Hempstead Town to expand program to assist feral cats
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (center) announced an expansion to the town's Trap, Neuter, Return program. Utilizing a fully-equipped vehicle, the TNR program will now also be mobilized, visiting different locations throughout the township. He was joined in this announcement by Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby (2nd right), Councilman Thomas Muscarella (right), Town Clerk Kate Murray (2nd left), Ashley Behrens from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter (left), and some adorable kittens!
Addressing the rising population of feral cats in America’s largest township and across Long Island, Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti today announced an expansion of the town’s effective Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) Program. Capitalizing on the proven success of this humane program, Super-
visor Ferretti has empowered the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter to mobilize, utilizing a fully equipped TNR Vehicle to carry out the initiative at critical locations all throughout the township. What’s more, the TNR Program at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter will be expanded to four days a
week. Supervisor Ferretti made today’s announcement at Rath Park in Franklin Square, standing in front of the town’s Mobile TNR Vehicle and alongside a slew of young adoptable kittens.
“We’re taking our commitment to humane animal care directly into our neighborhoods,” said Supervisor Ferret-
Address Change to: The Floral Park Villager, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
ti. “By expanding and mobilizing the TNR Program, we’re not only helping to control the feral cat population — we’re also protecting our communities, supporting public health, and showing compassion in action.”
The Town of Hempstead’s TNR Program is a humane, effective, and widely accepted initiative that successfully manages and reduces the population of feral cats. Stray cats are trapped with a humane trap, safely neutered, and then returned to where they were trapped after the surgery is completed. This program reduces feral cat populations overtime by preventing the birth of kittens who would struggle to survive. It also eliminates mating behaviors like yowling, fighting, and spraying while protecting public health.
Starting after Labor Day, the Mobile TNR Vehicle will be visiting various locations through-
out the township – such as Rath Park – to provide residents with a closer, more convenient TNR option. The vehicle will allow for residents to drop-off local stray cats and have the surgeries performed right in the mobile unit. The cats will then recover in a controlled environment before they are returned to their original location. The Mobile TNR Vehicle will be visiting communities such as Oceanside, Levittown, Seaford, Wantagh, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Malverne, Floral Park, Lawrence, and more.
“This is about being proactive, compassionate, and responsible,” concluded Supervisor Ferretti. “With the launch of our Mobile TNR Vehicle, we’re making it easier than ever for residents to be part of the solution. Together, we can create healthier communities — for both people and animals.”
International Coastal Cleanup at Lido Beach
Beach Cleanup-International Coastal Cleanup Day!
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Town of Hempstead and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) are partnering to host a community beach clean-up at Lido Town Park on Saturday, September 20th.
The event will take place at at Lido Town Park (630 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach) beginning at 9:00am. Volunteers are able to
sign up for a 1.5 hour time slot. Clean-up supplies will be provided, but it is recommended to bring your own gloves.
Registration is required so that you can be contacted if the event is cancelled due to weather. Parking fees will be waived for all registered participants. Please email education@ amseas.org if you have any questions.
September Library Programs
September is known as the Harvest Month. With summer in wind-down mode, it’s the perfect time to “harvest” a few good books to read on a cool approaching fall night!
Since September is also back to school month, we’re giving teens a break from Library programs and events to focus on the upcoming school year.
The younger set can look forward to Play Hooray and A Time for Kids, Inc. Baby Start and Family Pre-school Hour. For the parents, there’s a parent-child workshop (18 months – preschool) hosted by New York Therapy Placement Services.
The Floral Park Library Urban Explorers are back after a brief Summer hiatus, and head to the Merchant’s House Museum and Cooper Union this month. In between stops, there’s lunch at Swift Hibernian House.
Wednesday Chair Yoga is ZOOM only this month, as Micheline is still at “home” in Malta.
The Tuesday evening English Language Learner class continues to grow in popularity, with most classes filled to capacity.
The September calendar offers Adults a variety of programming: Reiki on the Library Lawn (by appointment); September 11th – a Day that Will Live in Infamy lecture; two-session Intro to Crocheting; Manifest to Create the Life You Want program; the first of a three-session Mah Jongg class hosted by Judy Cueva; and a Lavender Essential Oil Spray lecture and craft. Empire Safety Council has spots open for the Thursday, September 18, class.
The Gatsby celebrations aren’t done yet! Adult patrons can learn to dance the Charleston and the Fox Trot “Gatsby Style” with instruction from Elena Iannucci, or partake in a four-course sampling celebrating Gatsby’s 100th. with Chef Barbara.
Patrons with confirmed attendance at one of these two programs, along with two October programs, will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certifi-
cate to (where else!?) Gatsby’s Landing restaurant in Roslyn. The drawing will be held October 10.
There’s even a live comedy program, “Laffs at the Library” on September 12, at 2:00 p.m.
Learn about volunteer opportunities with Parker Jewish Institute’s Willing Hands… Helpful Hearts at the Wednesday, September 17, tabling event.
The first Monday of the month Morning Book Club is back in session on Monday, September 8. The Evening Edition Book Club meets on Thursday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Marjan Kamali’s “The Lion Women of Tehran.”
The Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting groups meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; no registration necessary. The Library Board meets on Wednesday, September 10, at 7:30p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
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).
Regular Library hours resume on Saturday, September 6. 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.
The Friends of the Floral Park Library offer “Blind Date with a Book” gifts for sale for varying age groups. Check out their inventory at the Circulation Desk. Call the Library (516-326-6330) to check days and times for the Book Nook. All sales of books, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, bookmarks and more support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization.
Follow the Library on Facebook (floralparklibrary), X (fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
Artists & Collectors
The National Gallery of Art
“Artists At Work: II”
The Author Corner
Stephanie Larkin
“Mercy: A Brooklyn Story” ~ Maureen McNeil & Mercedes Cabbagestalk
Inspiring Stories
Bill Corbett, Jr.
“SIBS Place” ~ Supporting Children with a Sick Sibling or Parent
FPFD: Red Alert
Larry King
“Technology Support for First Responders” ~ U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security 9:30
Wes Houston Presents…
Wes Houston
“The Other Shoe” ~ A Vocal-Driven Rock Quartet
St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk
Saturday September 27, has been designated National Health and Fitness Day in the U.S. This is also the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul. This year many volunteers will walk and fund raise for the poor. Here in Floral Park people can stay and walk in their own village and share this important event with the village. Some people may decide to go to Heckscher State Park in East Islip to walk with many other Long Island residents.
