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Friday, August 14, 2026
2Vol. 3, No. 33
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
FPFD receives $250K for new fire truck
Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) joined Floral Park Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald (right) and Floral Park Fire Department Chief Eric O’Connor to announce the purchase of a new fire truck using $250,000 in grant funds.
Teens step up for local seniors BY RIKKI MASSAND
A fairly new local nonprofit organization, HANK (Hire a Neighborhood Kid) Services for Seniors, was founded a year ago with the mission of connecting teens and young adults with seniors across Floral Park, Stewart Manor and Garden City. To date, 40 young people are actively working and making life a little easier for senior citizens “in the neighborhood.” Recent summertime activ-
ities and life lessons have been highlighted prominently, including on the 6 o’clock CBS 2 New York news on Friday, August 7th, with reporter Carolyn Gusoff, and through social media posts about the good work students ages 14 and up have been doing in the community. The signature program run by HANK Services is called “Chores & Chat” – matching teens with local seniors in need of their
help. Between its inception in July 2025 and the second half of July 2026, 100 “matches” were made, and the kids participating through HANK worked more than 500 hours; each is paid at a rate of $20 per hour. Several volunteer hours, applicable for high school community service credit, have been contributed as well. Founder and Board President Jeanine Springer See page 4
The Floral Park Villager Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Telephone 516-931-0012 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Floral Park Villager, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) joined Floral Park Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald and Floral Park Fire Department Chief Eric O’Connor as well as members of the Floral Park Fire Department to announce $250,000 in new federal Community Project Funding (CPF) she secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. The funding will help purchase a new hook-and-ladder fire truck for the Floral Park Fire Department, enhancing the department's emergency response capabilities and improving public safety for residents throughout the village. “I am proud to have secured $250,000 in new federal funding to help Floral Park purchase a much-needed hook-and-ladder truck,” said Rep. Gillen. “This funding is a direct investment in the safety of Floral Park residents and will ensure the Fire Department has the equipment it needs to meet the community’s growing needs. I look forward to seeing the new truck in service, helping keep residents and firefighters safe for years to come.” “Thank you, Congresswoman Gillen, for getting this important funding for us, for Floral Park and our fire department,” said Mayor Fitzgerald. “These trucks do cost a lot of money. This one in particular is over $2.7 million, and every dime that we can get that doesn't cost the taxpayers here in Floral Park is important to us. Thank you once again for doing that.” “This is an investment in the safety of my members and the safety of this community as a whole” said Chief O’Connor. “So on behalf of the chiefs, officers, and members
of Floral Park Fire Department, I want to thank Mayor Fitzgerald and the Village Board and Congresswoman Laura Gillen. This will help us out tremendously.” The Village of Floral Park currently relies on an aging, used truck that frequently requires repairs. Purchasing a new truck will replace the existing 30-year-old vehicle, which no longer meets current operational and safety standards. As the Village has grown, the increasing number of multi-story residential buildings has created a greater need for a hook-and-ladder truck to respond effectively to emergencies. In addition to serving Floral Park's 16,000 residents, the Floral Park Fire Department provides mutual aid assistance to communities with a combined population of more than 130,000 residents. The department is also the only fire department in the Four Villages area equipped with a hook-andladder truck, making it a critical regional resource for emergency response. This project received calls for support from a bipartisan group of leaders, including State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Nassau County Legislator Scott Strauss and Floral Park Village Trustee Jennifer Stewart. The funding for Floral Park is part of more than $13 million in Community Project Funding that Rep. Gillen secured for Nassau County to invest in community infrastructure, enhance public safety, and improve the quality of life for residents across the district.
Young leaders honored for service PAGE 7 Sewanhaka Summer Enrichment PAGE 10
Friday, August 14, 2026
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Congresswoman joins FP Police ride-along
Floral Park junior firefighters
Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella and Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the Floral Park Fire Department Junior Firefighter Swearing-In Ceremony on July 26.
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Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Village of Floral Park Police Commissioner Stephen G. McAllister and joined Officer Softy on a patrol ridealong. This week, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Village of Floral Park Police Commissioner Stephen G. McAllister and joined Officer Softy on a patrol ride-along. Rep. Gillen was able to observe the Floral Park Police Department’s work firsthand and discuss how she will continue to support local police departments. “It was great to learn more about the policing operations in the Village of Floral Park and to discuss how I can further support and secure funding for our local law enforcement,” said Rep.
Gillen. “I will continue doing all I can in Congress to support our law enforcement officers and the communities they protect.” “The visit provided a great opportunity to showcase our department's ongoing commitment to community safety and innovation,” said Village of Floral Park Police Commissioner Stephen G. McAllister. “We appreciate the Congresswoman's interest and support for the vital work our officers perform every day.”
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HANK Services for Seniors (Hire a Neighborhood Kid) is pleased to announce the upcoming Financial Literacy Workshop in collaboration with PeaPack Private Bank & Trust on August 18, at 7 p.m. in the Garden City Senior Center, 6 Golf Club Lane, Garden City. This informative session is designed to equip participants with essential financial skills as they prepare for college and beyond.
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Attendees will gain insights into effective bank account management and other vital financial strategies that will set them up for success in life. Families are encouraged to attend, as participants are welcome to bring a parent or sibling to join in on the learning experience. Registration is required as space is limited. Please RSVP by calling (516) 760-9884.
