Floral Park Villager (6/26/26)

TO NASSAU COUNTY

C ELEBRATING F LAG D AY

John Lewis Childs School students, staff and families joined together to celebrate Flag Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary on June 12.

New

administrators named at FPB public schools

Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District is pleased to announce two new members to the building leadership team.

Penelopi Kikis has been appointed as the principal of Floral Park-Bellerose School, effec-

tive July 1. An educator with 20 years of experience, Ms. Kikis said that her personal motto is to “lead with love.” Whether partnering with families, collaborating with colleagues or supporting students, she aims to ensure that

every child receives a high-quality education that both challenges and inspires them while creating meaningful experiences and memories that last a lifetime. She

See page 4

BY RIKKI MASSAND

On Saturday, June 20, the community enjoyed a spectacular evening at the Recreation Center featuring festivities, food, music and entertainment, capped by a brilliant fireworks display, as Floral Park officially celebrated the United States’ semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).

Village Trustee Jennifer Stewart welcomed everyone to the event and spoke about American history and the small New York suburb’s deep sense of patriotism.

“As we celebrate 250 years of American history, let us also celebrate the values that unite us — freedom, service, neighborliness and community,” she said.

Local veterans from Floral Park’s American Legion Post No. 334 presented the Color Guard, followed by students leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.

Residents contributed canned food items to the OLV Food Pantry at The Dugout food stand, while nearby volunteers from the Floral Park Fire Department were joined by Sparky the Fire Dog, a mascot dressed in firefighter gear. Sparky greeted children while parents stopped to take photographs.

Children also enjoyed high-fives, dance moves and interactions with mascots from St. John’s University athletics, including Johnny Thunderbird as well as Thunder the Horse, the “Red Storm” team mascot from the 1990s.

Food vendors participating in the 250th celebration included Floral Park’s own Zef’s Pizza Firetruck, Dom’s Chicken Finger Truck, Filthy Pig BBQ, Kona Ice and Sweet Time Desserts, which offered churros, popcorn and cotton candy.

Trinity Restaurant & Bar supplied draft beer, including Brooklyn Summer Ale and Miller, along with draft Arnold Palmers and wines such as Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir for purchase.

From Our Lady of Victory Church in Floral Park, Rev. Tom Fusco offered the invocation to begin Saturday night’s ceremonies.

“Lord God, 250 years ago the founders of our nation acknowledged in the Declaration of Independence that all men are endowed by You, the Creator, with certain inalien-

See

FPB School celebrates Flag Day

Floral Park-Bellerose School hosted a special ceremony to commemorate Flag Day and celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary on June 12. Students entered the auditorium to the sounds of the marching band performing an opening hymn, setting a patriotic tone for the assembly.

The assembly began with the Presentation of the Colors by the school’s Color Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Student Council members helped lead the program by delivering welcome and closing remarks, reading about the “Marines’ Hymn,” and sharing their reflections on the meaning of Flag Day.

Throughout the ceremony, the chorus performed several patriotic favorites, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee),” while band students presented a rendition of “Taps.”

A traditional Air Force flag-folding demonstration was also featured, led by fifth-grade teacher Kevin Galanek. The event concluded with a schoolwide singalong of “God Bless the U.S.A. (Proud to Be an American),” bringing the celebration to a memorable close.

July at the Floral Park Public Library

Happy 250th Birthday, America! And, Hail Caesar! Why Hail Caesar, you ask? Because July is named after the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and many of us are hailing all that July has to offer: beaches, sun, outdoor sports, concerts under the stars, barbeques, block parties, and so much more.

So, what’s on tap at the Floral Park Library this month? First up, the July 16 Lawn concert with the Cold Spring Harbor Band , featuring the music of Billy Joel – and a few semiquincentennial celebratory tunes from the songbook of America.

And for the family, an always favorite Chef of d’Future event; Super Mario Galaxy Movie (rated PG); and an opportunity to check out some stars – the Sidewalk Astronomer offers telescope views of the summer night sky on July 21st.

We’re giving the Library space over to the Young Adults and Kids in July with lots of programs on the calendar.

For Teens / Young Adults: A Teen Buddies Bead Fest for America 250, and a Cupcake Decorating program for kids grades K 5 – both with Teen Buddies; a Teen/Tween Escape Room – Operation: Washington

Spy Trail; Teen Surf Boards with Danielle Barbaro ; Teen Tie Dye with To Tie Dye For ;  Teen Pop Up: Future Ready: AI Skills and Safety ; Teen Edible Terrariums ; Teen Birdhouse Workshop ; and a T een Pop Up Makerspace with the Nassau Library Techmobile.

Kiddos can have a busy July, indoors and outdoors, at the Library, too. Melissa’s Yard Live Reptiles and Insects share the Library Lawn with the kids; Royal Events Princess Parties bring the fun and the singalong (ages 3 – 8); You’re A Grand Old Flag Musical Adventure (preK – 2nd grade); and Storytime with the Little Tooth Crew Pediatric Dentistry Practice

But wait, there’s more! Trucker Hat Designs by Lisa (1st – 5th grade); Chef of D’Future programs for two age groups (K – 2nd grade and 3rd  - 5th grade); Air Dry Clay and Paint Fun (3rd – 5th grade); and To Tie Dye For Clothing for Kids (pre-K – 5th grade); Craft with the PomPom Queen ; Tiny Beats Storytime with DJ Shhh

Plus, our wonderful friends at P[art]y Art bring their talents to programs for K – 2nd grade and 3rd – 5th grade.

And what would a month be without Play Hooray , Funkytown Playground and A Time for Kids Baby Start and Pre-School Hour ?

Finally, an author visit and more with Sydney Joshua who reads her new book “ S is for Street Games (An Alphabet Rhyming Book ”

The Friends of the Library Book Club is on summer break until September. Taking advantage of the warm summer evenings, the Evening Edition group holds their meetings in members’ backyards. This month, they discuss “ The Correspondent ” by Virginia Evans.

