The Syosset Advance

Members of Syosset High School’s Association of Creative Thespians presented a holiday-themed, cabaret-esque performance at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. See page 14. Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District

Syosset Bd. protests pick for Education Secretary

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

Joining a growing number of tristate area public school districts ready to oppose President Donald Trump’s cabinet choice for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, at their January 25 meeting the Syosset Board of Education approved a detailed resolution against her appointment and outlined its reasons clearly, as 200 members of the school community listened. A clear majority of the crowd of residents applauded and some offered public comments thanking the board for the resolution.

The district’s reasons included its prior opposition to excessive student testing, opposition

to the proliferation of charter schools, support of the national public education systems and being a well-recognized regional example of public schools that accomplishes its mission of having students lead lives that fulfill their highest potential.

Through the resolution, Syosset’s school board puts it bluntly, writing that at her Senate confirmation hearing DeVos was unable to “satisfactorily describe how she would resolve the conflicts of interest presented by her extensive investments in organizations that may benefit from her actions as Education Secretary.”

The board resolution outlined specific issues that DeVos’

background has brought forward for discussions among education leaders, some of which other top Long Island school boards such as Garden City’s have echoed as questionable points. Syosset Central School District put the following in the board’s resolution:

“Ms. DeVos’ extensive philanthropic investments have served to undermine public education by promoting charter school and voucher systems. Ms. Devos had an opportunity to demonstrate her fitness, philosophy, and ethical independence for the position of Secretary of Education during her Senate confirmation hear-

See page 8

For Syosset schools, canceling property sale carries price tag

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

The Syosset Central School District Board of Education canceled a controversial land sale during its January 25th meeting, which could pose financial and other repercussions in the future.

The district rescinded its decision to sell a parcel of land in Woodbury that is adjacent to Walt Whitman Elementary on Jericho Turnpike and Woodbury Road, with the hope that it can put “water under the bridge” between all factions of residents in this eclectic community.

All board members voted in favor of rescinding the original contract of sale ($5 million) and paying for inconveniencing the developer while satisfying the Syosset / Woodbury rallying cry that packed board meetings December 19, 2016, and again on January 25.

In return for doing an about-face and backing out of the deal, the Syosset school district negotiated compensation to its buyer. It will be paying $125,000 to developer Basser Kaufman Realty, in settlement of any potential claim of breach of contract. That sum and the compromising position this district is now in was criticized at times but also lauded by different residents of the community. While the school board listened closely, its statement as of January 25 reflects much scrutiny of its legal standing.

“As the community can see the board has on its January agenda to enter into a settlement agreement which includes termination of the contract of sale for the Woodbury property. The board understands that during the audience to the public portion of this meeting there will be people addressing the board concerning this resolution. On advice of counsel the school board will not be responding to any statements or questions concerning the proposed agreement prior to consideration of the resolution, so as to avoid any liability to the board. As the board and counsel previously advised the community, the agreement between the developer and the school district does not provide for termination of the agreement by the district. The agreement which the board will consider tonight was negotiated by the school district counsel after they were notified of a potential claim from the developer that the board had breached its obligation to cooperate in connection with the development of the property,” explained School Board President Dr. Michael Cohen. He was asked by counsel to read that statement before the public comment period.

As Cohen described last week, there were a lot of highly charged emotions in the room on December 19 when the community spoke up against the property sale. Strong sentiments carried forward five weeks later, although new context and developments with the sale were in the mix. Conversation flowed, marking progress in itself. But the school district’s inability to communicate with all community members last fall, when an initial contract with Basser

See page 8

Syosset CSD named no. 16 in the nation by Niche.com

Website Niche.com has recognized the Syosset Central School District as one of the premiere school districts in the nation. Last month, the website ranked Syosset No. 5 among school districts in New York State. Now it has named Syosset the 16th best district in the entire country.

The organization ranks over 8,000 public school districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents. The latest study factored in Syosset’s academics, administrative leadership, college readiness, clubs and activities, diversity, food, attention to health and safety, resources and facilities for students, sports programs and quality of teaching. Syosset received an A+ grade in most categories including top colleges that students are interested in and a “very high” enrollment in advanced mathematics as well as high participation and success in advanced placement programs.

“Being ranked 16th in the country brings national attention to a program that we already believe serves our students exceptionally well,” said

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tom Rogers. “Niche.com measures many different aspects of school life. While academic success is an area of important recognition, it’s gratifying to receive attention for being a well-rounded system with an abundance of diverse and rewarding extracurricular opportunities, as well as resources that help students to achieve success in college, careers and life.”

In addition to last month’s statewide ranking, Syosset schools have previously received high rankings from Niche. com, including No. 3 for teaching for the current year. Last year, the site recognized Syosset High School as one of the top high schools in the country, joining the Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report as institutions that rate Syosset among the best in the state and nation.

Niche.com provides information on K-12 schools, colleges and neighborhoods, using comprehensive school data from the U.S. Department of Education as well as school reviews and online survey responses.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Syosset man who impersonated Federal Air Marshal pleads guilty

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Syosset man arrested in Dec. 2015 for impersonating a federal air marshal and who was found with multiple weapons in his car and home pleaded guilty to four charges in satisfaction of a 51-count indictment.