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Financial literacy workshop for teens
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Local teens lend a hand to seniors From page 1
resides in Stewart Manor. When she was growing up in neighboring Garden City, the local organization PAVES matched teens with odd jobs in the community. A year after starting HANK Services, Springer said the organization has gained momentum, with more kids able to sign up for local jobs that make a difference. She has been assisted by members of the board of advisors, including her former Garden City neighbor M. Carol Dowd, now a Floral Park resident. Dowd is also HANK Services’ secretary. “We are heavily influenced by Garden City’s youth, almost three-quarters of the group, but now we have around 10 kids out of the total 40 who live in Floral Park and we also have a college student who attends St. John’s University. They can be as young as 8th grade or a high school freshman, because age 14 is when New York State permits their working papers. We take on extra kids during the winter just to help seniors with shoveling snow or winter weather prep. We will be recruiting more kids come later this fall, by November – that’s a way to sign up kids who only want to shovel,” she explained. One of the newest opportunities for HANK Services’ teens to help those in
the community came through Springer’s connection with Garden City resident and Mobility Impaired Committee founder Gerry Kelly. At a Garden City Pool committee meeting on August 8th, Kelly announced that HANK kids are working to upgrade the M.I.C.’s website. Kelly reached out to Springer, and she said the kids stepped in to handle administrative work and updates needed for the site. “I sent around a paragraph describing the computer-centric nature of this work for the committee. It received a good response and a few of our kids contacted Gerry to step up and do this. It’s a great way of gaining practical skills while building relationships in the community,” she said. At Floral Park’s acclaimed Centennial Gardens on Saturday, August 1st, students and board members from HANK Services took part in the “Weed Out” gardening and maintenance event. The kids learned skills from volunteers Dennis McEnery, John Rakowski and Jim Abbott and were introduced to new people. HANK kids receive volunteer community service hours for the organization’s gardening work. A Garden City High School rising junior on the HANK Services team, 16-year-old Cameron Quinlan, com-
Students and board members from HANK Services took part in the “Weed Out” gardening and maintenance event at Centennial Gardens. mented on his experience: “The Weed Out gave me the opportunity to gain not only gardening knowledge but also experience working with people of different ages. I worked for about 90 minutes, pulling weeds and learning why we need to remove them, and also raking a small garden to make space for plants. I was also able to practice greeting and having conversations with new people, a skill that HANK always teaches teens at their orientation.” Springer said the HANK Services
team has taken part in cleanup and maintenance efforts at Centennial Gardens three times so far this year, with the next visit planned for a weekend in September. On Tuesday, August 11th, HANK Services provided a free Senior Safety & Self-Defense Workshop for its service members at the Garden City Senior Center, with instruction and guidance provided by Dragon First MMA. The workshop was designed to be “beginSee page 6
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Local teens lend a hand to seniors From page 4 ner-friendly, interactive, and specifically for older adults.” Self-defense fundamentals were reviewed and carefully outlined for participants. Themes and lessons included maintaining independence and personal safety, practical techniques for everyday situations, creating safe space and distance, and building seniors’ confidence and awareness. On Tuesday, August 18th at 2 p.m., HANK Services will offer another program at the Garden City Senior Center. Peapack Private Bank & Trust will deliver a presentation for local seniors on Recognizing Scams. Springer said more than 20 people have already signed up, but registration remains open. There will also be an evening program for the teens involved in HANK Services. A major collaboration with Adelphi University involves a Tuesday, September 15th program designed to inform high school students and their families on “How to Navigate the College Search” (for applications and admissions). According to Springer, the program is intended to go well beyond the local college landscape and help students approach the decision of whether to stay home after high school or attend colleges or universities away from
home. The event is scheduled to be held at the Garden City Senior Center at 7 p.m. on September 15th. “While local Adelphi U. staff will lead this discussion, and the hometown Garden City university is obviously part of the picture, it will be a wonderful presentation for general guidance, looking at specific majors vs. general studies’ programs. Another subject to cover will be the costs of studying in the region or away from home. We are planning to have registration remain open for any local students, including the kids not currently involved with HANK Services. But registration is a must,” Springer advised. To register for the College Planning presentation, call the general phone line for HANK Services at 516-760-9885. As part of its outreach in the western and central Nassau County communities it serves, HANK representatives and students have set up a table at this summer’s Friday Night Promenades in Garden City. They plan to return for *“Nashville Night”* on August 21st. They will also have a table at the Church of St. Anne’s Fair on Saturday, September 26th on the western side of town. The volunteer board members have planned a barbecue to celebrate the nonprofit’s one-year anniversary on
Saturday, September 12th. HANK Services is a member of both the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce in Floral Park and the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. Springer commented that in efforts to engage with the local chambers, including at the dinner meeting of the Covert Avenue Chamber in late May at Shintaro Japanese restaurant, the goal is “to ease into things” and make introductions. “The Covert Avenue Chamber was a no-brainer and HANK Services for Seniors maintains its mailing address (mailbox) at Ship NYC on Covert. The clip from our recent feature on CBS News is prominent on our website, including on the right side of the homepage,” she said. Another TV news segment was produced by FOX 5 NY in March and aired on April 1st. Then, on Sunday afternoon, April 12th, HANK Services held a Meet-and-Greet event at the Garden City Public Library, which served as a way to present the organization’s objectives and applicable tasks and homebased work to the community. Springer said that for October, HANK Services has planned a workshop for teens and adults on Mental Health Awareness. “Two psychologists
will present a short documentary, then lead an audience discussion,” she noted. In November, HANK Services will activate its “Battery Brigade,” with efforts to change the batteries in smoke detectors, CO detectors and fire alarms at more than 50 seniors’ homes in the area. HANK plans to recruit Boy Scouts to volunteer for the effort, timed around the end of Daylight Saving Time and following October’s “fire safety month.” “On August 3rd we asked a major hardware retailer to help us out by donating 250 batteries. We’ve also asked a local fire department to train our kids on the proper use of smoke detectors. I’ve reached out to a celebrity to also help by becoming our spokesperson for the Battery Brigade program. We also need to receive an indemnification from our insurance company, to protect people – then we can get ready. The hopes are for this to become important volunteer work,” Springer said. Visit HANKServices.org to learn more.
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Eagle Scout Nadeem A. Hye was honored by Club Co-President James Zabatta for organizing a project with support of the Rotary Club.
Shirleenjot Multani was presented with the Rotary Club of Floral Park-Bellerose Award by James Zabatta, co-president of the club.