The Our Lady of Victory St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Society helps local neighbors in need. In 1936 a family in the village needed help wit their mortgage payment. They asked the society for help. SVDP members do home visits with each request. They visited this neighbor, saw the need and helped. Several decades later the little girl who grew up in that house remembered the help the family received. The result of this act of kindness stayed with her. This grateful women remembered the OLV St. Vincent Paul Society in her will. A special thank you to the 1936 members and to this grateful benefactor. Many more people in need have been helped because of their efforts.
The Our Lady of Victory St. Vincent de Paul volunteers will be participating in the National Health and Fitness Day.
Life can change in a blink. A neighbor doing well today can be in need tomorrow. All people helped by the society are visited in their place of residence, their needs are evaluated and help is given where it is most beneficial to the needy neighbor. All requests, visits and help are confidential.
Sometimes the need is only for food. As a result of the home visit the neighbor will receive food vouchers for the Food Pantry at OLV and for perishable foods at the local supermarket.
Vincent de Paul also has a Thrift Shop on Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park. Furniture, household goods and clothing can be donated at the thrift shop. SVDP is a 501 [C] [3] not for profit organization, all
Continued on page 4
St.
4VS channel change
Four Village Studio is on the move! 4VS programming on Optimum (Altice, USA) can now be seen on Channel 1310. For easy access, use your remote to set us as one of your “favorites”, or simply “click down three times” from CBS-Ch.2 to find 4VS!
Four Village Studio on Fios (Verizon) remains, as always, on Channel 28. Additionally, 4VS Programs, the Community Billboard, the Weather Station, and more can be found on the website, 4VS.org.
St. Vincent de Paul
Friends
of the Poor Walk
Continued from page 3 donations are tax deductible.
Neighbors requesting help can receive a voucher diminishing the cost of purchases for them. OLV society will help cover the cost of their purchases. Please go to svdpolvfp. org and donate to this fund raiser to help needy neighbors Floral Park. Your presence at this event is greatly appreciated by SVDP members and the neighbors who receive help.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church plans centennial events
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Bellerose has plans for several events to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
• October 5 from 2 – 4 p.m.: Bowling Event and Meet and Greet at Bowl 360 New Hyde Park.
• November 14 at 7 p.m.:
Movie Night (free admission, food and drinks for sale) at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
• December 7 at 6 p.m.: International Potluck and Trivia Night at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Community Yard Sale
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will be holding a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space at the sale is open to the
community. Spaces: $25, table rental: $5. Please contact 718-347-0278 for more information.
The church is located at 246-55 87th Avenue, Bellerose.
Music of The Beatles celebrated at Floral Park Public Library
Bob Koenig, collector and pop culture historian, brought his turntable and passion for the music of the Beatles to the Floral Park Library on Monday, August 18, to the delight of a crowd of Floral Park Public Library patrons.
Bob discussed the many copycat albums that reached the market after the 1964 release of “Meet the Beatles” with what he said was "by far, the best, most receptive crowd I’ve had yet!"
Bob showing some other vinyl ablums from the era.
G a r d e n C i t y J e w i s h C e n t e r
Find Your Connection to Jewish Community Garden City Jewish Center is an inclusive, warm, and welcoming Reform congregation. Membership is open to all Jews, those interested in becoming Jewish, dual-faith families, singles, and students.
• Sundays-only Religious School begins September 7th
• Rosh HaShanah services: September 22nd and 23rd
• Yom Kippur services: October 1st and 2nd
• High Holiday children’s services 168 Nassau Boulevard, Garden City NY 11530 www.gardencityjewishcenter.org email: info@gardencityjewishcenter.org
GCJC is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism.
The crowd was fascinated by Bob's collection.
Collector and pop culture historian Bob Koenig
August 29, 2025
Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park Production of TWELFTH NIGHT Opens Revitalized Delacorte in Central Park
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
After 23 months and $85 million, the beloved Delacorte Theater has reopened, renewed and revitalized for its 63rd season, but preserving what was always best about the iconic experience of the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park: a sense of excitement, shared joy and community, the delight to be dazzled at the creativity of making something spectacular out of a simple open-air stage, and the enchanting backdrop of the Belvedere Castle on a rocky cliff, framed by trees.
The star-studded Public Theater free Shakespeare in the Park production of TWELFTH NIGHT which will run through Sunday, September 14, is the ideal choice among the Bard’s canon to reopen this New York City cultural icon.
But the performance begins with Shakespeare’s quote “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”- famous lines that are not even from TWELFTH NIGHT but from “As You Like It.” But the quote serves to pay homage to Joseph Papp, the founder of the Public Theater and the Delacorte, who began offering free Shakespeare in the Park from a truck and planted his cultural flag on this pastoral patch to claim the site and the culture for the people.
“This theater belongs to you, the people of New York,” writes Oskar Eustis, the Public Theater’s Artistic Director, in the Playbill.”We hold it in trust for you, to serve you. The culture belongs to all of us....We are,
The exuberant gender-bending curtain call of the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of TWELFTH NIGHT at the reopened, revitalized Delacorte Theater in Central Park © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
together, celebrating what makes us human.”
TWELFTH NIGHT is the perfect selection with which to return Free Shakespeare in the Park to Central Park, with its theme of immigrants – refugees who escape death after a shipwreck – who have to remake themselves to survive as strangers in a strange land, and its gender-bending plot. The production, brilliantly conceived by the Public’s Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, also stays true to Joseph Papp’s racial blindness – race is erased, irrelevant, while the cultural tapestry of New York is for all to enjoy and appreciate. Joseph Papp, the Public Theater and the Delacorte were “woke” before that was a term, and certainly before the crusade to demean, de-legitimize, and eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion from our culture and society, when it took 60 years to make DEI part of our cultural fabric.
“It’s been one year and 11 months since we closed The Delacorte for much needed renovations that have made the most beautiful theater in the world even more beautiful, safer and infinitely more accessible, and more sustainable, more comfortable and more ready than ever to serve the people of New York,” Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director for the Public Theater, writes in the Playbill. “This is a palace for the people, an infinitely precious New York landmark that money can’t buy, that isn’t gated or reserved for the wealthy, that is the common property of the whole city...
“In the time that The Delacorte has been closed, American democracy has undergone perhaps the greatest challenge it has faced in the last 150 years. ... the reopening will certainly help the fight to maintain the vision of America I know we all share, an America that belongs to everyone, where our diversity is our
strength, where the common good makes all of us better off, where what we share is infinitely more important than what separates us.
The Delacorte Theater is not just a stage. It’s a platform for democracy. A gathering place. A commons. A celebration of what public space can be when it’s shaped by values we all share: access, community, inclusion, and joy.”
The Delacorte has stood as one of New York City’s most iconic and democratic cultural institutions for over 60 years. It was founded on an audacious premise: the richest of cultural jewels presented for free, in a form that New Yorkers’ could identify with and find relevant to their own experience. Since the Delacorte opened in 1962, during JFK’s “Camelot” era, some 6 million people have enjoyed over 160 productions.