Mark Vicars, 50, pleaded guilty today before Supreme Court Justice William Donnino to three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree (a C violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree (a D felony). The NCDA is recommending a sentence of 15 years in prison. The defendant is due back in court on March 3.

“This defendant masqueraded as a federal air marshal for years and possessed an incredibly dangerous arsenal of weapons that included handguns, an assault weapon and more than 8,300 rounds of ammunition,” DA Singas said. “Thankfully, this defendant’s ridiculous farce came to end when our partners in law enforcement, based on a tip, arrested him and discovered his stockpile of illegal weapons.”

DA Singas said that Nassau County Police Department Special Investigation Squad detectives, working with the New York office of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Transportation Security Administration, initiated a traffic stop of the defendant on Jericho Turnpike in Syosset on Dec. 3, 2015. Vicars allegedly pulled over and activated emergency lights on his 2014 Dodge Durango. The defendant produced a fraudulent shield and credentials that identified him as a federal air marshal. Vicars was found to be in possession of a loaded .380 pistol and a knife. A loaded assault rifle, ballistic body armor, a tactical vest, eight high capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found in the back seat of the car.

After obtaining a search warrant at the defendant’s home, detectives recovered more weapons and approximately 8,300 rounds of ammunition.

The defendant pleaded guilty to illegally possessing an AR-15 assault rifle, a Ruger pistol, a Smith and Wesson revolver, a Springfield Armory pistol, a Sig Sauer pistol and two Glock pistols.

Bias incident in Jericho

Nassau County Police are investigating a bias incident that was observed on Sunday, January 29, at 8:23 am in Jericho.

According to detectives, while out walking her dog in front of the Matthew D. Lynch Field, Hazelwood Drive and Merry Lane, a swastika, made up of “Silly String” or a similar product, was observed drawn onto the sidewalk.

Officers, who were assigned to the

incident at 10:22 am, once 911 was contacted, were unable to locate the swastika, but did observe “Silly String” on the ground. The reporting person was able to provide detectives with a photo of the swastika that she took at the time it was observed.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Syosset HS Theatre Arts to perform “Hair”

Familiar songs will bring you to your feet when Syosset High School Theatre Arts presents “Hair,” the American Tribal Rock Musical. Showtimes will be 7pm, Thursday, March 16; 7:30pm, Friday, March 17; 7:30pm, Saturday, March 18 and 2pm, Sunday, March 19, 2017. “Hair” is the story of a “tribe” of bohemian, politically-active hippies in late 60s New York City. They fight against enlistment and the Vietnam War, while trying to balance their lives, loves, their conservative parents and society. General admission tickets are $15. Percentage of ticket sales go to the Syosset PTA-STA Scholarship Fund.

AdelphiUniversity

Join us for our Friday, March 31, 2017, event, “What Now?” Adelphi University Performing Arts Center Westermann Stage, Concert Hall Garden City, New York

The event runs from 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with lunch provided. Early-bird pricing in effect until March 1: $25 general admission, $15 students

Space is limited.

For more information, visit tedxadelphiuniversity.com or contact us at tedxadelphiuniversity@gmail.com or 516.877.3792

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized, subject to certain rules and regulations.

February 3

“How The JFK Assassination Changed the Constitution” will be discussed by James Coll, Adjunct Professor of American and Constitution History with Nassau Community College at 2 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library.

February 4

At 10 a.m. at the Jericho Public Library, children in grades 3 to 5 are welcomed to the “Library Learning Lab” for a craft and the movie “Flubber”.

The Jericho Public Library will hold a “Meet the Artist Reception” from 2 to 4 p.m. today to introduce February’s art on display, “Between the Lines 2.0 by Peter Schachter”.

February 5

Vladimir Zaistev, pianist, will perform “Baroque To Beatles” at 2 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library. Tickets will be available in advance of the concert.

February 7

“The Beatles: Eight Days a Week –The Touring Years” will be shown at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. Unrated, the film is137 minutes long.

The Children’s Room of the Jericho Public Library will hold a craft program to make a clay sculpture for children in grades 1 through 6 at 7 p.m. Please register in advance to attend.

February 8

The Syosset Public Library invites children in grades Kindergarten through 2nd to join “60 Second Challenge” with the Jump Bunch, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Limited registration is available.

February 9

The Passionate Reader, an afternoon book group at the Jericho Public Library, will meet at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. The session will be led by Mary Hirdt. At 2 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, Richard Knox will examine “Sight and Sound: Integration of Film Montage and Music”.

What's Happening

The Young Adult Corner at the Jericho Public Library will provide an SAT and ACT Info Session with Curvebreakers, from 7 to 8 p.m. and offer an opportunity to sign up for a practice exam on February 12.

February 10

“Our Little Sister”, a Japanese film with English subtitles, will be shown at 2 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library. Rated PG, 128 minutes long.

At 2 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, the film “Money Monster” will be shown. Rated R, the film runs 95 minutes.

February 11

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Syosset Public Library for children in grades Kindergarten to 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Children will hear stories about the traditions and enjoy making a craft project. Advanced registration is recommended.

February 13

The Board of Trustees of the Jericho Public Library will meet at 7:30 p.m. this evening. The public is invited to attend.

From 7 to 8 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, a “Valentine Craft” program will be held for children in grades Kindergarten through 2nd.

February 14

In a special program for Valentine’s Day, John Kenrick, musical theatre and film historian, will be at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. to talk about Larry Hart, “My Funny Valentine”.