Two local young people are being recognized for achievements that reflect something their community values deeply: a willingness to lead, serve and help others. At Sewanhaka High School, graduating senior Shirleenjot Multani was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Rotary Club of Floral Park-Bellerose Award. The award was presented by James Zabatta during the school’s June 4 awards ceremony. Multani graduated with a 94.335 GPA while maintaining an active role in school life. She served as editor-in-chief of the Yearbook Club, vice president of the Sikh Student Association and secretary of the Italian Club. She also participated in the Leadership Club and Circuit Makers Club and was involved with several girls’ athletic programs. Her service extended beyond school activities. Multani helped prepare and distribute food through the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center, participated in a beach cleanup and volunteered during Sewanhaka’s International Night. She plans to attend St. John’s University, where she will study psychology/pre-med. For the Floral Park-Bellerose Rotary Club, Multani’s accomplishments represent more than academic success. Her record reflects the qualities the club seeks to encourage in young people: leadership, involvement and service to others. Those same values were demonstrated by Nadeem A. Hye, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout on April 29 following the completion of a community service project at the Hillside Islamic Center in New Hyde Park. With support from the Floral Park-
Bellerose Rotary Club, Hye organized 40 volunteers who contributed a combined 344 hours of service to the project. The volunteers built a treated wooden bicycle rack with secure parking for up to six bicycles and constructed a custom wooden enclosure to improve the center’s waste management area. The project also reached beyond the grounds of the center. Hye collected 22 donated bicycles and coordinated with a volunteer mechanic to have them repaired before they were distributed to community members in need. What began as an Eagle Scout project ultimately became a practical way to provide transportation to people who could put the bicycles to immediate use. Hye’s Eagle Scout achievement followed years of involvement and leadership in Scouting. He has served as quartermaster, troop instructor, troop guide, assistant quartermaster and patrol leader, among other responsibilities. Multani and Hye followed different paths, but their stories share a common thread. Both have shown that leadership is not measured only by titles, grades or awards. It can also be found in the decision to give time, take responsibility and do something that benefits another person. For the Rotary Club of Floral ParkBellerose, recognizing young people who make those choices is an important part of supporting the next generation of community leaders. Their accomplishments deserve recognition, but perhaps more importantly, they offer an encouraging reminder that the tradition of local service is already being carried forward.
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Friday, August 14, 2026
Young leaders recognized for service to community
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Friday, August 14, 2026
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August brings volunteers to Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
A beautiful sunflower enjoyed by volunteers Jim Abbett and John Rakowski
Jeanine Springer, Garden City High School volunteers and Dennis McEnery BY DENNIS MCENRY, FPCS PRESIDENT AND ANN GRIBBINS, FPCS VOLUNTEER The words WEED OUT do not begin to express the energy displayed at Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary that Saturday morning. Just looking at Jim Abbett and John Rakowski smiling at the beautiful sunflower shows their expectations that they plan day is to make it a great day. Thanks to Jeanine Springer and the HANK volunteers more hands were added to the work force. Jeannine is the organizer of the HANK Program. Hire A Neighborhood Kid, what a wonderful idea. Seniors from Floral Park, Stewart Manor and Garden City who need help with projects, can call and receive the help they need. Teenagers from fourteen and older, along with a parent, are vetted by Jeanine before becoming part of HANK . The teens are paid by the seniors for their help. At times they will also do volunteer community service, as are the Garden City High School students in the picture here. This program is teaching Life Skills, a positive way to begin community action. HANK has been shown on public television news programs. The monthly weed out this time
focused on the gardens maintained by Joanne Deeks in honor of Chris Deeks, the founding president of the Floral Park Conservation Society. The garden is adjacent to the Crabapple Way pathway in the west basin where the gazebo and performance stage are located. Chris Deeks was dedicated to his Floral Park community and coached many local athletes, he was an accomplished lacrosse player. Chris Deeks spearheaded the grass roots support in the late 1990s to acquire the neglected Nassau County water recharge basin adjacent to his street and joined with then Mayor Steve Corbett to advocate for our now beautiful passive use park. Chris Deeks’ current successor, FPCS President Dennis McEnery, coordinated with FPCS Board of Directors Richard Burgess, John Rakowski, Jim Abbett, and Sal Trentecoste and HANK volunteers to organize the weed out and transformation of the Deeks Tribute garden area. The FPCS volunteers appreciate the continued support of our local students and community members who participate in our efforts to maintain this beautiful and welcoming park.
A garden rescued from all of these weeds.
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Sewanhaka hosts annual Summer Enrichment Program
Floral Park Memorial High School incoming seventh graders created Jenga structures during the Summer Enrichment Program.
Sewanhaka High School incoming seventh grader used the 3D printer during the Summer Enrichment Program.
The Sewanhaka Central High School District welcomed approximately 780 incoming seventh graders to its annual Summer Enrichment Program, held at all five school buildings from July 6–23. The free program gave students the opportunity to become familiar with their new schools, meet teachers and classmates and build confidence before the start of the school year.