The Quiet Reading Book Club July meeting is a lawn event. Attendance has already more than doubled at the recently launched program!

For adults who prefer indoors, there’s a Monday Movie Matinee showing of “Solo Mio.”

Hybrid Adult Chair Yoga continues on Wednesday mornings, with the occasional ZOOM only (check the calendar!) . We continue to see attendance grow for this class.

The Floral Park Library Urban Explorers will be exploring on their own for July and August. Fall trip planning is already underway.

Defensive Driving class is taking a summer break, too, returning on September 17. Patrons can register early for that class.

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

T he Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting groups continue to meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 am throughout the summer; no registration necessary.

The Library Board meets on July 15 at 7:30 p.m.. The meeting is open to the public (use the rear entrance of the Library).

The Library is closed Saturday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day. Beginning July 5, the Library is closed for Summer Sundays ; July Saturday hours 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

Continued on page 6

From page 1

most recently served as the proud assistant principal and principal designee of P.S. 143Q, overseeing K-5 instruction, Special Education programming, school operations and student support systems. During her tenure, she introduced a Reading Therapy Program that brought certified therapy dogs into the school to work with students identified as needing additional academic and emotional support. She also helped expand intervention opportunities through structured test preparation programs, before and after school academic supports, digital learning platforms and targeted literacy interventions designed to meet student needs at their instructional level and help them reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Kikis earned her master’s degree in education from Touro College and holds New York State certifications in School Building Leadership (SBL), School District Leadership, Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities.

“In my first interactions with the students, staff, families and community members of Floral Park-Bellerose, it became immediately clear that the strong sense of community, collaboration and pride is what makes FPBS so special,” Ms. Kikis said. “This is far more than a school; it is a family. I am both humbled and excited to become

part of this incredible Hive and look forward to working alongside students, staff, families and community members to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, challenged and inspired to reach their fullest potential.”

Taylor Patwell has been a familiar face in the Floral Park-Bellerose community since 2015, when she began her career in the district as a special education teacher. Her passion for innovative, student-centered learning quickly led her to design, launch and teach the district’s first Discovery Lab program, providing students in pre-K through grade 6 with engaging, realworld STEAM experiences. Over the years, her leadership and expertise have expanded across a variety of roles, including data specialist, enrichment program coordinator and, most recently, director of curriculum and instructional technology. In her current role, she has spearheaded district initiatives focused on balanced technology use and student well-being, led the phased twoyear implementation of the generative AI platform Chat for Schools for students in grades 3-6 and played a key role in advancing districtwide curriculum initiatives. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Patwell has consistently demonstrated a commitment to student achievement, inclusive practices and the creation of positive, student-centered learning

environments. Her dedication to fostering innovation while keeping students’ needs at the forefront has made a lasting impact on the district. Ms. Patwell earned a master’s degree in special education at Manhattan College and holds certifications in School District Leadership and School Building Leadership from the College of Saint Rose.

“I am honored and excited to join the JLCS community as assistant principal,” Ms. Patwell said. “Having spent

over ten years serving our district in both classroom and leadership roles, I have come to deeply appreciate the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students and the strong sense of community that makes this district so special. JLCS holds a special place in my heart as the first school where I taught after joining the district and I am thrilled to return in this new capacity to support our students and educators.”

Delanie Fekert Foundation’s Sunflowerfest 2026

Sunday, July 19th, 2-8 pm

Honoring the Life & Legacy of Delanie

Featuring Live Entertainment By Harpers Ferry Tim Quinn

John GaNun Tara Hack

Donny Golden Irish Dancers

Outdoors at Knights of Columbus Hall 33 South Tyson, Floral Park, NY

$40 includes BBQ & Music. CASH BAR. Raffle baskets & DFF merchandise for sale ADVANCE TICKETS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Order Online: Delanie FekertFoundation.org

Venmo: @DFekertFoundation

(Include name, email, cell, # of tickets)

Mail checks: “Delanie Fekert Foundation” PO Box 20704, Floral Park, NY 11002-0704

Delanie was a bright, joyful young Floral Park woman who passed away at 25 during a weekend in Boston in 2022, in a tragic Uber accident. We celebrate her beautiful life of warmth & smiles. Delaniefekertfoundation.org/ sunflowerfest-2026

Questions: DelanieFekertFoundation@gmail.com Follow Delanie Fekert Foundation on Facebook & Instagram!

DFF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. FOR TICKETS (or DONATIONS):

Gold Award winner

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (second left), Councilman Tom Muscarella (right), and Town Clerk Kate Murray (second right) congratulated Mackenzie Clarke of Floral Park on reaching the rank of Gold Award during the Town’s Girl Scout Recognition Day event on June 10. Also attending was Cassie Colgan, senior director of marketing and communications for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County.

Continued from page 3

ute career consultation. Need assistance with those smart devices and more? One-toone 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 cancella -

tion.

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. Better yet, become a Member and/or Volunteer. Stop into the Library and pick up an application, or download it from the Library home page where you’ll also find applicable membership fees.

We invite you to follow us on Facebook (floralparklibrary), X (fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).

ATTENTION STUDENTS!

We invite you to send details of your academic achievements, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be featured in our paper!

Submissions from students of all ages are welcome!

NYU LANGONE IS THE #1 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE NETWORK IN THE U.S.

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. 120+ practices on Long Island. All ranked #1 for quality.

Better health starts with a better health system.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

NAVY HELICOPTER LANDING

Sunday, July 5th

9:30am - 2:00pm

A combined team from the US Navy and US Marine Corps will bring helicopters to Eisenhower Park. Event will also have an EOD fast rope demonstration, performances by Navy Band Northeast and Navy Ceremonial Guard, and interactive military displays.

