will say, usually out of frustration, “Why is Social Security so complicated?” Even though they were probably not looking for an answer, I give them one anyway. I point out that Social Security is complicated because life is complicated. If we all lived simple lives, got married only once, held the same job all our lives, retired at the same age, never went back to work afterwards, never moved and died in the middle of a month -- then Social Security would be so easy. But that’s not the way our lives work and that’s why Social Security rules can get complicated.

Other times, people will ask a similar question: “Why does Social Security have so many rules?” The answer to that question is that those rules have to cover every possible variable that can come into play when dealing with the complications that life offers. And I recently came across a good example of this.

A reader asked me when the benefits to his daughter would end. He is getting retirement benefits and has one minor daughter left at home collecting dependent benefits on his record. I responded by saying this: “Student benefits end when the child reaches age 18, but can continue until 19 if the child is still in high school.”

Out of curiosity, I checked the Social Security Administration rule book about this issue, which went on for about 10 pages, answering the same question I answered in that one sentence!

It started out by going over the general policy (essentially my one-sentence answer). But then it went on and on and on to cover all the possible exceptions that could occur. Here is just a brief summary. (In the sections below, “FTA” means full-time attendance. And when the rules mention “secondary school,” they essentially mean high school.)

No. 1: Student graduates and benefits terminate before age 19.

James attained the age of 18 in March and graduated from a secondary level program in May. He has no plans to continue attendance in a secondary-level program, so his benefits terminate in June.

No. 2: Student graduates before age 19 and continues in FTA in a secondary level course. Her student benefits terminate before age 19.

Emily attains the age of 18 in April and graduates from a secondary school in June. She is on vacation in July and August and plans to continue FTA at a secondary school in September through December. Her benefits terminate in January because she is no longer in FTA.

No. 3: Student graduates before age 19

and continues in FTA in a secondary level course. Her student benefits terminate at age 19.

Emily attains the age of 18 in April and graduates from a secondary school in June. She continues in FTA in a secondary level course in September, planning to attend through June. She receives benefits based on her FTA in a secondary-level program through March. Her benefits terminate in April, the month she attains the age of 19, because she has already graduated from secondary school.

No. 4: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of nonattendance.

Tony completes his junior year of high school in May, is on vacation in June and July, attains the age of 19 in July and plans to return to secondary school in August. His benefits continue through June but terminate in July because he attains the age of 19 in a month of nonattendance.

No. 5: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA and the school operates on a yearly basis; student benefits terminate the first day of the third month after the age 19 attainment month (payment to age 19 and 2 months).

Janice attains the age of 19 in February. Her school year runs from September through June and her school operates on a yearly basis. Janice receives payments through April and her benefits terminate in May, the third month after the month in which she attains the age of 19.

No. 6: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA; the school operates on a yearly basis; student’s benefits terminate the first day of the month after the month the student completes the school year in which he or she is enrolled

Janice attains the age of 19 in April and attends high school through May. She is on vacation in June and July and plans to return for her senior year in August. She receives benefits through May, the month she completes the school year in which she is enrolled in the age 19 attainment month and her benefits terminate in June.

No. 7: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA; the school operates on a semester or quarterly basis and requires re-enrollment; and the first day of the third month after age 19 attainment and the end of the course coincide

Jacob attains the age of 19 on September 3. Per the SSA-1372, his school operates on a semester basis and requires re-enrollment every semester. The semester begins Sept. 18 and ends Nov. 30. Jacob receives benefits through November (age 19 and 2 months) and his benefits terminate in December.

No. 8: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA; the school operates on a semester or quarterly basis and requires re-enrollment; the student’s benefits ter-

minate the first day of the month after the month in which he or she completes the course in which he or she is enrolled in the age 19 attainment month (payment past age 19 and 2 months).