A hallmark the Public Theater productions of Shakespeare are the creative ways of preserving the original but making the 400-year old-English plays accessible, relatable and relevant to contemporary society.
This production is a rollicking fun farce, crisply directed by Saheem Ali, and brilliantly performed by a star-studded cast who seem to be enjoying the experience as much as the audience:
Among the fascinating devices: “What You Will” - the backdrop of open letters that let you see out and performers walk through – is the subtitle for “TWELFTH NIGHT,” which director Ali has honed in on as the “heart of the show... Shakespeare lands these twins on a strange land”
Continued on next page
GOING PLACES, NEAR &
Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park Production of TWELFTH NIGHT Opens Revitalized Delacorte in Central Park
Continued from previous page
where they have to survive. “That’s an immigrant story. Someone coming from somewhere else and seeking a better life, a different life,” he writes in the Playbill.
The interjection of Swahili spoken by Viola and Sebastian makes very clear and real that Viola and Sebastian are immigrants – refugees – in a strange land with a strange culture, having escaped death during a shipwreck, and having to reinvent themselves in order to survive.
Also, the line “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” becomes a kind of mantra.
The music and song throughout the play – so unexpected, but provides such an atmospheric, ethereal backdrop for the mythic Illyria– is composed by Michael Thurber and performed by “gender-defiant” singer-songwriter Moses Sumney as Feste – who has the audience transfixed.
Besides an outstanding cast, brilliantly directed, the creative staging is a marvel – indeed, the most significant improvements to the Delacorte are technical, allowing sets and actors to rise out of the floor, with a kind of sleight of hand that adds to the magic and enchantment – if you look away for a moment or are looking in one place rather than another, all of a sudden the scene is changed.
The flamboyant curtain call is itself a coup d’gras, a final slap to the Trump/ MAGA WhiteChristoFascist anti-woke crusade, in which the performers dance out in androgynous costumes worthy of the Met Gala.
People always delight in the stars that grace the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park stage and TWELFTH NIGHT is no exception: The star-studded cast, who clearly are enjoying their roles as much as the audience, includes real-life siblings Lupita and Junior Nyong’o playing the twins, Viola and Sebastian, Sandra Oh (Olivia), Peter Dinklage (Malvolio), John Ellison Conlee (Sir Toby Belch), Khris Davis (Orsino), Peter Dinklage (Malvolio), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Andrew Aguecheek), Daphne RubinVega (Maria), Moses Sumney (Feste), b (Antonio), Joe Tapper (Sea Captain/Priest), and Ariyan Kassam (Curio/Ensemble), and a marvelous ensemble of Dario Alvarez, Jaina Rose Jallow, Valentino Musumeci (Chinna Palmer (Ensemble), Sandra Oh (Olivia), Precious Omigie, Nathan M. Ramsey, Jasmine Sharma, Kapil Talwakar, Julian Tushabe, Adrian Villegas, Ada Westfall, and Mia Wurgaft.
TWELFTH NIGHT is cleverly staged, featuring scenic design by Maruti Evans, phenomenal costume design by Oana Botez, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada and Palmer Hefferan, music composition by Michael Thurber, hair, wig, and makeup design by Krystal Balleza, prop management by Claire M. Kavanah, fight direction by Tom Schall, choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie. Karishma Bhagani serves as the Swahili dialect coach. Delacorte Veteran Buzz Cohen serves as the Production Stage Manager and Jessie Moore and Luisa Sánchez Colón serve as the stage managers.
The renovation of the 1,864-seat amphitheater dramatically improved
the accessibility, sustainability and production facilities, and was funded through a mix of public and private support, including $42 million from the City of New York through the Office of the Mayor, New York City Council, and Manhattan Borough President’s Office; and another $1 million allocation from the New York State Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell.
The $85 million spent on the Delacorte renovation was only a part of the $175 million “Forever Public” fund-raising campaign intended to preserve all that the Public Theater does to promote the arts and access to theater and establish a Fund for Free Theater endowment. These free Shakespeare in the Park performances are what the Public Theater is most heralded for, but the Public Theater does much more to promote the arts and access to the arts.
At its six-venue Astor Place home at 425 Lafayette Street, the Public produces world premiere plays and musicals “giving voice to a diverse range of new and established artists, leading and framing the dialogue on some of the most important issues of our day.”
In addition to Free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte in Central Park, the Public produces theater throughout the boroughs with its Mobile Unit, bringing free performances to correctional facilities, senior and recreation centers, parks with little or no access to the arts; working with partner organizations around the city, community members participate in workshops and classes, attend performances and join in the creation of participatory theater; some 700 shows are presented each year at Joe’s Pub at
Building Muscle Later in Life
BY CHARLYN FARGO
The older we get, the more we should focus on muscle mass and not just the number on the scale. In her later years, I watched my mom shrink from a weight of 175 to 120. With her weight loss came difficulty in walking and balance, a result of losing muscle along with all that weight.
A research study in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases looked at the relationship between muscle and fat tissue in older adults (65 and over) and the connection to all-cause mortality. They found that the more muscle older adults had, the lower the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. And older adults with the highest amount of fat mass didn’t have a significantly greater risk.
The key is focusing on maintaining
and improving muscle mass instead of focusing on reducing fat mass -- or the number on the scale.
A similar study on the impact of body composition changes on risk of all-cause mortality in older adults, published in Clinical Nutrition, found that muscle loss was related to an increased risk of death of older adults.
In addition, research has found that body mass index guidelines are different for older adults. Rather than having a body mass index of less than 25 (18.5 to 25 is considered normal), older adults may need to have a slightly higher BMI -- 27 to 30 -- to reduce mortality. In the study “BMI and all-cause mortality in older adults: a meta-analysis” that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that even at a BMI of
33, there wasn’t an increase in all-cause mortality. However, a BMI of 20 or below showed a 28% increase in rates of mortality.
Weight loss in the elderly can be a concern, especially if someone is not getting adequate protein and resistance training to preserve muscle with weight loss. Researchers have found an association between eating protein throughout the day and higher muscle mass in adults. Most of us -- whatever our age -- tend to get our protein in our evening meal and less at breakfast or lunch.
The bottom line is the first line of defense for older adults staying healthy is keeping their muscle mass -- taking a walk or swimming or lifting a few weights.
the Public, giving support to thousands of artists; and the emerging Writers Group, BIPOC Critics Lab and multiyear residences provide support for artists at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for development from idea to full production.
There are five ways to access free tickets for TWELFTH NIGHT: Distribution in Central Park, In-person lottery at The Public Theater, Distribution across all five boroughs, Digital lottery with TodayTix and Standby line in Central Park.