February 15

The Syosset Public Library will host “Current Events In Perspective” with Michael D’Innocenzo, Hofstra University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at 2 p.m.

“Lego Fun” will be held at the Syosset Public Library from 4 to 4:45 p.m. for children in grades 3 to 5.

The Long Island Water Program, with Matthew T. Rizzo, Project Manager of Grassroots Environmental

Education, will be the subject of a session at the Jericho Library at 7 p.m.

February 16

The film “The Birth of a Nation” will be shown at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library. Rated R, the film is 120 minutes long.

February 17

At 11 a.m. at the Syosset Public Library, Mary Milano Carter, MS, ANP-BC, RN-BC will be sharing information on “Pain Management”.

The Great Performers series at the Jericho Public Library will bring a program on Humphrey Bogart, “Here’s Looking At You” at 2 p.m.

Senior Net will present a program on “The Cloud, Demystified” at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m.

February 20

The children’s film “Finding Dory” will be shown at the Syosset Public Library at 11 a.m. Rated PG and running 97 minutes, this is a movie for the whole family.

The Teen Program at the Syosset Public Library will host a food preparation session with Rob Scott from 7 to 8 p.m. and “Stuff-a-Panini Pizza Sticks” will be the result. Please register in advance.

February 21

A special holiday program will be offered at the Jericho Public Library for children in grades Kindergarten and up at 11 a.m. Christopher Agostino will hold a program of “StoryFaces” to tell stories and use transformative face painting. Advanced registration is required.

A program of “Tech Buddies For Adults” will match up a teen with an adult who needs help with mobile electronic devices and computers. The program runs from 2 to 3:30 pm. at the Syosset Public Library.

February 22

Professor Thomas Germano will be at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. to discuss “The Art of the Mexican Revolution” in the continuation of the Library’s art lecture series.

A German film with English subtitles will be shown at the Jericho Public Library at 7 p.m. “The People vs. Fritz Bauer” is rated R and runs 105 minutes.

February 23

“Phenomenal Physics With Mr. Fish” is a combination of science and circus skills that will be held for ages 4 and older at the Jericho Public Library at 11 a.m. Tickets will be available in advance of the performance.

The Syosset Public Library presents “Bubblemania” at 2:30 p.m. for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th. Limited registration begins February 2.

February 24

“Genius”, a PG-13 rated film, will be shown at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m. 104 minutes long.

February 25

A cooking demonstration will be held at the Jericho Public Library at 11:30 a.m. with Lucy Van Horn. The program will be on “Table Top Adventure – Spa Cuisine”. Space is limited, so please register in advance.

February 26

“An Aesthetic Realism Cabaret About Love & Everyone’s Hopes” will be presented at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. and tickets will be obtained through the Library.

February 27

“Queen of Katwe”, is the story of a Ugandan girl who is introduced to the game of chess and how it changes her life. The film is rated PG and is124 minutes long.

Compiled by Meg Meyer

Get Results!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for more information.

Syosset and Hicksville Rotaries welcome District Governor

Bob Mittleman, Syosset-Woodbury Rotary President; MJ Fitzgerald, Rotary District Governor; Donna Rivera-Downey, Hicksville Rotary President; Diane P. Marmsann, Assistant District Governor.

The Syosset-Woodbury and Hicksville Rotaries welcomed MJ Fitzgerald, Rotary District Governor, to a joint meeting held recently at Andrea’s 25 in Woodbury. The District Governor has as one of her goals to visit all the Rotary Clubs throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau and Suffolk during her term of service. She spoke to the club about Rotary’s main goal of

defeating polio throughout the world. Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world that still suffer from this debilitating disease. Ms. Fitzgerald also spoke about upcoming club activities, the Gift of Life program, Rotary Foundation, and RotaCare. Both clubs hope to schedule joint meetings in the future.

• If you want a deep cleaning facial (remove all black and white heads) with skin looking clean and gorgeous COME TO US!

• If you want perfect eyebrow shapes… COME TO US!

• If you want safe waxing & electrolysis with good results… COME TO US!

Joe Saladino sworn in as Oyster Bay Town Supervisor

BY GARY SIMEONE

In a special Town of Oyster Bay meeting on Tuesday morning, the Town Board appointed and swore in State Assemblyman Joe Saladino, of Massapequa Park to the position of Town Supervisor. The position was recently held by longtime Supervisor John Venditto, who resigned after being indicted on federal corruption charges. Saladino will serve the remainder of Venditto’s term and will have to face re-election this November.

In a statement to the public, Saladino said that he would work diligently in his new role as Town Supervisor to help fix the many problems that the Town faces.

“I have worked hard to produce for the taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay,” said Saladino. “I’m ready, willing and able to fix the problems in this town. It’s time to bring pride back to the Town of Oyster Bay. I love this town and as a long-time resident I understand the problems in this town.”

He said that the town needs a fulltime supervisor to take charge of matters, fix its problems, and get the town back on track.

Saladino was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2004 represent-

ing the 9th district which includes many of Long Island’s south shore communities. In the Assembly, he is one of Long Island’s minority conference leaders.

Deputy Supervisor and Town councilman, Joseph Muscarella, who was serving as interim Supervisor in Venditto’s absence, said that the Board was holding off on their decision to name a new Supervisor.