Jacob attains the age of 19 in September. The school official certified on the SSA-1372-BK that the school operates

on a semester basis and requires re-enrollment each semester. The semester begins in September and ends in December. Jacob receives benefits through December, the end of the semester and his benefits terminate in January be-

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Macaroons, book clubs & java

If you’ve got the time and are looking for something new to do, joining a book club can be ideal. It’s fun and it’s low pressure. Just show up at the appointed time, whether it’s at your public library, senior center or someone’s home and say hi, I’m new to the group and listen to a good book discussion.

People talk about what they liked and disliked about a specific book and occasionally someone goes off topic and tells stories about recent events in their lives. These stories give everyone a little comic relief from the subject at hand whether it’s a mystery, historical fiction, etc., and we all know that everyone likes hearing a good story.

At my book club we discuss some bestsellers but we also like reading some not so famous books. Occasionally we go back in time and discuss books we read in high school or college. The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, To Kill a Mockingbird and more have been popular.

It’s whatever piques our interest at the time and once we set the reading list for the calendar year we stick to it unless people are having a hard time finding copies of the book. Then we choose a different book.

A couple of months ago my friend, Sara, brought a plate of macaroons freshly made (at the bakery) and Kevin brought a box of coffee. It was a nice treat especially because we don’t usually eat at my book club. We took a few minutes to chat and I said how these

past few months have been a time of appliances breaking down and needing replacement. My latest foray into the world of “let’s watch it break and see how fast I can replace it” was when vacuuming the living room just the other day.

I was zipping along with my upright vacuum and almost finished with the whole area when the machine caught the edge of an area rug, snarled one of the strings on it and my vacuum decided to start huffing and puffing dust while it smoked and basically konked out. Quickly pulling the plug from the outlet, I knew things didn’t look good but I cleaned it out, waited for it to cool off and hoped that it might actually work again.

Plugging it into the outlet for the second time and watching closely, it resumed smoking and huffing and puffing so I knew the old reliable vacuum I’d known and used for eight years had definitely, indeed, totally gone kaput.

That meant the search began online and in stores for the next perfect upright vacuum. “So much to consider,” I said laughing. “There are so many features, specifications and details.”

My friend, Joyce, agreed and said her toaster had bit the dust recently so she too was googling on her computer and looking for the machine that would be even better than her last one and make some perfect toast. Joyce sure has a way of putting things.

Fred spoke up and said let’s get back to business so he mentioned a book he

wants to discuss at a future meeting: Starter Villain by John Scalzi. That title rang a bell with me so Fred explained that this is a funny science fiction novel published in 2023 where a lazy man named Charlie Fitzer in the Chicago suburbs inherits his uncle’s supervillain business.

Charlie had been dreaming about buying a neighborhood bar but his plans change when he finds out that his estranged Uncle Jake has died and has left him a significant fortune. In exchange for completing a seemingly simple task, he finds himself thrown into a secret world of supervillains.

It happens to be accompanied by a bunch of trained, intelligent cats and I said that for our book club, this particular book seems a bit unusual.

After giving that quick summary, Fred said Starter Villain might appeal to some people. Plus it’s got a cute picture of a cat in a business suit on the cover of the book so add a star if you like cats. Fred smiled at that little note then the moderator asked for a show of hands.

“Who wants to read this book in a couple of months,” she asked and looking around, only two people raised their hands. “Science fiction doesn’t appeal to everyone so we will choose something else.”

Teri said the next book on the list is Summer in the City by Alex Aster. It came out last year and was on the NY Times bestseller list. It’s a romance novel about Elle, a 27-year-old screen-

writer dealing with writer’s block but she has the chance of a lifetime to write a movie that’s set in NYC.

She moves back to NYC, into a ritzy building with beautiful skyline views, and gets to work because she’s got a deadline looming. In the meantime she meets a bachelor neighbor named Parker Warren.