the shared goal of helping incoming seventh graders feel prepared and excited for September. Throughout the three-week program, students learned practical skills such as opening and mastering their locker combinations, practiced time management and organizational strategies and acclimated to their new school building. Daily schedules included advisory
Designed to re-engage, re-invigorate and re-ignite students’ love of school and learning, the Summer Enrichment Program helped ease the transition to middle school by balancing academics, social-emotional learning, health and wellness and hands-on experiences. Each of the district’s five schools tailored the program to best meet the needs of its students while maintaining
sessions, along with specials, physical fitness activities and Genius Hour. The Summer Enrichment Program concluded with action-packed Field Days, giving students the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and the connections they made throughout the program. Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
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7/27/26 15:45
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KEEP A SHOVEL AND BUCKET OF WATER NEARBY TO EXTINGUISH YOUR CAMPFIRE SMOKEYBEAR.COM
How is it possible that it’s already August? Yet, here we are, along with endless back to school commercials, lingering sand in our shoes, and Halloween decorations filling the aisles of our favorite shopping “haunts.’” And here’s what the Library is up to for the last, best days of summer. First, the final Library lawn concert featuring the Foreign Journey Band happens on August 20 (rain date: August 27). All are welcome pull up a piece of lawn (or bring a chair) and don’t stop believin’ it will be a good time! Happening for the “littles”: a Stuffed Animal Sleepover (ages 2–7); Dig Into Adventure Quest for Kids (grades 2–5); Pokémon Fantastic Fossils for Kids; Tiny Beat Storytime with DJ Shhh! Of course, A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pre-School Hour, along with Play Hooray, are on the August calendar, too. Teens can make the most of the last days ofsSummer break with: Patriotic Kindness Community Service program to benefit Paws of War; Getting Ready to Babysit Workshop; Build Your Nation: Game Edition with the Coldspring Harbor Whaling Museum; Mixed Media Art; Laser Tag; and
Minecraft: Unleash the Giants Gaming Event with Arrayscape Gaming. There’s an opportunity for teens to partner with the young ones, volunteering to be Craft Buddies for the Fossil Eggs for Children program. The Friends of the Library Book Club is on summer break, returning in September. The Evening Edition Book Club meets in a member’s backyard to discuss the very popular “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi. And the Quiet Reading Club meets on the Library lawn on August 4. Hybrid Adult Chair Yoga continues on Wednesday mornings, with Michelle subbing for Micheline for a few weeks. It can be confusing! Registration is currently open for the six-hour September 17 Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving class. The weekly Adult English Language Learner classes continue on Tuesday evenings. Pre-registration is required for both Beginning and Intermediate/Advanced sessions. The Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting groups continue to meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. throughout the summer; no registration necessary. There is a special meeting of the
Library Board on Monday, August 17, at 6:30 p.m. The Library is closed Saturdays and Sundays in August. Looking for some help with your résumé, job search, LinkedIn profile or interview prep? Look no further than Ellen O’Brien. Contact her at eobrien@nassaulibrary.org or 516 326.6330 x3103 for a free 30-minute career consultation. Need assistance with those smart devices and more? One-to-one tech help with Joe for tablets, smartphones, laptops, Kindles and general questions is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktechhelp@gmail.com). For more information on dates and times, events registration and program
details, visit the library website, floralparklibrary.org, call 516 326-6330, or visit us at 17 Caroline Place. All events and programs are subject to change and/or cancellation. Check out the Friends of the Floral Park Library offerings at the Circulation Desk. All sales of books, DVDs, bookmarks, puzzles, and more support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization. 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).
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ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING LAW OFFICES OF REMO A. HAMMID, PC • Wills & Trusts • Probate & Estate Administration • Medicaid Planning & Applications • Real Estate Transactions • Asset Preservation The Landmark Building — 99 Tulip Avenue, Suite 403, Floral Park Tel: (516) 355-0400 • www.hammidlaw.com
Friday, August 14, 2026
August at the Floral Park Library
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1 Friday, August 14, 2026 Discovery
August 14, 2026
Biking Missouri’s Katy Trail Following Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone & the Westward Expansion BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM Day 4 on Wilderness Voyageur’s six-day Katy Trail bike tour is another vigorous ride, 47.8 miles from the Missouri state capital, Jefferson City, to Hermann (elevation plus 772 ft, down 821 ft). Starting out, though, we go back up that hill that provided such a dramatic view of the Capital Building the day before, back to the bridge over the river, and down the winding ramp, to the spur that brings us back onto the Katy Trail exactly where we turned off the day before, Now we are back in Missouri’s farm land and a landscape that seems unchanged in 100 years. We ride passed fields of corn and soy, with the Manitou Bluffs in the distance beyond the plain. What is so impressive all along the Katy Trail is Missouri Pride – it is evident in the meticulously planned rest stops and restored train depots, the historic notes at each one, the placards and markers and stories all along the trail that trigger our imagination as we ride. That pride is especially clear here at Tebbets, our first rest stop. Tebbets is where there is the volunteer-run Turner Trail Shelter, the only bike hostel centrally located on the Katy’s 240 miles (the key hangs on a light pole), which was a home donated by its owner. We ride along highway Route 93 for a short distance (not really scary, actually, there is a wide shoulder), and over the bridge into the town of Hermann. We stay at the Hermann Crown Suites – which sounds like a modern chain hotel but is actually a charming historic hotel. It is a fun place – there
Connie Burkhardt (left) & Dan Burkhardt with Tammy Leigh, manager of the museum at the Treloar Mercantile building, which the Burkhardt’s donated to Katy Trail State Park, a demonstration of Missouri Pride we feel all along the 240-mile trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com is live music in its patio area in the evening, or if it is raining, in their 1837 Cellar Bar – and we are treated to a welcome drink (or ice cream, which I prefer). Built in 1836 as the “New Fatherland” for German settlers. Hermann’s historic district has many marvelous buildings to explore. They date back to early 19th century, but the vibe is 1940s/1950s from the signs, the products. Dinner is on our own and there are lots of places to choose from, returning to the hotel for the live music on its back patio. Day 5 is 38 miles from Hermann to Augusta, almost entirely flat. We ride back on I-93 and back over the bridge to where we had left the Katy Trail. The first support stop is 18.5 miles (versus 12 miles which is more typical) at the Treloar Mercantile build-
ing, built circa 1896, which served as the dry goods store and post office until it closed in 1933. Dan and Connie Burkhardt, who created a foundation to preserve land and historic structures along the Katy Trail (katylandtrust.org), bought the building in 2018 and donated it to Missouri State Parks in 2024. There is a marvelous historic exhibition inside. Four miles further is the Peers Store, the “Magnificent Missouri” outpost, with a mission to conserve and increase appreciation of the Katy Trail (magnificentmissouri.org). A highlight today, is taking a bit of a detour to visit where Daniel Boone and his wife were buried (though their bones were supposedly moved back to Kentucky). We ride through Marthasville (named for Martha Washington) and end today’s ride at Augusta where we
G O I N G P L A C E S N E A R A N D F A R