Shootout for Soldiers at Point Lookout

Get ready for 24 hours of consecutive lacrosse in Point Lookout! Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (center) joined with Shootout for Soldiers organizers to announce the first-ever Shootout for Soldiers event at the Point Lookout Athletic Complex scheduled for July 8 to July 9. Player and team sign-ups are still open, visit ShootoutforSoldiers.com for more information.

East Meadow • Parking at Field #6A

Standing on top of fresh turf and alongside lacrosse lovers, Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti announced the nationally recognized Shootout for Soldiers lacrosse tournament will be held at the Point Lookout Athletic Complex on July 8th and 9th, marking the first time the event has ever been hosted in the Town of Hempstead. The 24-hour lacrosse event, which raises funds and awareness for American veterans, will bring hundreds of athletes, families, veterans, and supporters to Point Lookout for a unique day-and-night competition dedicated to honoring those who have served our nation.

"As a community that deeply values our veterans and military families, the Town of Hempstead is proud to welcome Shootout for Soldiers to Point Lookout for the very first time," said Supervisor Ferretti. "This incredible event combines athletic competition with a powerful mission, supporting the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. We look forward to hosting players, spectators, and veterans for what promises to be an unforgettable experience."

Founded in 2012, Shootout for Soldiers has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that uses the game of lacrosse to unite communities and raise support for American vet-

erans. The signature 24-hour format allows teams to compete continuously from day into night, creating an atmosphere that celebrates camaraderie, service, and patriotism. To this date, the Shootout for Soldiers organization has raised more than $5 million dollars to American veteran organizations.

"Supporting our veterans is more than a responsibility – it's a promise," said Ferretti. "By welcoming Shootout for Soldiers and waiving permit fees for this event, we're helping to ensure that more resources can go directly toward assisting veterans and advancing the organization's mission."

The tournament will take place at the newly opened Point Lookout Athletic Complex and is expected to attract teams and participants from throughout the region. In addition to aroundthe-clock lacrosse action, the event will feature opportunities for community engagement, veteran recognition, fundraising efforts, and family-friendly activities. Residents are encouraged to attend, cheer on the players, and learn more about the organization's efforts to support veterans nationwide.

Spots for players and teams are still open. For additional information about Shootout for Soldiers, including team registration, volunteer opportunities, and event details, visit ShootoutForSoldiers.com.

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com

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.

Annual Flag Day ceremony at JLCS

John Lewis Childs School students, staff and families joined together to celebrate Flag Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary on June 12.

The school’s Color Guard students, along with members from the American Legion Post 334, opened the ceremony with the Presentation of Colors. Following, chorus students sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“This year is especially meaningful because our nation is celebrating its 250th anniversary,” Principal Kristina Lynch said during her welcome remarks. “For 250 years, Americans have worked together to build a country founded on the ideals of liberty, opportunity and democracy. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we can reflect on our nation’s journey, honor those who came before us and look forward with hope to the future.”

Each grade honored America with a special musical or poetry performance. Pre-K students sang “Flag of America,” while kindergarten students performed “USA Hooray for Flag Day.” First graders showcased “Fifty Nifty States,” followed by second graders with “This Land Is Your Land.” Third graders performed “Waves in the Wind,” and fourth graders sang the “U.S. Presidents Song.” Fifth graders recited Lenore Hetrick’s poem “We Salute the Flag,” and the program concluded with sixth graders’ recitation of “The Banner for the Brave” by Lavit Gupta.

Love to write? Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

LUXURY RENTALS FOR THOSE 62 AND OLDER

‘ Apartments with Full Kitchens

‘ Concierge Services

‘ Daily Housekeeping

‘ Private Car Services

‘ On-Site Cinema

‘ Outdoor Pool with Cabanas

‘ Fitness Center & Yoga Studio

‘ Spacious Patio & Fire Pit

‘ Two On-Site Restaurants with al fresco Dining

‘ Golf Simulator

‘ Beauty Salon & Spa

From page 1

Floral Park marks America 250

able rights. These 250 years have been marked by the constant development of our understanding of those rights that You have given us. We ask for your continued blessings on our achievements and our hopes, and for Your forgiveness for our failures and inadequacies,” Fusco said.

He continued, “We thank You for all we have accomplished as a nation, and ask Your blessing for all that is yet to be done. Each time we stand and recite the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, we acknowledge that we are One Nation Under God — under You, God. So we ask you to heal what is wounded in our nation, to strengthen what is good, and to guide us towards the future of justice, peace, freedom, and respect for the dignity of every human person.”

Rev. Fusco added that America’s motto is “In God We Trust,” “acknowledging that our political, economic and social foundations as a nation rely on a higher power.”

to life. I would also like to recognize our Supervisor of Public Works, Kevin Pearsall, and his entire DPW team for everything they do behind the scenes to prepare our village for events such as this. We also thank Police Commissioner Steve McAllister, Lt. William Doherty and the entire FPPD for all they do, today and every day, to keep us safe,” Stewart said.

She added that the Village of Floral Park is “incredibly thankful” to the sponsors whose generosity made the June 20 semiquincentennial celebration possible. The list included Chairband sponsors UBS Arena and the New York Islanders.

The event’s Neighborhood Sponsors were the New York Racing Association (NYRA); ShipNYC, located at 31 Covert Ave.; Roadwork Ahead Inc., a paving contractor; the Peter Trentacoste family; and the Garden City-based law firm Spellman, Gibbons, Polizzi, Truncale & Trentacoste LLP.

FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO

Trustee Stewart also thanked the village’s Parks Department, Recreation Department and Department of Public Works staff for their efforts in preparing the grounds and planning for the largescale community event.