“The board was not ready to elect a new supervisor as they were waiting for a financial rating from Moody’s Investors Services before making a decision,” said Muscarella.

That rating was received last week and Moody’s Investors Service issued the Town an investment grade rating that reestablished the Town’s credit rating with the agency.

“The Town was assigned a rating of Baa3, with a ‘stable outlook,’ acknowledging the Town’s significant improvements to actual finances for 2016, budgeted figures for 2017 and stated commitment to continue to work to eliminate fund deficits and build reserves,” said Muscarella. “The ship is continuing to move in the right direction and we remain focused upon the continued improvement of our fiscal position.”

Back from Cartagena

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

As this is written, I am flying back from Cartagena, Colombia, where I attended a wedding of a young relative in my extended family. (Very nice couple.)

Neither the bride nor groom had any connection with Colombia, but rather this was an example of a destination wedding, I’m told the latest trend among many young people. I have no idea whether this movement toward weddings at beautiful resort destinations will continue (some pluses, some minuses), but this was certainly an excellent and enjoyable experience for me in a beautiful setting. It also was a great opportunity to spend time with relatives at a happy occasion rather than at a funeral.

Cartagena, just a 5 hour direct flight from JFK, is very much worth visiting, even if you don't have relatives who decide to get married there. It is very historic, founded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century as a port to export gold and silver (and, sadly, to import slaves from Africa). After Cartagena was pillaged by British pirate Sir Francis Drake, among others, the city fathers decided that it should be a walled city, which certainly adds to its charms. There are many examples of Spanish rule in town, including a place where the inquisition was conducted and a historic convent and church overlooking the city on top of a hill.

Today, Cartagena, a city of about one million inhabitants, has obtained worldwide recognition as a Spanish colonial city, replete with numerous churches and plazas, as well as art and historic museums, not to mention museums about gold and emeralds. It also has many great restaurants and night spots with live music. The city is also close to a number of islands, which make for an excellent day trip to the beach. You couldn’t argue with the weather when I was there – high temperatures around 90, with refreshing breezes and no rain. And the price level for food and drink was generally low.

The Colombian people were friendly and helpful, certainly did not

exhibit any hostility to Americans and were patient with my Spanish. The city is considered safe, although reasonable precautions (not flashing expensive items, for example), are always advisable. While there are numerous vendors of all sorts of products (panama hats are one ubiquitous example), they were generally not unduly persistent.

Although I am still feeling the afterglow of an excellent trip to the tropics, I suppose I should address President Trump's immigration orders, which received much play in the local Colombian media.

I think the orders are a bit of a mixed bag. The president certainly has the duty to protect the country against radical terrorists, including those who may pose as refugees to gain entrance into the United States. Although Mr. Trump is being accused of pure anti-Muslim bias, it remains true that most Muslim majority countries (for example, Indonesia and Pakistan) were not affected by his 90 day ban on travel to the United States. A 120-day halt to refugee admission, followed by an annual admission limitation to 50,000, is not irrational. And Mr. Trump had every right to fire the holdover Obama Administration attorney general who refused to implement his orders.

On the other hand, the implementation of the program left much to be desired, and did not dispel Mr. Trump’s frequent image of acting impulsively. A key example was the initial determination, since reversed, that the no-travel order affected green card holders. This is a group of people who had already undergone a great deal of scrutiny prior to their admission. You would have thought that this point would have been clarified before the program began. Also, there seemed to be no understanding that Iraqis who helped the American effort during the war needed special priority. Also, maybe Saudi Arabia, home of the 9/11 terrorists, should have been on the affected list. Hopefully the flawed implementation is just an example of growing pains in a new administration.

About to hit a milestone?

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

THE POLICE BLOTTER

Incidents that have occurred recently in the local area include:

n

On Front Street in Uniondale, a case of Criminal Mischief was reported to have occurred sometime between 6:30 p.m.on December 30 and 9 a.m. the next morning.

n

A 49-year-old woman from Whitestone was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on January 5 and charged with Shoplifting from a store location on Old Country Road in East Garden City.

n

At Target in Westbury, a 56-year-old man from Valley Stream was arrested and charged with Shoplifting at 3:15 p.m. on January 12.

n

A 21-year-old woman from Mastic Beach was arrested at 3:45 p.m. on January 12 and charged with Shoplifting from a store location on Old Country Road in East Garden City.

n

On Old Northern Boulevard in Roslyn, a 28-year-old man from Brooklyn was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 11:35 p.m. on January 12.

n

Driving While Intoxicated was the charge brought against a 50-year-old man from Malba, when he was arrested on East Broadway in Roslyn Heights at 12:50 a.m. on January 13.

n

At Kasi Japanese Restaurant on Jericho Turnpike in Syosset, a victim discovered that the tires of his parked car had been punctured at 3:54 p.m. on January 13.

n

A 28-year-old man from Hempstead was arrested at 6 p.m. on January 13 and charged with Shoplifting from a location on Old Country Road in East Garden City.

n

On Mineola Avenue in Roslyn, a 35-year-old man from Port Washington was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 2:30 a.m. on January 14.

n

Driving While Intoxicated was the charge brought against a 34-year-old man from Roslyn Heights, when he was arrested on the North Service Road of the Long Island Expressway at Glen Cove Road in East Hills at 3:25 a.m. on January 14.