are shuttled into the charming town of Washington. We walk off the delicious lunch we have at John G’s Beir Deck to where we overnight, Elijah McClean’s, a wonderful inn attached to a mansion. We pass by the Meerschaum’s Corn Cob Pipe factory, the only corncob pipe factory still operating in the world, our guide, James tells us. After settling into my hotel room, I walk back to Main Street and come upon a community concert at the Farmer’s Market, held weekly on Thursdays, 5-8 pm (for future Katy Trail riders). Our last dinner together is a fabulous one, at Mangia Bella, the fine dining restaurant at Elijah Mclean’s, On Day 6, our last day, is the shortest, easiest ride. We gather at the end of the trail, at St. Charles, for a delicious farewell lunch at Hendricks BBQ, before being shuttled back to the St. Charles hotels where people parked, or to the airport. Wilderness Voyageurs consistently provides sensational support – before the trip (with planning and packing lists, questionnaires) and most especially, during the ride, and book the absolutely best lodgings and restaurants. The guides are excellent and if necessary, can fix a bike or pick you up in the van should the distance or the elevation be uncomfortable. The Ride with GPS frees you to “ride your ride.” All of this makes what you pay for a guided bike tour well worth it.. Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle, PA, 15470, 800-272-4141, wilderness-voyageurs.com. ____________________________________ © 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com,
Discovery Friday, August 14, 2026
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S T A R G A Z E R S
The Little Planet That Couldn’t BY DENNIS MAMMANA Week of Aug. 16-22, 2026 It was 20 years ago that our solar system lost a planet. Well, it didn’t really go anywhere, but Pluto is no longer a planet because it’s been reclassified. I’m sure you figured out in school that scientists love to classify things. Rocks, clouds, plants and, yes, even stars and planets. So why did they feel the need to reclassify Pluto? Because Pluto doesn’t seem to fit the pattern of the rest of the major worlds of our solar system. First, it’s a world not even 1,500 miles across; in other words, if we could bring it to Earth, it would fit inside of Mexico. Its orbit is tipped about 17 degrees to the orbits of all the other planets and is so elongated that every 240 years it crosses the orbit of Neptune. In addition, Pluto is an icy world with only five known moons, yet it exists in the realm of the gassy, ringed giants, around which hundreds of moons orbit. This is one strange world, so on Aug. 24, 2006, when the International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a “dwarf planet” -- one of five currently known -- some folks became quite upset. I hear people say all the time,
“Pluto was a planet when I was in school, and by God, it’s still a planet!” But that’s not how science works. As we learn more about nature, we find characteristics and patterns that don’t match up with our previous notions. Sometimes when that happens, we must change the way we think. It’s all good science, and it happens more frequently than you might imagine. Ages ago, anyone on the high seas would have considered whales as fish. Though whales were known to have characteristics different from fish, it wasn’t until 1758 that the 10th edition of Carl Linnaeus’ “System Naturae” officially branded them as mammals. I’d be willing to bet that if the internet had existed back then, folks would have been screaming for Linnaeus’ hide, and proclaiming, “Whales were fish when I went to school, and by God, they’re still fish!” But here we are, three centuries later, and no one’s upset any longer. No, Pluto just doesn’t fit the patterns of all the other planets, so for that reason, it seems to me, Pluto cannot legitimately be categorized as a planet. So if Pluto’s not a planet, what is it? A moon of one of the outer planets that broke free? A monster comet? A weird missing link? Good questions, all. Unfortunately, we just don’t know.
On Aug. 24, 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a “dwarf planet.” It was in 1930 that Clyde Tombaugh found Pluto, and some of his ashes were carried onboard the New Horizons spacecraft as it sped past and explored this distant world in 2015. Those who are more sentimental than scientific believe that this reclassification is an insult to the man who was so very proud of being the discoverer of the last
planet of our solar system. I knew Clyde, and I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t bother him one bit. In fact, I suspect he would be even more honored to be the discoverer of the first of an entirely new class of worlds! Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
L O S T I N S U B U R B I A
The Fine Line Between Goo and Slime BY TRACY BECKERMAN I was talking to a friend one night when I abruptly ended the conversation. “I’m sorry, I have to go,” I said. “Otherwise I’ll miss the 8:16.” “Oh, are you catching a train?” she asked me. “No,” I replied. “An alien.” The truth was, we had a quandary. Well, it wasn’t really that much of a quandary. It was more like an event. A very long, slow and slimy event. It started one day when I was outside pruning my plants. I looked down and noticed a path of slime across my back patio. I hosed it down, but when I returned to the patio the next day, a new line of slime was there. The slime reappeared for several days running, and it was always in the same place, starting at one end of the patio and ending at the other. Since I’m not all that familiar with things that make small, narrow lines of slime, I was curious to find out what was behind it. “I think it might be very small, slimy
aliens,” I said to my husband. “No doubt,” he said. “I’m sure the first thing aliens would want to do after landing on our planet is take a tour of our back patio.” “Go ahead and laugh, but I’m going on a scientific fact-finding mission to solve the mystery of the slime line.” “What if they really are aliens and you get abducted?” he said. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” I replied. “That’s fine,” he said. “But can you pick up the dry cleaning before you get abducted by the aliens?” The next night at 7 p.m., I went outside and saw no sign of aliens or anything else making slime. I returned at 7:30 p.m. and then 8 p.m., but there was still no slime. But when I went out to my patio at 8:30 p.m., I caught the culprit slime-handed. It was, in fact, a slug, and a pretty large one at that. It was the usual sluggy orange color with two feelers on the top of its head. There was nothing really remarkable about it at all, other than the fact that it seemed to come
back every night. The next night I went out at 8 p.m. again and waited. Sure enough, the slug arrived at 8:16 to do his thing. And the next night. And the next. Naturally I wondered where he was going and why he did it at the same exact time every night, but the bigger question was how he got back to the other side of the yard by 8:16 the next night. I finally decided to stake out the slug to the end of his trip. I waited with a flashlight until the slug had made its way nearly to the end of the patio. But before he could finish his journey, a bird swooped out of the sky and scooped it up with his beak. However, the slug must have tasted nasty because the bird flew back across the patio and spit the slug back out on the other side. Mystery solved. So the same bird picks up the same slug every night at the same time?” my husband asked me. Apparently,” I replied. “I guess the bird doesn’t like the taste of slugs,” he said. I shrugged. “Or maybe the taste of
slimy little aliens.” 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
Crossword Answers
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Practical steps to afford a home in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens BY PHILIP A. RAICES For many Long Islanders and Queens residents, the dream of homeownership can seem more challenging than ever. Rising home prices, elevated mortgage interest rates, increasing insurance premiums, property taxes, and maintenance costs have caused many first-time buyers to wonder whether owning a home is still within reach. The encouraging news is that homeownership remains achievable—but today’s buyers need a well-thoughtout strategy, financial discipline, and a willingness to explore every available opportunity. Whether you’re purchasing a single-family home, condominium, cooperative apartment, or a residence within a homeowners association (HOA), preparation is the key to success. Here are the practical steps buyers can take to make homeownership more affordable.