Community Television Serving

In his report at the Village Board meeting earlier in the week, on June 16, Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald encouraged all Floral Park residents and families to attend the community picnic and fire-

“A very special thank you goes to our Floral Park Recreation Department — Superintendent Darlene Lanza and her staff — whose hard work and dedication have helped bring this 250th celebration

9:30 PM

Bellerose Village  Floral Park  South Floral Park  Stewart Manor

4V S

Channels 18 & 28

He reminded everyone to spend the evening of June 20 with neighbors and enjoy “an evening of fun, fellowship, and fireworks” as Floral Park came together to celebrate the nation’s 250year milestone.

Floral Park's former Mayor Dominick Longobardi, Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo and Village Justice Doug Hayden celebrate the Semiquincentennial with their Village families, neighbors and friends

FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO

4 V S ~ Optimum Ch.18 & Fios Ch.28

MONDAY, JUNE 29th &

JULY 2nd

Wes Houston Presents… Wes Houston

“Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar” ~ Ben Diamond, Guitar & Jeff Brody, Bass

The Floral Park Mayor’s Report

Hon. Kevin M. Fitzgerald

“The Downtown Revitalization Initiative” ~ Dr. Lynn Pombonyo & Renee Marcus

FPFD: Red Alert

Larry King, AEMT

“The NCFF Burn Center Foundation” ~ Tom Gaffney, John Hennig & Leigh Tyrrel

The Author Corner

Stephanie Larkin

“Vineyard Melody” ~ A Memoir By Namratha Stanley

Artists & Collectors

The National Gallery Of Art

“American Art Compilation” ~ Short Clips From Past Exhibitions

Lance the Eagle Makes Kids Laugh in Original Summer Theatre Production

A Semiquincenten-EAGLE Birthday! celebrates America's 250th birthday

Long Island Children's Museum is inviting families to celebrate America's 250th birthday with its newest original theater production, A SemiquincentenEAGLE Birthday!, starring everyone's favorite patriotic puppet, Lance M. Baldari.

Running June 27 through August 12, the lively summer show follows Lance as he prepares for the biggest birthday party in American history—the nation's 250th birthday. Determined to create a celebration worthy of this historic milestone, Lance discovers that planning a party 250 years in the making takes teamwork, creativity, and plenty of red, white, and blue spirit.

Created especially for young audiences, the production combines music, humor, audience participation, and playful storytelling to introduce children to America's semiquincentennial in a way that is engaging, accessible, and fun.

"At LICM, we believe children learn best when they are actively engaged in the experience," said Aimee Terzulli, Vice President of Strategic Engagement at

Long Island Children's Museum. "A SemiquincentenEAGLE Birthday! uses theater, imagination, and laughter to help families connect with an important

moment in our nation's history while creating joyful memories together."

Throughout the performance, Lance invites audiences to help him navigate the challenges of preparing for America's birthday celebration. Along the way, children will discover fun connections to the nation's history while celebrating the values of community, creativity, and civic pride.

The production is part of LICM's summer-long celebration of America's 250th birthday and complements other Museum experiences, including the Red, White and Blue Blocks exhibit and America's 250th Birthday Ball Drop on July 1.

Performances of A Semi-Quincenten-EAGLE Birthday! take place in LICM's Theater from June 27 through August 12. Designed for children ages 3 and up and their families, the show offers an entertaining introduction to this once-in-a-generation national milestone.

For performance schedules, ticket information, and details about summer programming, visit LICM.org.

Senior earns f irst place at NY championships

Sewanhaka High School senior Zoe Amadike delivered an outstanding performance at the recent New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, capturing first place in the

Triple Jump with a mark of 40 feet, 3½ inches to earn the Class B championship title. She also placed fourth in the state in the Long Jump, capping off an exceptional championship meet.

and prompt

Call the Garden City office today 294-8900 for more

School senior Zoe Amadike earned the Class B championship title for the Triple Jump at NYSPHAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Summer Has Returned. ... But Why?

Week of June 28 - July 4, 2026

It was bound to happen: The heat of summer has arrived at my desert home. As I write these words, it’s 115 F outside, and it’s just the beginning of the blistering heat we’ll experience for months.

This is no surprise, of course. We’re all quite familiar with this seasonal pattern; in fact, most of us learned in grade school about the seasons and what causes them, but you’d be surprised how little some people remember of those basic lessons.

I was stunned when I first heard of a 1987 video in which filmmakers Matthew H. Schneps and Philip Sadler of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics interviewed recent Harvard University graduates, faculty members and alumni -- some with science backgrounds -- and asked them a simple question: What causes our seasons?

Twenty-one of the 23 people interviewed did not know the answer. This is Harvard, people. Harvard! If you can’t believe it, watch it online here.

Oh, sure, they offered elaborate explanations and tried to be convincing, but it’s obvious they had no clue. The most common reason they cited for the summertime heat was that the

Earth lies closest to the sun at that time of year, and the cold of winter is caused by our greater distance from the sun. Sounds perfectly reasonable, doesn’t it? But it’s wrong. So very wrong.

Now it is true that our planet orbits the sun not in a circular path but in an elliptical path, and that our distance from the sun varies throughout the year, but only by about 3%. What seems counterintuitive, however, is that we’re closest to the sun not during our Northern Hemisphere summer but during our winter!

In 2026, the Earth will reach its farthest point from the sun (“aphelion”) on July 6, when we will lie 94,502,961 miles from our star. This occurs during the Northern Hemisphere summer. The Earth’s nearest point (“perihelion”) won’t arrive until Jan. 2, 2027 (during our winter), when we’ll be 91,406,556 miles from the sun.

Of course, if you happen to live in the Southern Hemisphere, where seasons are reversed from those north of the equator, our planet’s perihelion does occur during their summertime. But that’s a story for another time.

So, if our distance from the sun doesn’t cause seasonal temperature changes throughout the year, what does? Well, as we all learned in third grade, it’s the tilt of the Earth’s axis.