Elle doesn’t want to be distracted by Parker but they end up dating and the relationship has its ups and downs. The book has some sharp dialog and good characters and Teri tells us just enough about Elle, Parker and the fact that Elle finishes her screenplay and the movie becomes a big blockbuster so we can’t wait to read Summer in the City.

My group likes reading popular fiction novels on different subjects. Kate Quinn, Sarah Jio and David Baldacci are three of them and someone also mentioned reading a new fiction writer named Bonnie Blaylock.

She has her M.A. in creative writing from the University of Tennessee and grew up in a large military family. After 20 years of co-owning a small-animal veterinarian practice with her husband while raising her children, Blaylock decided to start writing fiction fulltime. The Water Women and Light to the Hills are two of her books.

Some book club members are hoping to read Anna Quindlen’s novels and I’ve mentioned Susan Mallery. We’re going to try Mallery’s The Happiness Plan out in 2023. It looks like a good beach read and I am all for that!

cause the semester in which he attains the age of 19 ends in December and his school operates on a semester basis and requires re-enrollment.

I’m already out of space. And this section of the rule book went on for many more pages, giving even more examples of when student benefits should terminate. People often complain that Social Security laws are so complex. I put all of this in today’s column just to show you why they have to be so. There has to be some rule to cover every possible scenario that can occur for every potential Social Security situation. As I

said earlier, Social Security is complicated because life is complicated.

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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2 tablespoons paprika

1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns

1) Stir together the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

2) Thoroughly rub the spice mix into the rib racks. Place in a shallow dish, cover and chill for at least 8 hours.

3) After chilling, remove the ribs from the fridge. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to about 300° F.

For those who want to craft their own barbecue concoctions, this recipe for “Barbecue Spare Ribs” from Lines+Angles is easily followed, and the finished product is undeniably flavorful.

Makes 6 servings

6 lbs. spare ribs, racks cleaned and trimmed

13 ounces barbecue sauce, low sugar, if possible

1 ounce flat-leaf parsley, torn

4) Cook the ribs on the grill, covered with a lid, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone, about 2 hours.

5) As the ribs cook, periodically brush them with some barbecue sauce, reserving any unused sauce.

6) When ready, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest under aluminum foil for at least 10 minutes.

7) After resting, brush the ribs with any reserved barbecue sauce before cutting and serving with a garnish of parsley.

CUSTOM FRAMING

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

www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com Hours: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm

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Your Next Chapter Begins Here

Welcome to this stately Georgian Colonial in the heart of Bellerose Village, offering over 4,100 square feet of beautifully designed living space. Defined by its timeless symmetry and classic architectural detail, this residence delivers an elegant and lasting first impression with its balanced façade, refined entry, and exceptional curb appeal.

Inside, a traditional center hall layout creates a seamless flow between formal and everyday living. A grand foyer welcomes you with soaring ceilings and exquisite moldings, setting the tone for the home’s sophisticated interior. The gracious living room with fireplace and formal dining room provide the perfect backdrop for entertaining, while the chef’s kitchen, featuring custom cabinetry, a substantial center island, and radiant heat, opens to a bright breakfast area with French doors leading to the backyard. A den just off the living room offers additional flexible living space, while a discreetly positioned powder room and secondary staircase enhance both convenience and functionality.

Upstairs, a sweeping two-tier staircase leads to the primary suite with full bath, along with four additional wellproportioned bedrooms and two full hall bathrooms. A sunroom with laundry adds both charm and practicality. The full basement offers a recreation area, updated utilities, egress access, and abundant storage.

Set on an 85x130 property, the private backyard oasis is complemented by a two-car garage and an extended driveway. Ideally located near shopping, dining, parks, and transportation, including the LIRR with approximately 30-minute access to Manhattan, this home presents a rare opportunity to own a residence that perfectly blends timeless elegance with modern-day living.

This is more than a home, it’s a statement of timeless design, refined living, and enduring value in one of the area’s most sought-after locations.

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Offered Price is $1,800,888