Step 1: Know Exactly What You Can Comfortably Afford
Many buyers make the mistake of shopping based on the maximum amount a lender approves rather than what comfortably fits their monthly budget. A lender may approve you for a mortgage payment that stretches your finances, but homeownership involves much more than principal and interest. Buyers should also account for: • Property taxes • Homeowners insurance • Flood insurance (where applicable) • HOA or condominium common charges • Co-op maintenance fees • Utilities • Repairs and maintenance • Emergency savings A comfortable monthly payment is far more valuable than purchasing the most expensive property possible.
Step 2: Improve Your Credit Before Shopping
Your credit score directly influences your mortgage interest rate. A borrower with excellent credit may save hundreds of dollars every month compared to someone with only average credit. Before applying for a mortgage: • Pay all bills on time. • Reduce credit card balances below 30% of available credit. • Avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts. • Review your credit reports for errors. • Avoid financing automobiles or large purchases before closing.
Even improving your score by 20 to 40 points may qualify you for a better interest rate.
Step 3: Save More Than the Down Payment
Many buyers believe the down payment is their only major expense. In reality, buyers should prepare for: • Closing costs • Home inspection • Attorney fees • Appraisal • Moving expenses • Immediate repairs • Furniture and appliances • Utility deposits Creating a reserve fund before purchasing provides valuable peace of mind after moving into your new home.
Step 4: Consider Condominiums and Co-ops
Many first-time buyers immediately search for single-family homes, even though condominiums and cooperative apartments often provide a more affordable entry into homeownership. Condominiums Condos generally offer: • Lower purchase prices • Exterior maintenance handled by the association • Amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses • Greater financing flexibility than co-ops Monthly common charges should always be included when calculating affordability. Cooperative Apartments Queens and parts of Nassau County offer many attractive co-op opportunities. Although co-ops have stricter approval requirements, they frequently provide: • Lower purchase prices • Reduced property maintenance responsibilities • Stable communities • Excellent locations near transportation Buyers should carefully review the building’s financial statements and reserve funds before making an offer.
Step 5: Understand HOA Fees
Many buyers focus exclusively on mortgage payments while overlooking HOA fees. Homeowners association fees may cover:
• • • • • •
Landscaping Snow removal Roof replacement Exterior maintenance Clubhouses Security
Step 6: First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Many buyers fail to realize that New York offers valuable assistance programs. Depending upon income and qualifications, buyers may benefit from: • Down payment assistance • Closing cost grants • Low-interest mortgage programs • Fixed-rate financing • Educational homeownership counseling These programs can significantly reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
Step 7: Expand Your Geographic Search
Many buyers limit themselves to one or two neighborhoods. Expanding your search by just a few miles may reveal substantial savings while maintaining access to quality schools, transportation, shopping, and employment centers. Communities throughout western Suffolk, central Nassau, eastern Queens, and emerging neighborhoods continue to offer excellent long-term value.
Step 8: Buy a Home With Good “Bones”
Not every home needs to be fully renovated. Homes needing cosmetic improvements often sell below comparable move-in-ready properties. Simple improvements such as: • Painting • Flooring • Landscaping • Lighting • Kitchen hardware • Bathroom updates Buying potential instead of perfection often produces the greatest longterm equity.
Step 9: Work With Experienced Professionals
Purchasing a home involves far more than finding a property online. An experienced real estate professional can help buyers: • Identify overpriced listings • Negotiate effectively • Understand local market trends • Locate off-market opportunities
• Evaluate neighborhood appreciation potential • Coordinate inspections and financing Likewise, knowledgeable mortgage professionals can identify financing programs that many buyers never discover on their own.
Step 10: Budget Beyond the Purchase
A wise homeowner plans for future expenses. Set aside funds each month for: • Roof replacement • Heating and cooling systems • Appliances • Plumbing repairs • Landscaping • Unexpected emergencies Owning a home is both a financial investment and an ongoing responsibility. Building a maintenance reserve helps prevent small repairs from becoming financial burdens.