n

A 38-year-old man from Flushing was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 4:40 a.m. on January 14 on the Long Island Expressway at Exit 37 in Roslyn Heights.

n

At 5:18 a.m. on January 14, a 37-yearold woman from Woodside was arrested and was charged with Driving While

Intoxicated between Exits 37 and 39 on the Long Island Expressway in East Hills.

n

A 27-year-old man from Westbury was arrested on Post Avenue at Railroad Avenue in Westbury at 4:20 a.m. on January 14. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

n

At LA Fitness located on Marcus Avenue in North New Hyde Park, the left rear window of a victim’s parked vehicle was damaged sometime between 6 and 8 p.m. on January 14.

n

In another incident at LA Fitness on January 14, the right rear window of a parked car was broken sometime before 8:42 p.m.

n

At 7 p.m. on January 14, a victim discovered that unknown subjects damaged his vehicle as it was parked on Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead. The damage involved a broken driver’s side rear window.

n

On Merrick Avenue in Westbury, a 26-year-old woman from Baldwin was arrested on January 15 at 4:30 a.m. She was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

n

A 52-year-old man from Manorhaven was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at the intersection of Port Washington Boulevard and Bonnie Heights in Flower Hill at 4:40 a.m. on January 15.

n

At 3:22 p.m. on January 16, a 49-yearold woman from Port Washington was arrested and charged with Shoplifting from Sephora in East Garden City.

n

A 25-year-old woman was arrested at 8:35 p.m. on January 16 and charged with Shoplifting from Macy’s in East Garden City.

n

Between 12 noon on January 17 and 8 a.m. the next morning, unknown subjects dented the fuel tank of a victim’s rental vehicle as it was parked on Woodland Place in Great Neck.

n

At Macy’s in East Garden City, two 32-year-old men from Flushing were arrested and charged with Shoplifting at 8:30 p.m. on January 17.

n

At 11:25 p.m. on January 17, a 30-yearold man from Hartford, Connecticut was arrested at the Red Roof Inn parking lot on Dibblee Drive in Westbury. The subject was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

n

An unattended cell phone was stolen from a location on Maple Avenue in Westbury at 9:05 a.m. on January 18.

Compiled by Kate and Meg Meyer

For Syosset schools, canceling property sale carries price tag

From page 1

Kaufman Development was formalized and voted in favor of (8-1 with Joshua Lafazan voting nay) remains the central point in all conversations relating to the Woodbury property sale, and now the cancellation of the initial agreement. At the same time, Lafazan is being supported by some community members who see a single brave voice against the sale. Others view a mass e-mail Lafazan sent to the community as a bad omen for the school board, if the developer seeks any further litigation for breach of contract.

Dr. Mark Fierstein, the president of the Hunting Hills Civic Association, poke at the December 19 meeting about the school board’s fiduciary responsibility to the community and the potential traffic implications if the property sale and strip mall development carried through. On January 25 he once again addressed the board, saying the $125,000 sum was not atrocious because residents have made it clear it beats the alternative of allowing the deal and development.

“I don’t think that the discussions about the Woodbury school property sale were ones that were on most people’s radar. The comments I made a month ago fell into two categories; one on safety with traffic, the children and our seniors. The other was that we are very distressed that the process that the sale and board vote followed was not what we hoped our board would be doing. We sought to make sure that we did have a chance at a public referendum if we don’t pass the resolution. I think we were all aware a month ago that we probably witnessed the breach of a contract – I congratulate Josh Lafazan for having voted against the sale and two other board members vaguely expressed a similar stance (Cohen and Vice President April Neuendorf) to rebuke. But the community

also expressed that we were willing to pay for the mistake. The $125,000 does not seem like a lot to pay to stop this contract that none of us were in favor of,” Fierstein said.

Neil Goldman of Syosset spread some words of caution across the audience and school board table. Goldman has corporate experience with Ernst & Young and several other major companies. He said the factors at play here make the district walk a tightrope.

“I had no opinion on whether the sale price was right or wrong. I presumed the consideration was made from good faith and hard work and valued, well-reasoned advice from professionals. I trusted that but after receiving (Lafazan’s) email – no matter what business school or MBA program you go to the first question is always ‘what business are we in?’ It is a real simple question and I’m sure for the superintendent the one-sentence answer is ‘we are in business to educate kids.’ Being a landlord or a long-term property manager is not about educating kids,” Goldman said.

He added that Dr. Cohen’s statement from counsel and the district’s choice to decline much further comment confirmed his worst fears, as Lafazan’s mass email to community members against the sale could be a risk, a “substantial error” contributing to the $125,000 settlement.

“I became concerned about the impact to our bonding authorities, our underwriters, and what our lawyers might say as it relates to obligations and agreements. As someone as does corporation and financial contract work every day for a living it made me very concerned – there is a very delicate line where sometimes what you might want to say as an individual need to be weighed against your obligations in the professional role, and the great responsibility you take in the roles you are in,”

he said.

Nunzio Cazzetta, a retired school administrator living in Woodbury Cove, called the senior population of Syosset/ Woodbury and America in general “the forgotten generation.” At the December 19 meeting he served as the de facto spokesman for Syosset seniors who felt betrayed by the Woodbury property sale to Basser Kaufman, saying at that time with his Cove residence and that of so many octogenarians, anybody over 62 in likely their last households, to be next to a new strip mall center would be “a hell of a way to go out.”