Also, you can become a member of the Public Theater with a donation of $600 or more to be able to reserve two seats. (To keep the majority of seats free and available for New Yorkers, only a limited number of seats are available for members to reserve.)
You can become a Supporter with a gift of $100 or more which provides benefits including early access and discounted, no-fee tickets to the Astor Place season, dedicated customer service, discounted food and drink at Joe’s Pub and The Library. For a limited time, gifts are being matched by the Howard Gilman Foundation
To learn more, or to make a contribution, call 212-967-7555, or visit publictheater.org. The full performance calendar and complete distribution details can be found at publictheater. org. (The Delacorte Theater in Central Park is accessible by entering at 81st Street and Central Park West or at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.)
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
Run, don’t walk, into the new age
Discussing the generation gap - and the difference between Gen Zers and Baby Boomers - has its place and I am the first to admit that I am a Baby Boomer through and through.
As a teenager in the 1970s I never could have envisioned using a Roomba, a GPS or even Google maps. Give me a good old-fashioned paper map and I can easily drive from one place to another. I am more comfortable with using a paper map than a GPS and an upright vacuum over a Roomba.
Whoever heard the word Roomba before 2002? That’s when that autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner, was first introduced to the general public.
Fifty plus years ago no one knew what Swiffer mops and Swiffer dusters were. Now they are common household items and their commercials seem to be everywhere. Tablets and Netflix weren’t everyday topics because Netflix wasn’t even available until 1997.
The only Smartphone I knew about when I was a teenager was the rotary dial phone in our living room that very smartly connected my friends and me so we could chat and make plans to get together.
Gen Zers grew up with Smartphones and social media whereas Baby Boomers like me grew up with TV at home and our entrance into the world of computers was shall I say slow? When computers were first available to the general consumer I was wary. My foray into the world of personal computers was taken with baby steps although looking back, I see how enormously useful they are.
Gen Zers, on the other hand, were pretty much surrounded by computers. Internet connectivity is the name of their game and they make using Smartphones, computers and social media look so natural. I am envious, I admit that.
Most Baby Boomers never heard
the term “digital tools” until we were well into our 20s. And then a new era dawned. What on earth was a digital tool and how would I ever use it? This Baby Boomer took baby steps but that’s okay because once I caught onto to the new technology, I was off and running.
At barbecues and parties when I mention some of these things I must sound like a dinosaur to those Gen Zers who are present but I don’t mind when these examples of the generation gap arise. I proudly wear my Baby Boomerism like a badge of honor because I’ve weathered some storms and come out ahead.
As actress Rue McClanahan often said, being 50+ doesn’t mean someone has to lose their sense of humor or zest for life. She always emphasized that maturity brings added layers to a person.
Bea Arthur, who starred along with Rue McClanahan on “The Golden Girls” TV show, once said, “I’ve always believed that age is just a number. It’s about how you feel inside and how you choose to live your life.”
Of course the younger kids don’t want to hear these thoughts and platitudes from either Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur or any other “Golden Girl.” - They are too busy making their plans for the future. Still, when I like to get them going it’s easy to bring up various things they’re probably unfamiliar with.
The payphone is a good example. In the not-too-distant past payphones were very common. They were seen all over. They came in handy when making phone calls and Smartphones hadn’t been invented yet.
You could step into a public phone booth, deposit some coins and make a call. Gen Zers may scoff and laugh saying that payphones and public phone booths are extinct - which isn’t exactly true because some countries such as Australia still have some - but they pride themselves on being high tech
people. Anything that has an “old fashioned” ring is frowned upon.
One thing about Gen Zers is they like new, modern things but my friends and I say there is a time and a place for good old-fashioned things. Many of us Baby Boomers worked to help make a difference in the world. Lots of Gen Zers place importance on that but we also like traditional values, stability and nostalgia. We sure like nostalgic things and not just at Christmastime.
Where Gen Zers and many Baby Boomers differ is in welcoming new technology. They tend to welcome it with open arms and this Baby Boomer is always leery of the latest thing coming along. Once we’ve tried it and gotten used to it we see the place for technology in our daily work lives and at home but at first blush we are skeptics.
Even laptops looked like something from out of space and I’m wary of electric vehicles because even though they conserve on gasoline the idea of a battery freezing during winter doesn’t appeal to me. No, thank you.
Gen Zers are quick to pick up on my skepticism about new-fangled gadgets
but our discussions always prompt lively debates. I see things my way, they see things their way and sometimes we come to a consensus. Other times each of us walks away content in the knowledge that we are right and that’s okay, too.
I respect the creativity, tech savviness and overall problem-solving abilities of many of the Gen Zers I meet almost daily but I also cherish the good old-fashioned traits of the Baby Boomers who are in my life. Many of them possess a certain stick-to-itiveness that Gen Zers can only envy.
Many of the older Baby Boomers I know have really showed me what loyalty and dedication - to family, to a job and to community - is all about.
I like to think that I straddle both worlds but the truth is I dip my toe into the world of Gen Zers then retreat to the comfort of my Baby Boomer world. That’s what I am used to - and that’s what my brothers, sisters and cousins are, too. It’s how we grew up and while I welcome the new technology, I have to say that for now we will take nostalgic things over texting any day of the week.
or swimming or lifting a few weights. Overall health is more important than a low BMI. Eating protein at every meal and resistance training are key to staying healthy as we age.
Q and A
Q: What are sprouted foods and are they healthier than other foods?
A: Any food that starts out as a seed will sprout before it becomes a plant. Sprouts are a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals. Sprouts don’t actually contain more vitamins and minerals than their fully-grown forms, but they are more available to our bodies during
digestion. That’s true with grains like wheat that are sprouted and cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli or cabbage. It’s best to let professionals do the sprouting as the conditions for growing sprouts are also ideal for bacteria to flourish. Raw sprouts should be washed well before eating. Sprouted grain can be used in bread that is baked..
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Happy (Belated) Birthday to Social Security
BY TOM MARGENAU
Doesn’t it just bug you when you miss the birthday of a close friend? That happened to me when I recently missed the 90th birthday of someone who (well, actually something that) has been a big part of my life for the last half century. I’m talking about the Social Security program that turned 90 a week or so ago. Former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on Aug.14, 1935.
I forgot to wish it a happy birthday in last week’s column, so I’m going to make up for it today by once again sharing a little history of our nation’s bedrock social insurance program.
Most people recognize that the concept of a national social insurance system in America grew out of the economic crises that followed the Great Depression and out of the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as president in 1932. His “New Deal” programs were enacted to help bring the country out of the economic depths of that time. And of course, Social Security was one of those programs. (By the way, Social Security programs had been in existence in many countries around the world long before FDR introduced it in the United States.)