The Bottom Line
Despite today’s higher home prices and borrowing costs, homeownership in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens remains attainable for buyers who prepare thoughtfully and make informed decisions. Success isn’t simply about finding the least expensive property— it’s about purchasing the right property with a payment that fits comfortably within your financial plan. 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). Continued on page 5
Friday, August 14, 2026 Discovery
R E A L E S T A T E W A T C H
Discovery Friday, Friday, August 14, 2026
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S O C I A L S E C U R I T Y A N D Y O U
There Is a Reason for the Rules BY TOM MARGENAU People often complain to me about Social Security rules that they think are unnecessary. But there is almost always a good reason for the rules. I’ve saved up some emails from readers that explain what I am talking about. Q. I am 62 years old and not working -- although I did work for about 30 years. My 61-year-old husband just died. We were married for 35 years. I tried to file for widow’s benefits online and learned I can’t do it that way. I have to make an appointment. This makes no sense. It looked like claims for all other Social Security benefits can be filed online. So why not widow’s benefits? A: It used to be easier to file for widow’s benefits, including online applications. But then a government watchdog agency did a study and learned that many widows were losing out on benefits they were due because the online process didn’t sufficiently explain their options. In your case, for example, you could file for reduced widow’s benefits now, and then at age 67, switch to full retirement benefits. Or you could wait until 70 and get a 28% delayed retirement bonus added to your monthly retirement checks. Another option you would have is to file for reduced retirement benefits now, and switch to full widow’s benefits when you reach full retirement age. So during an in-person interview, the Social Security rep would explain these options to you. Which option you pick depends on the money amounts involved. There are exceptions to the in-person interview requirement. For example, if you are over your full retirement age and were getting spousal benefits on your husband’s record before he died, you will be simply converted to widow’s benefits once you notify the Social Security Administration of the death. Q. My 91-year-old mother recently moved in with us. I tried to change her address in the SSA’s records, but they won’t let me. Why not? A: It has to do with privacy laws. Those laws say you can’t have access to someone else’s Social Security records -- even your own mother’s. I know you are just trying to help her. But the law is very strict about this. If your mother is mentally incapable of handling her own Social Security affairs, then you can file to be what the SSA calls her “representative payee.” Once you have that designation, you can handle all of your mom’s Social Security matters, including filing a change of address. However, if your mom is still mentally competent, then you are just going to have to figure out some way for her to
contact the SSA to change her address. Q: I’m trying to help my aging father with his Social Security affairs. I have been appointed his power of attorney. But the Social Security people say this isn’t good enough. That makes no sense. A: Well, it will make sense when you hear my explanation. As I pointed out in the answer to the prior question, it all comes down to those privacy laws. Only your dad can have access to his Social Security records -- unless he is judged to be mentally incompetent. And if he is, then you have to file to be his “representative payee.” The reason that power of attorney status doesn’t work is that you can get that designation for a variety of reasons. For example, your dad may be totally mentally capable, but he just needs your help dealing with various legal obligations. That and other reasons are why “power of attorney” is not good enough for Social Security matters. Q. I’m getting ready to file for Social Security. I’ve been told I need to provide my birth certificate. Why? I’ve got a driver’s license and military discharge papers and passport and other government documents, all of which show my date of birth. If it’s good enough for other government agencies, including other federal agencies, why isn’t it good enough for Social Security? A: It’s because those other agencies are usually only marginally interested in your date of birth, but the Social Security Administration is keenly interested. Why? Because your date of birth is a key factor -- actually it is the most important factor -- in determining your eligibility for, and the amount of, your Social Security benefits. Because it is so vital, it is crucial that the SSA have access to your birth certificate. For even more on this issue, check out the answer to the next question. Q. I am about to file for Social Security. I was born in England but have lived in the U.S. since childhood. Although not impossible, it will be difficult for me to get my birth certificate. I have lots of other records that have my birth date on them, including even old school records. But the Social Security people want me to get my birth certificate. Why? A: I’ll start out with the same point I made in the prior answer. Your date of birth is the most crucial element to your Social Security claim. And the issue of which records can be used to prove your date of birth has been studied over and over again by the SSA. And every study I’ve ever seen comes down to this fact: the oldest record of your birth is the best record of your birth. So obviously a record made around the day of your birth (a birth certificate) is going to be at the
top of the list. Of course, there are a few cases where a birth certificate for a person was simply never recorded, or was destroyed in a fire, or for whatever reason is just not available. In those cases, the SSA still falls back on that “the oldest record is the best record” maxim. For example, they might use a religious record of birth -- if the person was baptized at an early age. Or early school or government census records also can be used. But in your
case, since your birth certificate exists, you are going to have to try to get it.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E
Answers on page 2
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It may be one pretty word after another BY CLAIRE LYNCH Every so often I read a survey about different topics and what I read recently was about the most beautiful word in English. It turns out there were three top runners: diaphanous, ethereal and mellifluous. After a lot of discussion the winner turned out to be “diaphanous” because it sounded so pretty or as they said the word flows smoothly with soft, airy syllables. I found it a little hard to believe but when a survey is published it’s published and that’s final. Turns out it was coordinated by Babbel and the Poetry Society of America. Diaphanous is something light, delicate and translucent such as thin, elegant fabric. The second word chosen is “ethereal” which is a perfectly good word that means something extremely delicate and light, seeming otherworldly or too perfect for this world. An example of the word in a sentence is, “Her ethereal voice sounded as if it belonged to a choir of angels.” The third word “mellifluous” is a pretty word that means a voice or a sound that is sweetly flowing, melodic and pleasant to listen to. Some would say that “the actor has a mellifluous voice that is soothing.” The runner-up to those three words was “halcyon” which means happy, prosperous and calm. I’ve heard it said that the halcyon days in the movie industry were in the 1930s - 1950s when it was the Golden Age of Hollywood. There’s nothing wrong with this word
except that it’s a bit old-fashioned and you don’t hear it used so much anymore. I was familiar with three of the four words - with ethereal, mellifluous and halcyon - but not with diaphanous. My guess is that most people wouldn’t know what the word diaphanous means or how to use it in everyday conversation. Plus it’s not easy to spell. The other three words sound a bit complex and kind of mysterious but the fact is they are perfectly good words in the English language. I don’t want to offend the experts who chose the top three most beautiful words in English this year but the fact is people just don’t use them very often. I realize that the English language is comprised of basic words and longer multi-syllabic words and sometimes you can break them down to their roots and figure out their meaning but in talking with everyday people I like to use basic words. That way everybody is getting the meaning of the vocabulary words and not getting confused by the complicated ones like diaphanous. As an English major I’ve spent many years dealing with words - using them in sentences as well as in conversations and speeches - and I’ve searched my memory but I can’t think of one time in my life when I’ve used the word diaphanous either when conversing with someone or in a written text. On another note, each year new words are added to the dictionary and recent words include things such as “delulu” which is shorthand for delusional and “bingo card” which in slang
isn’t a reference to the game bingo and its 25 little squares. The phrase “not on my bingo card” is used to describe a completely unexpected or bizarre event such as when someone says, “I was out driving and a sudden blizzard wasn’t on my bingo card.” “Lithe” is another runner-up word that used to be used by people a lot more often. I don’t hear it in conversation or see it on the written page much anymore. It means that someone is graceful and supple such as, “The ballet dancer moved across the stage with a lithe and effortless grace.” Whenever I watch “Dancing with the Stars” on TV I’m amazed at how well the professional dancers and the guest dancers dance to the music whether the guest dancers are celebrities we recognize or not. So many dancers seem to burst with energy and glide across the stage. Their moves definitely look lithe although that’s not a word I normally would use to describe them. I also came across the word “clout” which once again doesn’t have the same connotation that we thought it meant say 40 years ago. Today in slang clout means gaining notoriety especially on social media. Gaining followers is the name of the game on various social media platforms and what lengths will some creators go to in order to boost their own visibility? They are often called “clout chasers.” It is said that back in the olden days the phrase “cellar door” was praised for its aesthetic sound rather than its meaning. Cellar doors are those
heavy-duty doors used to access storm shelters during severe weather such as the tornado in Kansas during “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s also where many people typically store their tools and shelve their canned vegetables. Linguists as a group appreciate it for its rolling consonants and open vowels, hence the way “cellar door” rolls off the tongue. Serendipity also has a way of rolling off the tongue and so does effervescent. Some linguistics professors that I have known strike me as very particular when it comes to words and usage. They realize that the rules of grammar and English that we are taught in school and how people actually speak when among friends and relatives are often very different. It’s a matter of the time and place - and what’s appropriate to the circumstances. Back in the day my grandmother who was an elementary schoolteacher used to talk about diction and we kids would ask, “What’s that?” Then she would start talking about elocution and we would run into another room. As young kids we didn’t want to hear about proper English. No, thank you. When I read the survey of the most beautiful words in the English language I laughed and thought that this may have been a case of “stranger than fiction” except the words aren’t fiction at all. They are very real, live words some people bandy about - wittingly and unwittingly.