On January 25 Cazzetta said the school board and administration should be more considerate of three local communities of seniors. They include one on Woodbury Road with the Meadows Co-Ops, a sold out 114-unit senior development; the Woodbury Gardens development sold out at 214 units, as well as his Woodbury Cove. All three are Town of Oyster Bay “Golden Age housing” eligible locations.

“The involvement of veterans (and observing Veteran’s Day on school calendars) is superb…. I would suggest the district keep its senior residents informed one way or another, develop a program where we are kept informed. We are the same group of people that you ask to come out and vote for the budget. We are the same people that were ready to move away from our families because we could not afford the school taxes. All we are asking is to be transparent and do not exclude us. I remind you that God-willing some day you will be sitting in our same seats,” he said.

Controversy was not isolated to the board’s decisions on this night. Lauren Goff of Colgate Lane in Woodbury spoke early during audience to the public. She has two kids at the high school and one in elementary school. Following the

December meeting’s uproar, her issue to contend with at this time appears to be with the level of community involvement she’s witnessed from Syosset parents, neighbors and other district stakeholders.

“I want to start by commending all the residents that turned out tonight to show their support for an issue they feel strongly about. It’s great to see all these people showing their passion and their presence. What I’d like to know is where this passion and presence is when your PTA presidents need you to serve lunches the days before vacation? Where is the passion and presence when there is a blood drive and we get a poor turnout because everyone is just too busy? Where is the passion and presence when so many volunteers are needed for PTA events and Halloween parties – everyone attends but nobody wants to volunteer. Where is this passion and presence when votes are needed to pass our budget and less than 10 percent of registered voters turn out to vote? Where is everyone when we need volunteers for PTA Council committees? These very committees discuss the issues and if you had been a part of the committees you would have been a part of the district decisions, before the contract was signed, as discussion over the Woodbury property took place over the last five years, month after month at board of education meetings,” Goff said. Former Syosset School Board President and 21-year member of the board Wendy Stapen, who told all the board trustees with the exception of Lafazan on December 19 “Shame on You!” came up to the podium to address some concerns she heard from Goff minutes into public comments.

“In terms of where were you when, where were you when – take a look around this room. I see so many people

See page 14

Syosset Bd. protests pick for Education Secretary

From page 1

ing, and she gave no indication at the hearing that she would work to reduce the volume or inappropriate use of student testing or was prepared to address controversy surrounding student testing. Ms. DeVos refused to affirm that she would hold all school systems that receive public funds to comparable accountability standards, and DeVos gave no indication at her Senate hearing that she would curtail her efforts to create a system of school vouchers that reduce funds to public school districts by redirecting them to private school systems,” the resolution reads.

Other challenges the district outlines are DeVos’ apparent lack of any confirmation to uphold current Title IX regulations regarding sexual assault

in educational institutions, and. how DeVos did not affirm a belief in holding school systems accountable to comply with the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

School Board Trustee Susan Parker spoke about opposing DeVos at the January 25 meeting. She offered some practice for residents who wish to be heard by the higher-ups in education and government.

“I am very much opposed to her appointment for all the reasons we are reading aloud (in the resolution). I have been calling my senators and congressmen, I have many contacts in my phone and the goal is communications opposing DeVos’ confirmation. The legislators or representatives do answer, and I am told every time that the more phone calls they get from the constituents, the

stronger that makes their case when our New York senators present this to the Senate floor against her confirmation as it comes to a vote. If you share the opinion that Betsey DeVos is not the best choice for this position, take it upon yourself to call your state senators and congressmen,” she said. Several people sitting in the audience applauded the advice.

School Board Trustee Joshua Lafazan, the center of another contested point of the January 25 meeting with the Woodbury property sale officially being rescinded, spoke about the DeVos’ nomination as well. He is currently completing his master’s degree in Education Policy and Management at Harvard.

“On day one of our classes in fall every student in my graduating class could clearly articulate the discern-

able difference between growth and proficiency. At her Senate confirmation hearing Ms. DeVos could not even attempt a rudimentary examination of the differences between the two. Public education is one of the most important things the government does. My public education right here in Syosset opened me up to a life that I could not have even imagined. Not only is it fair but it is just and right that every child has access to an exceptional public school in their community, with wonderful teachers. It is certainly clear that Ms. DeVos is not a champion of public education – therefore I am happy to sing my name to this resolution. I hope that our senators do in fact be the voice of the people in our governmental operations,” Lafazan said last Wednesday night.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Tiger, Tiger! On Safari in India’s Kanha National Park

BY KAREN RUBIN

(Our Royal Expeditions ‘Jungle Book Wildlife Safari and Cycling Adventure’ in central India began with our experience cycling through villages and the wildlife sanctuary, itself, and continued with game drives in Pench National Park; see 1/13, 1/20, 1/27)

It is approaching 5 pm, the final moments of our fifth and final game drive in six days of exploring India’s Pench and Kanha national parks, famous for tiger. So far, though we have seen amazing animals, birds, insects, the ultimate prize of a tiger sighting has eluded us. I have new appreciation for how elusive they are, particularly with the massive amount of forest territory and the fact they tend to be active before 8:30 am then settle down in the jungle, coming out again in the evening in this season which is approaching winter.