Our planet is tipped about 23.4

Contrary to popular belief, the Earth’s distance from the sun does not cause the change in seasons throughout the year.

degrees to the plane of its orbit around the sun. From mid-March to mid-September, the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, allowing solar rays to beat directly down upon us. During these longer days, heat accumulates in our atmosphere while having little time to escape into space during the much shorter nights.

In other words, it’s not our changing distance from the sun that causes the

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

As spring moves into summer, one of the things I can be confident of is that my chances of getting exposed to poison ivy go up significantly. For some reason, this seems to be a challenge for me every summer. It has happened every year like clockwork for the 30 years we have been living in the ‘burbs, so one would naturally think after such a long time that I might have an inkling what the stuff looks like so I could avoid this pathetic ritual. But obviously I don’t, or I wouldn’t be sitting here furiously scratching the inside of my knee as I write this.

The other mystery, of course, is how the stuff ends up covering every square inch of my body. My theory is that I go into some kind of fugue state while I’m gardening, roll around in poison ivy and then forget I did it because it usually shows up all over my back, stomach, arms and legs, in the crevices of my elbows and knees, and even between my fingers and toes. I am, quite literally, the human blister.

buildup of summer heat; it’s the tilt of our planet that produces long days and short nights -- just as it always has.

Unfortunately, few still seem to understand this simple phenomenon, and I suspect if we did this same interview today, we’d see even less informed answers than four decades ago!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. .

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

Getting Some Skin in the Game

The first two years, I had no idea what was going on, and I thought I’d picked up fleas from the dog. Both years I went to see my dermatologist and was utterly and completely shocked when she would inform me that I had poison ivy. By year three, I started to recognize the symptoms, and by the fourth year, I just routinely called the dermatologist for a refill of prescription anti-itch cream.

Of course, everyone who knows I go through this thinks I am an absolute moron.

“How can you not know what it looks like after all these years?” asked my husband as he watched me scratch the skin off my arm.

“I don’t know,” I whined. “It’s sneaky. It changes color, and it blends in with the friendly plants. Then it jumps out and grabs me when I walk by.”

He looked at me skeptically.

“No, seriously,” I protested. “I DO know what the stuff looks like, and I swear, the only place I’ve seen it is way, way, way in the back of the backyard

where nobody goes except the dog.”

“Well, clearly you DON’T know what it looks like, and it must be somewhere else too, because you’re covered in it.”

“Hmmph,” I hmmphed.

“Hmmph,” he hmmphed back. And then I went off and scratched some more.

A couple of days later, I happened to notice that I was not the only member of the family scratching. The dog, it seemed, also had a mean itch.

“Does HE have poison ivy?” I asked the vet as he examined the dog.

“No, he just has dry skin,” he said, smiling. “Dogs don’t get poison ivy.”

“Lucky dogs,” I said, scratching myself.

“However, if they run through the stuff and get the oils on their coat, it can be transferred to humans.”

A pause. A moment. And then it slowly dawned on me. “Aaaugh. I’ve been getting poison ivy from THE DOG!!! That’s just great,” I said, glaring at the dog.

“Now what do I do?” I asked no one in particular.

The dog sat down and scratched. Yeah, that’d be about it.

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

How exciting these Summer months can be

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

The early days of summer are exciting because each day holds the promise of new adventures. Where will we go and what will we do today? Those are the big questions. But as the weeks go by, I also like the later days of summer. Here’s what else I like about summer.

Multi-purpose flowers

Marigolds are especially beautiful when the sun is shining on them. I usually see deep orange-colored marigolds but they also come in bright yellow and red. They bloom from early summer well into the fall and not only are they pretty and hardy but in the garden they act as natural pest controls for insects plus they help ward off deer and rabbits. Marigolds are good for lining

patios because they are simple flowers but they make perfect borders and what better way to show off the beauty of a back yard patio than to decorate it with some beautiful marigolds.

Lovely scarlet ibis birds

Last summer I was looking through new fiction books at my public library and I picked up “Body Forms” by Claire Adam. Copyrighted in 2025, this hard-cover book had just come out a couple of months prior. I came across a description of a bird called the scarlet ibis which is the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago. Claire Adam is a Trinidadian native and in this fictional piece she described a family taking a summertime boat trip to see Caroni Swamp which is a beautiful mangrove

swamp that opens out to the Caribbean Sea on the western side of Trinidad. That area separates Trinidad from the mainland of South America. The boat worker pulled the boat into the open water and dropped anchor a few minutes before sunset because he said the best time to see scarlet ibis is then. He told the riders how scarlet ibis build their nests then fly to Venezuela every morning. Every evening they fly back again to Caroni Swamp to roost. It is a beautiful sight, he said, and the riders waited excitedly for the birds to fly back and land. Claire Adam writes, “At last, someone pointed up at the sky at a little moving red dot. People looked up, and started cheering, or exclaiming, ‘Look, look!’ and a few moments later, there was another red dot, and then a little cluster of several red dots, and then we could make out the wings flapping. Up at the front of the boat, the children started loudly counting the birds as they came in. The woman passed the binoculars to my mother, and my mother put the strap around Finlay’s (the child’s) neck and helped him hold them up and focus the lens.”

A scarlet ibis is a medium-sized and sometimes large-sized wading bird from South America and the Caribbean islands. Distinguished by its brilliant vibrant red feathers with contrasting black wingtips, it has a slender, long curved bill, long neck and legs. Its diet of crustaceans produces its striking red color. Its beauty is so recognized that it is the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago, symbolizing beauty and pride. This social bird that likes living in flocks is often found in mangrove swamps and wetlands. The boat riders had seen many pretty sights on their little excursion - herons, woodpeckers, dragonflies, four-eyed fish, hermit crabs and even some alligators - but the highlight of the trip had been seeing the scarlet ibis. How pretty those birds were! The American white ibis birds can be seen on the east coast in the southern states - in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia and it’s most common in Florida.