R E A L E S T A T E W A T C H
Practical steps to afford a home in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Continued from page 3
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
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ital 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
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Grilling enthusiasts know there’s no limits when it comes to foods that can be improved when cooked over an open flame. The unique flavor profile of foods cooked on the grill is impossible to match, and that’s perhaps one reason why grilling devotees are willing to try their hand at grilling anything. Perhaps no food is less associated with grilling than a banana. But this recipe for
“Grilled Bananas Stuffed With Marshmallows and Chocolate Squares” from Lines+Angles is proof that all foods can be given a new and flavorful life when cooked over an open flame. Come your next backyard barbecue, surprise guests when it comes time to serve dessert with this flavorful and indulgent treat. Makes 4 servings
4 unpeeled ripe bananas 2 milk chocolate candy bars (Hershey's recommended)
1⁄2 cup miniature marshmallows
1) Set the grill up for direct grilling and preheat to medium heat. 2) Slit each banana lengthwise through the peel, making sure not to cut all the way through. Open the peel and banana wider to form a pocket. 3) Unwrap the candy bars and
separate the chocolate squares. Stuff each banana with marshmallows, followed by chocolate squares. 4) Grill for 5 to 8 minutes, or until marshmallows and chocolate are melted. Serve and enjoy.
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SERVICE DIRECTORY GENERAL CONTRACTOR
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MASONRY
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Family Owned & Operated | Fully Insuredd
CJM Contracting Inc.
Specializing in General Contracting, Including Churches & Cathedrals ALL RENOVATIONS, EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Carpentry Roofing • Flat Shingle • Attics • Masonry Stoops • Brickwork • Waterproofing • Pointing Windows • Power Washing • Painting FREE ESTIMATES • LICENSED & INSURED • SMALL JOBS WELCOME
CHRIS MULLINS (516) 428-5777
LIC. #H18C602000 Liability, Disability & W/C INS.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
*CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS TOP BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES* WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU FREE CONSULTATION
516-426-2890
WWW.MADEINTHESHADENSLI.COM
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MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS Family Owned & Operated Since 1992 Serving All of Nassau County, Suffolk County, and NYC
Our Professional Services
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• Pavers • Brick Work • Retaining Walls • Stone Work • Sidewalks & Curbs
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Call Andrew: (516) 659-1003 Call Frank: (516) 316-5560
wellingtonmasonry.com NYC License #213379 • Nassau County #204667 Suffolk County #HI-73174
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Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals. CUSTOM FRAMING
JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING Over 30 Years in Business We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from
516-775-9495 92 Covert Ave., Stewart Manor HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 @jacks_custom_framing jackmccullough@me.com
PAINTING & WALLPAPER est. 1978
Interior and Exterior • Plaster/Spackle Light Carpentry • Decorative Moldings Power Washing 516-385-3132 New Hyde Park
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Queens (718) 776-7475
901 Stewart Ave., Ste 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.DangeloLawAssociates.com
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15 Friday, August 14, 2026
SERVICE DIRECTORY
THEATER
Friday, August 14, 2026
16
Strongbox Theater is op Dear Floral Park Villager Readers Strongbox Theater is open. STR6NGBOX
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Come ha Come have a drink at o second drink at our bar! second
STR6NGBOX
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Annual Annual S aOrf 1S Or 1 f P I P a ..;I,. I Festival ..;I,.
Join us for a night of original, fun and slightly inappropriate 10-minute comedies.
THU & FRI Join us for a night of original, fun and SATURDAY slightly inappropriate 10-minute comedies.
THU & FRI 4pm-11pm 4pm-11pm
SATURDAY
Festival II' SUNDAY
4pm-10pm
Directed by: Nathan Flower, Matt Gehring, Bob Spiotto, Emily Vaeth & Zoe Zifer STRONGBOX THEATER July 31 - Aug 16, 2026 Fridays 8pm, Directed by: Nathan □Flower, Matt Gehring, Bob Spiotto, , · •• Saturdays 2pm & 8pm, Sundays 2pm Suggested for ages 16+ Tickets $�0 at strongboxtheater.com □ -�
SUNDAY
II'
40 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY strongboxtheater.com
Emily Vaeth & Zoe Zifer STRONGBOX THEATER 40 Main Street, East Rockaway, NV July 31 - Aug 16, 2026 Fridays 8pm,
□
, · •• Saturdays 2pm & 8pm, Sundays 2pm Suggested for ages 16+ Tickets $�0 at strongboxtheater.com □ -�
STRONGBO
40 Main Street, Ea strongboxt
STRONGBOX THEATER 40 Main Street, East Rockaway, NV
COME HAVE A DRINK AT OUR BAR! THU & FRI: 4–11PM | SAT: 4–11PM | SUN: 4–10PM
STRONGBOX THEATER
40 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518 516-855-0744 strongboxtheater.com