I have also come to suspect they have also figured out the schedule for our safari vehicles which announce our coming with loud rumbling sounds.

The light is fading. This entire drive hastily arranged in Kanha by Royal Expeditions because none of us had spotted the tigers after the four scheduled game drives so far. Nara, our naturalist/guide from Taj Safaris, is laser-focused on finding a tiger for us. We have already gotten to see most of the animals for which these parks are famous – it has been

In the last moments of our last game drive, we see not one but two tigers – male and female – at Kanha National Park in central India © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com t

thrilling to see them in such close proximity (I even got a brief sighting of a leopard!). But we have yet to catch even a glimpse of the star attraction: the tiger.

We have seen and followed tracks left on the sandy road; listened to the “alarms” sent up by the black-faced langur monkeys (that look like wise

men) that provide our guide and naturalist the best clues as to the location and movement of the tigers. The scene is quite fantastic, in fact, when one guide gives a scouting report to another, and we all tear off at great speed.

But we have yet to have the luck of being in exactly right place, right

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

time to view.

We only have 2 hours this afternoon, so he races to get to the most likely territory known for tiger – it takes 20 minutes to travel there from the entrance gate even driving so fast, bumping on the rough road and holding on tightly to the railing

See page D2

Tiger, Tiger! On Safari in India’s Kanha National Park

Continued from page D1

in the open vehicle, the park is so vast. It is quite a thrill ride.

Periodically, especially where the trails cross each other, he stops, turns off the engine, and just listens. Sometimes there is just complete (eerie) silence, but soon a fantastic cacophony jungle sounds come into focus. We hear various bird calls, which Nara identifies for us, and we find ourselves searching the trees and the sky, contenting ourselves with shooting photos of fantastic birds.

Nara and the park guide examine prints in the trail – and can tell how long ago they were made, whether a male (more rounded) or a female (more rectangular and pointed).

It is just after the rainy season, so the forest is thick, verdant and cool (actually cold in the morning); but in the intense summer heat and drought, the forest becomes dry and brown and the tigers come out to water holes (some made by the park) more predictably. So while the conditions are generally more pleasant this time of year for viewing, sightings are trickier.

Nara and the park guide who is assigned to us confer. We move on.

If we meet up with another jeep (there aren’t as many in this section of the park), they share intel, sometimes strategizing.

Whenever he stops, Nara explains his strategy for finding the tiger, based on its patterns, which is really insightful.

Other safari goers we chance to meet during our drives- particularly where we stop for breakfast – tell of their luck. A British woman makes us jealous when she shows photos she snapped

off a tiny point-and-shoot camera of a mother tiger with her cub, while we are there armed with our super duper DSLRs and 300 and 400 mm lenses, with nothing to show.

The best time to see the tiger is either very early – moments after arriving in the park (when I chance to spot a leopard on a ridge), or late in the afternoon. The park doesn’t open before 6 am, so we head out from the lodge by 5:30 am (they send us off with hot coffee and tea and biscuits, plus a blanket and hot water bottle for the safari vehicle), and it can take 40 minutes waiting at the gate in the surprisingly cold air, before we are processed, assigned a guide and a zone in the park, and allowed to enter.

So we race to get to some spot that

our naturalist and guide believe has a good likelihood for spotting tiger. Of course, along the way and throughout our tour, we see an amazing array of animals and the guide patiently waits for us to take our shots before moving on, imparting information about the various animals we see. The landscape is really beautiful, and in the morning and afternoon light, dramatic. You never know what you will spot or when, so it is constantly thrilling – you are literally hunting (with a camera).

In the first couple of game drives, we all were a lot more casual, so we spent a lot of time with the langur monkeys, rhesus monkeys, the jackals, the wild dogs, the wild pigs, the spotted deer and the swamp deer, and the myriad

birds, not to mention the insects and trees that prove quite fascinating. But as we realize our window of opportunity for seeing the tiger closing, we are a lot more single-minded in that pursuit, rushing passed scenes of animals we had already seen before.

The naturalist and guide who accompany us are earnest to the point of frantic to succeed for their tourists.

“Until people see a tiger, they can’t relax or do other things,” he tells us.

So when they get a hint of a tiger, they race with unbelievable speed, even dashing in reverse (hold on!) despite how crude the road (more of a trail) to get to a spot. Sometimes so many vehicles converge in both directions no one can move (this is particularly the case on a day that school and scout groups have come out by the dozens) – but the driver manages somehow to maneuver with tremendous skill.

This happens repeatedly with no sightings (which is why you will typically organize 3-5 game drives during your visit).

But here we are, at 5 pm, when Nara picks up on the alarm sent up by the langur monkeys. He says a steady alarm means the tiger is moving; intermittent means the tiger has stopped.

It’s our last game drive, hastily arranged by our tour company, Royal Expeditions (no small feat since permits have to be applied for in advance), our last chance. We follow the ‘alarm’ sent up by the monkeys. When their calls are not continuous, Nara can tell that the tiger has stopped moving, and calculates that it is in the middle of the forested area.

Nara has to guess which direction the

tiger will move. After about 10 minutes waiting and listening (while we happily shoot photos of birds gathering in trees above us), he picks up again and goes to the last best spot, in the direction of a meadow with tall grass that leads to the water.

Several vehicles are already parked there and in an instant, excitement:

“People lose their minds when they spot a tiger.” The naturalist tells us. The drivers, also.