Visiting the Amish Country

As a child my family and I would drive to Lancaster County, Pa., and have a mini vacation among the Amish and Mennonites of the area. We’d spend 5-7 days visiting which meant swim-

ming in the hotel’s pool, taking walks through the local Farmer’s Market to get some freshly made soft pretzels and look at all of the items displayed. That Farmer’s Market is a large store that’s always stocked with jellies, fresh produce, meats, cheeses and crafts. Then we would go to the Fulton Steamboat Inn along with Huckleberry’s Restaurant. I maintained this family tradition when I was an adult and always enjoyed our trips there. I’d show my relatives the Weavertown One Room Schoolhouse on Old Philadelphia Pike in Bird-In-Hand - the same one I’d toured as a child - and explain how all the Amish school children grades 1 - 8 are in the same room. That one-room school was built in 1877 and held classes for almost 100 years but doesn’t function as a school anymore but was interesting to see. We’d look closely at the original desks, the potbellied stove, the blackboards and more. Stopping at an Amish woman’s house in Bird-in-Hand was always on our list. She did sewing in her house and the “shop” part of the house was open for business on certain days at certain times. I’d always look for the sign to be sure I was going at the right time. Whenever I stopped by she’d be busy at work and had some granddaughters working in the living room on a number of handmade things. The house on Old Philadelphia Pike was an easy drive. There was no electricity in the house so I usually went on sunny days. I’d get my mom some pink and white handkerchiefs, blue and white, yellow and various other colors. She’d tuck them in her purse knowing I’d brought a little gift from the Amish Country. I’d look at all the handmade blankets, quilts, pillows, quillows and blankets that were so attractive with their beautiful designs. I especially liked the quillows, those quilts that were designed to fold into a pillow because I knew my nieces and nephews would have fun playing and sleeping with the quillows. As part of our Lancaster County visits we’d eat at an Amish buffet or smorgasbord in Ronks, Bird-in-Hand, Soudersburg or another place close by and we’d fill up on some roast chicken, pot roast, meatloaf and other meals complete with all the side dishes. Delicious. We’d eat dinner out then grab some chairs and settle down to watch the horses and buggies returning home after working all day.

How Many Questions Can I Answer Today?

BY TOM MARGENAU

Usually, I will devote an entire column to answering just one question or dealing with just one Social Security issue. But every once in a while, I like to challenge myself by seeing how many questions I can answer in just one column. Obviously, when I do this, my answers will be “quick and dirty.” So I’ve dredged up some of the most common questions I get, and here come some short and concise answers.

Q: I’m 62. My husband is 67 and getting Social Security. Can I file for spousal benefits on his record now and save my own until I’m 70?

A: No, you can’t do that. You must always file for your own benefits first. Only after you do that can you look at your husband’s record to see if you can get any additional spousal benefits.

Q: I am 60 and not working. My husband recently died. Can I file for widow’s benefits now and save my own until I am 70?

A: Yes, you can do that. A widow does not have the same restrictions that apply to a spouse with a living husband. You can file for widow’s benefits now and then switch to 100% of your own at full retirement age, or wait until 70 and get about 128%. Or, depending on the money amounts involved, you might be ahead to file for retirement benefits at age 62 (the earliest you can do that), and then at full retirement age, switch to 100% widow’s benefits.

Q: If I die, what will my wife get?

A: The answer depends on several factors. But I’ll deal with the most common scenario. Assuming you die well after your full retirement age, and assuming your wife is over her full retirement age when you die, as a general rule she will get what you were getting at the time of death. Quick example. You are 85 and getting $1,800 per month. Your wife is 82 and getting $1,200 per month. When you die, she will keep getting her $1,200, and then she will get an additional $600 in widow’s benefits.

Q: I took my benefits at 70, so I get an extra 32% added to my retirement rate. When I die, will my wife’s widow’s benefit be based on my augmented age 70 rate, or on my full retirement rate?

A: It will be based on your age 70 rate. And just to clarify a little further. A benefit paid to a spouse whose husband is still alive is based on his full retirement age rate. But as I just said, a widow’s benefit is based on the age 70 rate (assuming the husband waited until 70 to claim his benefits).

Q: I’m already getting my Social Security but I’m still working. Will my additional income and the taxes I’m paying increase my Social Security check?

A: It depends. Your original benefit was based on your average monthly wage using your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. If the earnings you have now are higher than the lowest inflation-adjusted year used in your original computation, the SSA will drop out that lower year, add in the new higher year, and adjust your benefit accordingly. But don’t expect a windfall. Your benefit might go up by maybe $10 to $20 per month for a year of good earnings.

Q: When my father died, why did we have to return his last check?

A: Several rules come into play here. Frst, Social Security benefits have never been prorated. Second, benefits are always paid one month behind. And third, the law says you must live an entire month to be due a Social Security check for that month.

Here is a quick example. John dies on June 24. The Social Security check that comes in July (the payment for June) must be returned.

That’s the downside to the lack of proration. But there are two upsides. One: let’s say John started his benefits when he was 66, and that he turned 66 on April 22. He would get a check for the whole month of April, even though he was 66 for only eight days of the month. Two: if John left a widow, she would get widow’s benefits for the whole month of June, even though she was a widow for only six days of the month.

Q: I read that the maximum Social Security retirement benefit is currently $4,152 per month. But we have a neighbor who brags that he gets over $5,000 per month. Is he just lying and trying to impress us?

A: He may be trying to impress you, but he probably isn’t lying. The $4,152 figure you quoted is the maximum benefit paid to someone who files for benefits at his or her full retirement age. But many people work well beyond that age and continue to increase the amount of their monthly benefit. In effect, there is no limit to how high a Social Security benefit could go.

Q: We would like to talk to you personally about our Social Security situation. We’d be willing to pay you. Can we please call you to discuss this?