But it’s not like our country was initially willing and eager to welcome this new kind of government-run old age pension system. And opposition didn’t just come from expected sources like conservative Republicans, almost all of whom vehemently opposed the bill. Most employers and even many unions just didn’t think the federal government would be able to finance and manage such a huge and comprehensive program.
Of course, many people were involved in making Social Security happen. But one often-overlooked person deserves a great deal of credit. And that was Frances Perkins. She was FDR’s Secretary of Labor. And it was her perseverance and powers of persuasion with not only labor leaders, but also with members of Congress, that finally took Social Security off the planning table and onto the floors of Congress as actual legislation in January 1935.
But once there, the bill didn’t exactly breeze through Congress. In fact, on March 20, 1935, The New York Times ran a story headlined, “Hopes Are Fading for the Social Security Bill.” Then FDR stepped in. He called the leaders of Congress over to the White House and gave them a pep talk. Not long afterward, those members of Congress swallowed their doubts and passed the Social Security bill by a substantial 372-33 margin.
Then the bill bogged down in the Senate with various members of the upper body trying to tack on amendments (such as making the program voluntary rather than compulsory). Eventually, all these issues were ironed out, the bill passed, and FDR signed the Social Security Act on Aug. 14, 1935.
Speaking of that original Social Securi-
ty law, many readers always tell me that we should take Social Security “back to its roots.” They think too many “goodies” have been tacked on to the program over the years and that we’d be better off with “good old-fashioned original Social Security.”
I always tell these folks that if they really mean they want only the original Social Security law, then all we would have is retirement benefits for people 65 and older who were totally retired. That’s it. Period. Nothing else!
So that means we would have no early retirement benefits at age 62. Those millions of people getting early retirement benefits could kiss their checks goodbye under the “back to basics” plan.
It would also mean we would not pay benefits to anyone 65 and older if they were still working. The original Social Security law required that you must be completely retired to collect benefits. So tough luck for all the working seniors out there under the original plan.
Oh, and there would be no extra bonus for people who delay taking benefits until a later age. Millions of seniors currently plan to work until 70 to get a bonus of up to 32% added to their checks. Back to basic plans would turn off that incentive to delay retirement.
There would be no benefits for spouses, widows or widowers. And if a young worker dies and leaves small children -- tough luck. No government benefits for them. (Actually, these benefits were quickly added to the program in 1939 before any regular monthly benefits were paid. But still, they were not part of the original Social Security Act.)
And there would be no disability benefits. So, if you have a heart attack at age 55, well then, that’s just too bad. You would just have to wait until you are 65 to collect your Social Security, assuming you live that long.
I could go on and on. There are tens of millions of people getting Social Security benefits today who would not qualify for anything under the original Social Security law.
Some people call these extra benefits “goodies” added to the original Social Security law, I would make the point that Social Security expanded over the years not because Congress was looking for ways to hand out freebies to freeloaders, but because there were legitimate needs that people had and that a caring and compassionate society needed to provide for its citizens. That’s why today we have Social Security benefits for working seniors, for spouses and widows, for orphaned children, for divorced spouses and disabled workers. And despite all the nonsense rumors, today’s Social Security program does NOT pay benefits to dead people or to people living here illegally.
And finally, let me get back to Social Security’s 90th birthday and make this point. For all the 50-plus years I have been asso-
ciated with the program (I started working for the Social Security Administration in 1973), people have been telling me that Social Security is doomed to failure. And my mentor was a guy who started working for Social Security in 1936. And he said that back then, everyone was telling him that the program wouldn’t last. In other words, for 90 years now, people have been predicting the program’s demise. Come on, you doomsayers! I mean, how long does the program have to be around
Continued on page 7
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
The Pros and Cons of the Historic Low Interest Rates of 2020–2022
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, central banks across the globe slashed interest rates to historically low levels. In the United States, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark federal funds rate to near zero (0.00%–0.25%) in March 2020 and kept it there through much of 2021 and into 2022. This unprecedented monetary policy was aimed at stimulating economic recovery during a period of deep uncertainty. While the strategy succeeded in certain areas, it also generated unintended consequences that continue to reverberate years later.
This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of the low interest rate environment of 2021–2022, highlighting both the short-term gains and longterm complications.
The Pros of Historic Low Interest Rates
1. Economic Stimulus and Recovery
One of the key goals of low interest rates is to boost economic activity by encouraging borrowing and spending. Following the COVID-induced recession, these rates provided a vital cushion. With borrowing costs low, businesses were able to take out loans to maintain operations, invest in infrastructure, and retain employees. Consumers also had an incentive to spend, which helped revive sectors like retail, housing, and manufacturing.
2. Cheaper Borrowing for Consumers
Low interest rates significantly reduced the cost of financing big-ticket items. Mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit card APRs dropped, making it easier for consumers to access credit. Homeowners took advantage by refinancing their mortgages, often cutting monthly payments and freeing up income for other uses.
In fact, 2021 saw a housing boom in part due to mortgage rates dropping below 3%, spurring a rush of home purchases and refinancing.
3. Boost to the Stock Market
Low interest rates often lead investors to seek higher returns in equities and other risk assets. During this period, the stock market soared, with indices like the S&P 500 reaching all-time highs. Tech companies in particular benefited, as future earnings are more favorably discounted in a low-rate environment. This created substantial wealth effects for investors and supported consumer confidence.
4. Support for Government Borrowing
With rates near zero, the cost of government borrowing decreased substantially. This allowed governments to run massive fiscal stimulus programs—such as direct payments
to citizens, enhanced unemployment benefits, and business relief funds—without immediately ballooning debt service costs. The ability to finance such initiatives at low interest allowed for a faster recovery.
The Cons of Historic Low Interest Rates
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
1. Inflationary Pressures
Perhaps the most significant downside was the rise in inflation. Combined with supply chain disruptions and pent-up consumer demand, low interest rates contributed to excessive liquidity in the economy. As a result, inflation surged in 2021 and reached a 40-year high by mid-2022, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbing over 9% at its peak in June 2022. This erosion of purchasing power disproportionately affected lowerincome households, who spend a greater share of their income on essentials like food, housing, and transportation.
2. Asset Bubbles and Housing Affordability
While low rates fueled a housing boom, they also inflated home prices, creating affordability issues for first-time buyers. In many markets, double-digit annual price increases far outpaced wage growth. This pricing out of potential buyers further exacerbated wealth inequality, as homeowners saw their equity surge while renters were left behind.
Beyond housing, inflated asset prices raised concerns of speculative bubbles in everything from stocks to cryptocurrencies and tech startups, many of which saw valuations soar without corresponding profitability.