A: I simply don’t have the time to work on individual cases. But for 15 bucks, I can give you the kind of help that might even be better than a personal consultation. Buy my little Social Security guidebook called “Social Security - Simple and Smart.” In that book, you’ll find 10 fact sheets that cover just about any Social Security situation you might encounter. You can find it at Amazon. com.

Q: Is it true that Congress has stolen every nickel of Social Security money?

A: No, it’s not true. And I’ve got no space left to explain the real story. But another of my books will clarify that myth and so many more. It is called “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You also can find this book on Amazon.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Securi-

ty -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas. margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early, or Invest the Cash?

For generations, paying off a mortgage early was considered one of the ultimate financial achievements. The day homeowners mailed that final payment represented freedom, security, and peace of mind. No more monthly obligations. No more debt hanging over their heads.

But in today’s financial landscape, the decision is no longer so straightforward.

With mortgage rates, stock market returns, inflation, retirement planning, and economic uncertainty all competing for attention, many homeowners find themselves asking a critical question: Should I pay off my mortgage early, or keep my cash invested elsewhere?

The answer depends on far more than simple math.

The Emotional Appeal of Being Mortgage-Free

Let’s start with the obvious benefit.

Owning your home outright eliminates one of the largest monthly expenses most families face. For retirees living on fixed incomes, that reduction in monthly obligations can provide enormous peace of mind.

There is also a psychological benefit that can’t be measured on a spreadsheet. Many homeowners simply sleep better knowing they own their property free and clear.

If the economy weakens, job loss occurs, or unexpected expenses arise, a mortgage-free homeowner often enjoys greater flexibility than someone carrying a substantial housing payment.

For many people, financial security is worth more than squeezing out an extra percentage point of investment return.

The Mathematical Argument for Investing Instead

The other side of the debate focuses on opportunity cost.

Imagine a homeowner with a 3% mortgage obtained during the low-interest-rate era of 2020 or 2021. If that homeowner has an extra $100,000 available, paying down a 3% mortgage effectively generates a guaranteed 3% return on that money. However, if the same $100,000 were invested in a diversified portfolio earning an average annual return of 7% to 10% over the long term, the potential gains could significantly exceed the interest saved by paying off the mortgage.

Historically, broad stock market indexes have delivered returns well above many mortgage rates, especially those secured before interest rates rose in recent years.

From a purely mathematical per-

spective, many financial planners argue that homeowners with low-interest mortgages should invest excess cash rather than accelerate mortgage payments.

But there is a catch. Investments carry risk. Mortgage savings do not.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

The Role of Mortgage Interest Rates

Your mortgage rate is perhaps the most important factor in this decision.

If your mortgage carries a rate of 2.5%, 3%, or even 4%, the argument for investing becomes stronger because your borrowing costs are relatively low.

Conversely, if you recently obtained a mortgage at 6%, 7%, or higher, paying down principal may provide a return that rivals many conservative investment options.

In simple terms, every extra dollar used to reduce a 7% mortgage effectively earns a guaranteed 7% return by avoiding future interest payments.

Few risk-free investments can match that.

Liquidity Matters More Than Ever

One issue many homeowners overlook is liquidity.

Once money is used to pay down a mortgage, it becomes trapped in home equity. Accessing it later may require a home equity loan, HELOC, cash-out refinance, or even selling the property.

Keeping cash invested in liquid accounts provides flexibility.

Life has a way of creating unexpected expenses:

• Medical emergencies

• Home repairs

• Family obligations

• Job transitions

• Business opportunities

Having accessible funds can be more valuable than having additional home equity. This is particularly important for retirees, self-employed individuals, and anyone whose income may fluctuate.

Retirement Changes the Equation

For homeowners approaching retirement, the decision becomes even more personal.

Many retirees prioritize cash flow over maximizing long-term investment returns.

Eliminating a $2,500 monthly mortgage payment may significantly reduce the amount of retirement savings needed each year.

A paid-off home can also help retirees weather market downturns because

they need less income to maintain their lifestyle.

On the other hand, withdrawing a large portion of retirement assets to eliminate a low-interest mortgage could reduce portfolio growth and leave fewer liquid assets available for future needs.

The best approach often involves balancing both objectives rather than choosing one extreme.

Inflation Is an Often-Ignored Factor

Inflation plays an interesting role in this debate.

When inflation rises, the future dollars used to make mortgage payments become less valuable than today’s dollars.

In effect, inflation can make fixedrate mortgage debt cheaper over time.

For homeowners with low fixed-rate mortgages, inflation may actually work in their favor by reducing the real cost of repayment.

This is one reason some economists argue that long-term fixed-rate mortgages can be valuable financial tools rather than debts that must be eliminated as quickly as possible.

There Is a Middle Ground

The choice does not have to be all or nothing.

Many homeowners adopt a hybrid strategy.

Instead of directing every extra dollar toward the mortgage or investing everything, they divide surplus funds among several priorities:

• Retirement accounts

• Emergency savings

• Taxable investments

• Mortgage principal reduction

For example, a homeowner might invest 70% of available funds while using the remaining 30% for additional mortgage payments.

This approach balances potential growth with debt reduction and often feels more comfortable emotionally.

The Right Answer Depends on You

The reality is that personal finance is personal.

Two homeowners with identical mortgages may arrive at completely different conclusions based on their goals, risk tolerance, age, income stability, and retirement plans.

If being debt-free provides peace of mind and helps you sleep better at night, paying off your mortgage early may be worth it even if the math suggests otherwise.

If your mortgage rate is low and you are comfortable with market volatility,

investing excess cash could potentially build greater long-term wealth.

The smartest decision is often not the one that produces the highest theoretical return. It is the one that aligns with your overall financial plan and allows you to remain confident during both good times and bad.

At the end of the day, financial success is not measured solely by net worth. It’s measured by having enough resources, flexibility, and peace of mind to live the life you want. Whether that comes from a paid-off home or a well-funded investment portfolio depends on what matters most to you.