3. Over-Leveraging and Corporate Debt
Easy access to cheap capital led many companies to take on high levels of debt. While some used this leverage for productive investment, others engaged in stock buybacks or speculative expansion. The long-term sustainability of these debts came into question once interest rates began rising in 2022–2023. Highly indebted companies, particularly in speculative or unprofitable sectors, began facing defaults and bankruptcies.
This issue has since spilled into the broader economy, including rising commercial real estate vacancies and instability in regional banking sectors tied to such debt.
4. Distortion of Risk and Capital Allocation
Low rates distorted market signals, making risk assessment more difficult. With yields suppressed, investors chased returns in increasingly risky assets, often ignoring fundamental valuation metrics. This misallocation of capital led to inefficiencies in the economy and made the eventual tightening cycle more painful.
For example, the boom in venture capital funding during this period supported a flood of startups—some with weak business models—that struggled to survive once financial conditions tightened.
5.
Difficulty in Reversing Course
Another downside of ultra-low interest rates is the challenge of reversing them without causing disruption. When the Federal Reserve began raising rates in 2022 to combat inflation, it triggered volatility in financial markets and exposed weaknesses in sectors dependent on cheap borrowing. The rapid rise in rates strained banks with long-dated bond holdings and hurt companies and consumers with variable-rate debt.
The economic soft landing became harder to engineer, raising fears of stagflation or a hard recession.
Conclusion: A Double-Edged Sword
The historic low interest rates of 2021–2022 were an extraordinary response to an extraordinary crisis. On one hand, they helped avert a deeper recession, stabilized financial markets, and supported millions of businesses and households. On the other, they laid the groundwork for significant imbalances—chief among them high inflation, housing unaffordability, and excessive risk-taking.
As central banks now navigate the consequences, the experience underscores the delicate balance between monetary stimulus and longterm stability. The policy lessons of this period will likely influence monetary decision-making for years to come.
In hindsight, while the benefits of ultra-low rates were immediate and visible, the costs emerged more gradually and have proven more persistent. As inflation cools and interest rates normalize, the debate continues: did the benefits outweigh the risks, or did the medicine merely delay and deepen the eventual correction?
Only time will tell.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).
Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to:
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
You can now search at your leisure for properties at:
WWW.Li-RealEstate.com
bit.ly/4bXWVu6 (facebook.com) bit.ly/4inVqaR (X.com) bit.ly/4bVSwrs (linkedIn) bit.ly/4inVK9z (Instagram) bit.ly/4bQH14x (YouTube)
EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE
How to Clean and Care for Wood Floors to Keep Them Looking Beautiful
BY MARY HUNT
Of all the choices in home flooring, wood stands out for many as the most beautiful. Wood is durable, coordinates well with any decor and most real estate agents agree it improves the home’s value at resale. Knowing how to protect and clean wood floors is essential -- and surprisingly easy.
AS IT HAPPENS
To protect the finish and keep wood floors beautiful -- either solid wood or engineered wood -- it is essential to take care of messes as they happen. That means spills, water drops, dry messes, what have you. Spills and messes happen but make sure they don’t remain for more than a few minutes.
After cleaning up the spill with a paper towel or cloth, give the floor a final damp rinse with a slightly water-dampened cloth or mop. Make sure you dry the area well with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks. Do not allow any amount of water to sit on wood flooring for any length of time if you can help it.
DAILY
Sweep with a soft bristle broom or vacuum your wood floors daily to remove dust, dirt, crumbs and debris. Even minute debris when allowed to sit and to be walked on will dull the finish and eventually cause noticeable wear and tear.
WEEKLY
Using a good dry dust mop, go over wood floors once a week to remove the buildup of dust -- especially the dust bunnies that accumulate along the edges.
Make sure you move area rugs to get any bits of dirt and dust that find their way under rugs and mats.
SEASONALLY
When you are diligent to tackle messes as they happen, sweep or vacuum daily and dust mop weekly, mopping finished wood floors is necessary only a few times a year. An easy way to remember is to do this at the start of each season. Yes, seriously! Four times a year is a good schedule.
Never flood wood floors with cleaning solution or water. Never use a sopping mop on wood floors. Excessive water can damage every type of sealant on wood floors and will eventually cause them to buckle.
WOOD FLOOR CLEANERS
When it comes to wood floor cleaners, you can spend a fortune on commercial products -- or you can make your own for pennies.
Caution: Only use floor cleaners on finished or “sealed” wood. Don’t know
what you have? Do this test: Put a drop of water on the wood. If it sits on the surface, that wood has been sealed. If it soaks right in, the wood is unfinished. Do not apply cleaner of any kind to unfinished wood. Just keep it swept and well-dusted. The key to making your own wood floor cleaner is similar to the commitment of a physician: First, do no harm. The trick is making a product that will clean well without harming the finish of your floors, even when used repeatedly over many years.
HOMEMADE FLOOR CLEANER
This all-purpose cleaner is ideal for finished wood floors, both solid wood and engineered wood.
1 part alcohol (rubbing, denatured, vodka, gin)
4 parts distilled water
2 or 3 drops Blue Dawn
Example: 1/4 cup alcohol, 1 cup distilled water, 2 drops Blue Dawn. Or 1/2 cup alcohol, 2 cups distilled water, 4 to 6 drops Blue Dawn.
How to Curb the Urge to Splurge
Mix this up in a spray bottle each time you clean the floors, or you can make it up ahead. The recipe multiplies well. No rinsing is required. Be sure to label clearly and keep it out of the reach of children. Sweep or vacuum the floor. Spray the cleaner in a small area, scrub well with a mop fitted with a cloth or soft sponge and immediately wipe the area dry with a microfiber cloth.
The secret is to spray, scrub and wipe dry immediately. If you do not want to do this on your hands and knees, I recommend O-Cedar ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop. It sprays the cleaner from its removable bottle that lets you make your own cleaner. It has a large surface mop and machine-washable microfiber pad, which makes scrubbing wood and other types of floors a breeze. The O-Cedar mop is available on Amazon as well as other stores such as Target and Walmart.
For more on this topic including resources go to EverydayCheapskate.com/ cleanwoodfloor.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY MARY HUNT
When it comes to compulsive tendencies, there’s no question I received more than the standard allotment.
I can sit down fully intending to watch the evening news and end up owning a pasta machine. I can stop by the mall to just look around and come out with three outfits I’ll never wear, a gift I’ll never give and several things for the house. I can glance at a mail-order catalog and in the time it takes to dial
the phone, Adirondack chairs and matching windsocks are winging their way to my front door.
Why? I see what I like and WHAM! Something goes off in my head insisting that I need it right this minute, I’m entitled to it and pity the poor soul who tries to prevent me from having it.
While my compulsive tendencies will forever be part of my personality, thankfully I have found ways to quiet them and make them my allies.
SELF-PARENTING
When tempted to give in to my impulsive desires, I ask if I’d accept this behavior from my children. Visualizing me having a temper tantrum is a disgusting image that brings me to my senses.
SLIPPERY PLACES
Stores, television shopping channels, slick, compelling advertisements and mail-order catalogs are “slippery places” for me. Just going there sets me up to fall flat on my face. If I stay away, I avoid temptation. When I have a specific need, I plan my route through the store, make my purchase and get out of there as quickly as possible. I’ve programmed the TV to not stop at shopping channels, and I make sure a trash can is close to the mailbox.
MAKE SPENDING DIFFICULT
For me, carrying a credit card or checkbook is just too convenient and potentially lethal. Instead, I carry only enough cash to meet my anticipated needs for the day. This forces me to plan ahead and helps to avoid a compulsive purchase.
SELF-TALK
When confronted with temptation, I talk to myself: “If this weren’t on sale, would you still buy it?” If the answer is no, and it usually is, I pass. “Why don’t you just go home and think about it?” I rarely return. “Don’t you already have something that will do just as well?” I usually do. “You don’t have to buy this just to prove you can; no one really cares.” Reality check.
THE SAVING ANTIDOTE
I’ve found that saving money is the best antidote for overspending. For me, saving money produces a similar euphoria brought on by spending. The difference is that saving never leaves feelings of remorse and guilt the way overspending does.
THE ROOT CAUSE
The unrelenting desire to acquire things is often a mask disguising the real issues. Discovering that my compulsive tendencies
were rooted in my need for approval allowed me to deal with that issue effectively.
By reading good self-help books on compulsive behavior, talking about the subject and seeking help from wise counselors, I’ve discovered why I do the things I do. That has allowed me to take the steps necessary to change.
If you suspect you have a problem with compulsive spending, go to www.debtorsanonymous.org and take the self-test. This site will help you find the kind of help you need to get a grip on your compulsive behaviors and free you to make some necessary changes. Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https:// www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of August 31 - September 6, 2025
If you’ve stood outdoors on any clear night, you’ve likely seen a “star” drifting lazily across the sky. If you’re like many stargazers, you watched it for a few minutes ... and were surprised to see it gradually fade from view. What you saw, of course, was a satellite, one of the thousands now orbiting our planet.
What puzzles many is why they disappear. One may wonder if the satellite’s light has burned out ... but of course, satellites don’t carry lights. They are so high above us that they’re still in sunlight while we are in darkness, and that’s what illuminates them. So when one appears to fade from view, we know it has drifted into the Earth’s shadow. In other words, it just drifted from the daylight side of our planet into the nighttime side.
We can see the Earth’s shadow at other times too. One is during a lunar eclipse, when the full moon (also the Earth’s natural satellite) drifts into this shadow, causing the lunar surface to darken for a few hours. The next lunar eclipse we’ll see from North America will occur on March 3 of next year.
Another way to see the Earth’s shad-
Watching Nighttime Rise
ow happens every day, and I’d be willing to bet that you’ve seen it but didn’t know what it was.
The next time you’re outdoors during late afternoon with clear sky and a fairly low eastern horizon, face east as the sun sets in the west. Low over the eastern horizon, you’ll begin to notice an immense purple arc stretching from south to north, bordered on top by a beautiful fringe of pink.
Early morning skywatchers can see it too, but in the opposite direction. Not long before sunrise, face west and you’ll notice this purple arc as it slowly sets behind the western horizon.
Most of us have seen this phenomenon in the evening but dismissed it as simply haze or pollution. Not true. This is the shadow of the Earth being cast through our atmosphere. As the sun sets in the west, this shadow rises higher in the east.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Earth has a shadow. It’s a solid body that blocks sunlight, just like every other solid object in our environment. The difference is that this shadow is big. Really big!
As the sun sets, we’re standing on the boundary between daytime and nighttime. Sunlight continues to illuminate
Every day, it’s possible for skywatchers to see the Earth’s shadow.
the atmosphere above us to the west and produces the sky’s light blue color. Our opaque world blocks sunlight from reaching the air to our east, so that part of the sky appears a darker blue or purple color. Between the darker and brighter parts of the atmosphere lies a fringe of pink -- also known as the “Belt of Venus” or the “anti-twilight arc,” illuminated by the reddened sunset light that’s passing through the atmosphere.
LOST IN SUBURBIA
Let Them Eat Cake
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
If I’d had any choice in the matter, I certainly wouldn’t have planned to have two kids’ and my husband’s birthdays only weeks apart. The first two just kind of worked out that way. The third was completely out of my control.
The problem with all these occasions has nothing to do with gifts or parties.
It’s about the cake. Or, more accurately, cakes.
Lots and lots of cakes.
Naturally, no one wants to share a birthday celebration, which means we have to do a separate cake for each birthday. Everyone likes the same cake, so we end up with three very rich, very chocolatey chocolate fudge and buttercream cakes every week for three weeks. Each cake lasts a week, so we basically start a new cake just as we finish the previous one. While this may sound like heaven for some people, for me it’s a disaster. It
Continued from page 5
before you accept the fact that it is here to stay? It has been updated often in the past
decades to adapt to changing times. And it will be reformed again (like-
is the ominous end of my summer beach body. It is ...
The Enemy of the Thighs.
Of course, I don’t have to eat all the cakes. Or even have more than one slice of each cake. But they call to me from the kitchen.
“Forget your thighs. Pay no heed to your hips.”
It’s the siren cry of the bewitching baked goods. And I am under their sugary spell.
“You know, you could just throw it out after a day or so,” said my husband as I complained about my predicament while simultaneously shoving forkfuls of cake into my piehole.
“But that would be a waste of money,” I replied. “And I need to save money to pay for the liposuction I’m going to need after I eat all this cake.”
He shook his head. He was immune to the call of the cake. And so was my son.
I decided it couldn’t really be about willpower. Surely it was a genetic issue and my extra X-chromosome was the one that weakened my resistance to cake.
As I worked my way through cake No. 2, I wondered how people who work at bakeries deal with being around cake all day. I thought that maybe they developed a sugar immunity from prolonged exposure. I decided to ask the Cake Boss that question if I ever ran into him.
Meanwhile, back in cake central, I boxed up the cake and brought it back into the kitchen to lie in wait until the next time I passed by and it called out to me.