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 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

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 6 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com

Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram • Syosset Advance Jericho News Journal • Floral Park Villager

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.

2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:

1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”

2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com

Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

LEGAL SECRETARY

Garden City attorney seeks legal secretary to work full time or part time Excellent typing skills necessary; Reply to: LTJonesAtty@cs.com OR Call: 516-747-1141

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS!

Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844329-9391

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

Advertise in our newspaper! If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional advertisements to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!

MARKETPLACE

INVITED SALES BY

TRACY JORDAN

Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal?

Look no further!

At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs:

Personal Property

MARKETPLACE

Antique & Vintage Items

Jewelry-Crystal-Silver Furniture-Mirrors-Tabletop Artwork-Lamps Consign, Shop or Visit the Yellow House 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 516-746-8900

Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed to 6pm) Saturday 12-4 (entrance & parking in back) Consignments by appointment atstewartexchange@tgchs.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.

Estate and Tag Sales: Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services.

Home Updates: From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.

Staging Services: Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market:

Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals!

Please Call: 516-279-6378 Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS

$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY

Donate your car running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free, fast pickup. May be tax deductible. Se habla Espanol. Call now: 844-415-1229

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855484-3467

WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK

Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE BY OWNER

WYNDHAM PENTHOUSE

CONDO WYNDHAM WEST Garden City, NY

This duplex offers 3 bedrooms all with private bathrooms and an additional 1/2 bathroom. Apartment is 3,115 sq ft and has panoramic Southwest facing views from every window and the terrace and an additional 977 sq ft of landscaped outdoor living. Two garage parking spaces included. The Wyndham has more than 12 acres of resort-style living including a doorman, 24-hour concierge, valet, clubhouse, indoor pool, gym, sauna, walking paths, and BBQ area.

Convenient to the LIRR, library, and shops and dining along 7th Street and Franklin Avenue.

Offered at $3,000,000.00

Please contact Jim: 516-334-1111

SERVICES

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE?

You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

BARNES GALLERY

Custom Picture Framing Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, NY 516-538-4503

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Sports Cards, Pokemon Cards, Comics and Art. Immediate Cash Paid

Call George 917-775-3048

TAG SALE

INVITED SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

9:30 a.m.

9 Hudson Rd. Garden City, NY 11530

Public sale selling furniture, collectibles, rugs, garage, kitchen items, china, decor. Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!

CONSUMER CELLULAR the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship

Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495 ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts

Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS SYSTEM TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests

Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

BEAUTIFUL BATH UP -

DATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

CJM CONTRACTING INC.

Chris Mullins

Specializing in General Contracting, Including Churches and Cathedrals ALL RENOVATIONS

EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS Bathrooms, Kitchens, Basements, Carpentry, Roofing, Masonry, Brickwork, Pointing, Waterproofing, Power Washing FREE ESTIMATES

LICENSED & INSURED

SMALL JOBS WELCOME 516-428-5777

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com

516-426-2890

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

MASONRY

All types of stonework

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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

SAFE STEP

North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub.

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

STRONG-ARM CONTRACTING

DEMOLITION Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Decks, Sheds, etc.

JUNK REMOVAL Furniture, Appliances, Carpeting WE CAN RIP OUT, REMOVE OR TAKE APART ANYTHING OR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY.

Residential & Commercial Call: 516-538-1125

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

WELLINGTON MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS

Driveways, Blacktop, Patios, Stoops, Concrete, Pavers, Brick Work, Retaining Walls, Stone Work, Sidewalks & Curbs. Financing Available wellingtonmasonry.com Call: Andrew: 516-659-1003 Frank: 516-316-5560

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

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

Licensed & Insured #80422100000

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

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545 SERVICES

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT

YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Spice up dinnertime with a Cajun

classic

Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp

Experimenting in the kitchen is one of the joys of cooking. Trying new recipes or even going offscript and tinkering with an existing recipe based on your own hunch can open eyes and treat taste buds to new flavor profiles.

Home cooks who want to expand their culinary repertoires with some particularly notable flavor can look to Cajun food and its distinct dishes to accomplish that goal. If that sounds like an exciting night in the kitchen, try this recipe for “Jambalaya With Sausage and Shrimp” from Lines+Angles. Makes 4 servings

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

8 ounces chorizo or andouille sausage, sliced into 1⁄4-inch rounds

1 lb. large raw shell-on shrimp

1 onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 rib of celery, rinsed, trimmed and finely chopped

1 small red bell pepper, rinsed; trimmed, seeded, and diced

1 small green bell pepper, rinsed, trimmed, seeded, and diced

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and

1) Preheat oven to 325° F. Adjust oven rack to middle position.

2) In a deep cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, set over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering, but not smoking. Add sausage and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned. Remove sausage from pan using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add shrimp to the pan and cook until the shells are browned on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer shrimp to a large bowl and refrigerate.

3) Add onion, celery, peppers, and garlic to the pan. Reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables have softened, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add rice, tomato paste, salt, and thyme; cook until rice is completely coated with oil, about 2 minutes.

4) Stir in the tomatoes, 1⁄4 cup

minced

11⁄2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced

14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained, juice reserved

4 cups clam juice

1 bay leaf

Fresh parsley, rinsed and chopped (for garnish)

reserved tomato juice, clam juice, bay leaf, and sausage. Place a piece of aluminum foil directly on rice. Bring to a boil, cover pan, transfer to oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5) Meanwhile, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator; peel and clean, discarding the shells. Remove pan from oven, uncover and remove aluminum foil. Gently stir in the peeled shrimp. Lay the foil back down over the surface of the rice and cover with lid, return to oven, and cook until the rice is tender, all the liquid is absorbed and the shrimp is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

6) Remove pan from oven, uncover, remove foil and bay leaf. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Divide between bowls. Serve.