But as I crossed the threshold into the kitchen, the thigh gods intervened. With the large cake box in front of me, I didn’t notice the dog lying on the floor at the door to the kitchen, and I tripped over him, tossing the cake box across the room like a chocolate shot put. The cake landed
SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU
in the next several
more to
But a basic social insurance program is always going to be part of what makes us a civilized society. Happy Birthday again, Social Security! 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
If the evening air is particularly clear, this phenomenon will appear most prominently for a few minutes after sunset. Within the next half hour, though, it will become more diffuse as it ascends higher in the sky.
And there it is: You’ve just watched nighttime rise!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
upside down, and when I went to retrieve it, I discovered that the whole thing had collapsed onto itself and was no longer a chocolate cake. Now it was a chocolate pancake.
My husband walked in and saw me picking up the upside-down cake box from the floor.
“Well, it looks like you solved your cake problem,” he said.
I put the cake pancake back on the counter and shook my head.
“Don’t be silly,” I replied as I grabbed another fork from the drawer. “It ain’t pretty, but it still tastes great!”
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 2025 CREATORS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS ...a sure way to get results.
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
BOOKKEEPER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Part-Time
To work for a trusted family owned Produce Wholesaler located in a Private Home in Garden City. Prefer person to be local to Garden City or nearby towns.
Flexible schedule, 8-12 hours per week.
Experience with Excel and Quickbooks software for billing, receivables and payables. Also to handle Payroll, communication with vendors and customer billing departments, and administrative support to the CEO.
Highly trustworthy, reliable and detail oriented.
Prior bookkeeping skills preferred. Competitive hourly pay, based on experience.
Please email your experience or resume to: Mari.Auricchio2@gmail. com
CUSTODIAL POSITION
Garden City Community Church Is seeking a dependable, self-motivated custodian to join our staff full-time. Some evening hours required. Previous custodial experience preferred but not required. Please email Liz controller@thegccc.org if interested.
NEPTUNE DINER IN SYOSSET
In Need of Experienced Servers
Please contact: 516-364-1970 or 347-696-5416
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
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! 844-329-9391
EMPLOYMENT
SITUATION WANTED
A COMPANION and HOME HEALTH AIDE
20 years experience in home care, nursing homes. Seeking a position to care for the sick/elderly. Male or female patients. Experience with Dementia, Alzheimers, Stroke. References available. English speaking. Please call: 347-546-4133
AIDE/CARE GIVER:
Caring, Efficient, Reliable. Available FT, Nights and Weekends to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Cooking, tidy up, personal grooming, administer medications. 15years experience. References available. Fully Vaccinated. Please Call 516-951-8083
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
Home Health Aide or Companion
Available for position to care for the elderly. Available Part Time Days or Nights. Call Millie : 516-943-5681
COMPANION / HOME HEALTH AIDE
Experienced Companion, HHA seeks employment to take care of the elderly in the comfort of their homes. Please call: 516-523-0697 or 516-406-6812
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
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
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
CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
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 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!
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
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
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 1-855-484-3467
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOS WANTED
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-833-441-4496
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
VACATION RENTAL
PGA NATIONAL
Palm Beach Gardens
Vacation Rental
Golf Villa on Staples 9th hole, short walk to clubhouse and the PGA Resort hotel. Screened in porch.
FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER NOVEMBER, DECEMBER & JANUARY 2025-2026 Call 631-495-1213
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
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
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
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
SERVICES
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 UPDATES 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
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
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 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
SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
SAFE STEP
North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub.
Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-855-916-5473
HEALTH SERVICES
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
LI’S ACUPUNCTURE
Hicksville Acupunctuirst 30+ years of expert care for a wide range of conditions. Major Insurances Accepted. Senior discount available. CALL NOW 516-806-5538
Visit Us: acupliang.com
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)
SERVICES PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
Interior/Exterior Repairs, Spackls, Wallpaper, Mouldings & More!
Clean & Dependable Free Estimates
Licensed & Insured #H0106110000
CALL SAL TODAY! 516-343-2152
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Being mindful of one’s diet is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Certain foods, and particularly many desserts, are not exactly synonymous with healthy eating. Thankfully, many chefs and home cooks experiment with different ingredients to make sweets a little bit less indulgent. Take for example, chocolate mousse, which can be delicious, but a tad heavy when loaded with dairy. However, “Vegan Chocolate Mousse” is made with avocado at the base. That’s notable because avocado contains heart-healthy fats that make the dessert a little better for you than more traditional alternatives.
Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Les Dames d’Escoffier new York Cookbook: Stirring the Pot” (American Palate) by Silvia Baldini & Sharon Franke.
Makes 4 servings
2 large ripe avocados
1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa
6 to 8 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄4 teaspoon coarse salt
1⁄2 cup fresh berries, for topping
1⁄4 cup walnuts, crushed, for topping
1) Add avocado, unsweetened cocoa, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, vanilla, and salt to a food processor and puree until creamy. Divide mousse into 4 cups; top with fresh berries and crushed nuts.
A healthier take on dessert
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Welcome to The Floral Park Villager, where your story is our story!
Over the next few weeks we will be mailing free copies of our new newspaper to all of the homes in the zip code so you can see what we’re excited about! If this is your first time seeing the paper, welcome! Copies are also available at drop points around town. In addition, you can find us online at www.fpvillager.com
What You Can Expect:
Local Focus: Unlike other papers, we concentrate solely on Floral Park and Bellerose. Our pages will be filled with news that matters to you and your neighbors.
Community Contributions: We want to hear from you! Share your sports updates, event announcements, club news, scouting adventures, and personal milestones like weddings and graduations. Your stories are the heartbeat of our publication.
Comprehensive Coverage: Stay informed about village and school board meetings, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the decisions that impact our community.
Letters to the Editor: We value your voice. Share your opinions, ideas, and feedback. Your letters will help shape the dialogue in our community.
Get Involved:
We encourage you to submit your items for publication to editor@gcnews.com. Whether it’s a story, a photo, or an announcement, your contributions will help us build a newspaper that truly reflects the spirit of Floral Park and Bellerose.
How to Subscribe
If you would like to get convenient home delivery of the paper through the mail, please use this QR code or go to our website at www.fpvillager.com
Advertising:
Our Advertising Account Executive, Peter Camp, is a long-time member of the Floral Park community. For information about advertising, you can reach him at 917-861-4627 or pcamp@gcnews.com.
QUALITY COUNTS.
#1 IN NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY
#1 IN CARDIOLOGY, HEART & VASCULAR SURGERY
#1 IN PULMONOLOGY & LUNG SURGERY
#1 IN GERIATRIC MEDICINE
We maintain the highest standard of care, across all of our locations and specialties, with integrated medical teams that deliver the best patient outcomes and lead the charge in medical discoveries.
Better health starts with a better health system.