Just then, the tiger emerges from the forest and crosses the road, just a few feet from the vehicle ahead of us – but we aren’t in great position to see and I am thinking how ironic this is to finally be where the tiger is, but not to actually see it.

But Nara is not to be thwarted. He maneuvers our vehicle through this enormous crowd, going off the trail into the thicket, to get us into a good position.

Meanwhile, we are holding on in open vehicles, trying to snap shots before the tiger disappears again into the forest growth.

I snap, snap, snap – get a shot (I am thinking it isn’t great, but a shot nonetheless, but actually, afterward I see I got more than a few) –before the tiger disappears into the woods.

Nara moves the vehicle again and lo

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

and behold, the tiger remerges from the wood, now crossing the road directly between our vehicle and another one, to a grassy area on her way to the water. Amazingly, a male tiger emerges and walks after her.

Most of the other vehicles have already headed out because it is literally closing time and the drivers are fined if they are late to the gate. But Nara stays. We get shot after shot as the light fades to dusk. I’m lucky, standing up on the highest perch, to get some shots of both tigers together.

I shoot frantically, not knowing how many moments I will have. I can’t even take the time to check if my setting is right. I’m going on instinct. I fight between needing fast exposure and high ISO to compensate for fading light, the darkness of the woods, and the tigers’ motion, and fear I might actually be overexposing.

By now, we are the only vehicle still remaining. We watch as the female sits in the grass, looking back at the male as he approaches her. It is quite a scene.

Finally, Nara says we have to leave and he tears off at great speed to make it back in time, while we are giddy with our good fortune: We saw not one, but two tigers!

It’s an intense, thrilling feeling. I

realize I have barely taken a breath.

The game drives have been fascinating. It is thrilling to not know what you will see, or when. Then momentary, serendipitous flashes.

Seeing the animals in their habitat, all sorts of questions and considerations come to mind.

And the landscapes are just beautiful. Kanha’s Abundance of Animals

It is remarkable how this short distance away from Pench National Park where we spent the first three days of our “Jungle Book Wildlife Safari and Cycling Adventure,” the ecology changes so much. The Kanha forest (“jungle is the Hindi word for forest) is much thicker, and because of the higher elevation, is much cooler. The Kanha National Park spans nearly 2000 sq km (only one-fifth open to tourists), and currently has an estimated 49 tigers.

Instead of a teak forest like Pench, this forest is mainly sal – a wood that was used for railroad ties; three kinds of bamboo (bamboo gets flowers only once in its life, then dies), the saga tree (the tree, with bark that looks like crocodile hide, is worshiped by the people who harvest water from it to drink when necessary); and the Mahua tree (the flowers are made into a liquor which is a big money-maker for locals. “People

WRITER’S CORNER

only collect the flowers that have fallen from the tree, which drop after midnight, to make liquor. If animals eat the flowers, they also get drunk – that’s why you might see a drunk monkey.”

The first evening at the Kanha Earth Lodge, where we stay during our time here, there is a slide presentation by the naturalist about the animals in the park”

The male spotted deer (chital) has antlers to attract a female. “He will put grass into the antler to look more handsome.” (I actually saw one which had managed to find some blue plastic string for decoration).

This park also has sambar (Asia’s largest deer, it depends on its sense of smell, but will foolishly go right up to a tiger to smell it); the Indian Muntjac (barking deer), which is only found in a bamboo forest. We even get to see all of these, including the Barasingha (swamp deer) which was endangered in 1970s when there were only 66 left (it only gives birth to one baby a year, but at Kahna, they made breeding pairs and are repopulating).

There are also wild pig; gaur (like a big bull with horns), jackal (they can get drunk eating the Mahua flowers; dhole (wild dogs; only the alpha male

See page D5

When “techie” words become household words …

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Words used today by younger kids, those under 35, are familiar to us but many have taken on some totally different meanings. Very often I have to reread what I just read to get the gist of what is being printed or said.

A lot of these words are technical computer words that have been mainstreamed into our vernacular. Others are from the urban dictionary. Wherever they are from, all I know is that over time word usage has changed and I like knowing what people are talking about.

Here is a sampling of some of the new words used practically every day and I thank Google for any of their definitions.

Coding - A system of signals used to represent letters or numbers in transmitting messages. Coding gives the instructions in a computer program. Instructions written by a programmer in a programming language are often called source code. It’s all the rage now and even third graders are learning this new skill.

Tablet - Not Moses’ tablets from the Bible but electronic devices that allow the users to read books, plays, jokes and more, to connect to their email, to play games, to research things on Google, etc. Most tablets are slightly

smaller and weigh less than the average laptop.

Netbook - A small laptop computer designed primarily for accessing Internet-based applications.

Ebook - An electronic version of a printed book that can be read on a computer or handheld device electronic books read on tablets and other devices. Ebooks are available in several different file formats. Some are open formats that can be read on multiple devices, while others are proprietary and can only be viewed on a specific device, such as an iPad or Kindle. Ebooks have been around for a while already and they sure are handy.

Touch Screen - A type of screen on a computer which shows options that you can choose by touching the screen. It can be used with a special pen device or the fingers.

Flash drive - A small electronic device containing flash memory that is used for storing data or transferring it to or from a computer or a digital camera.

JPG or JPEG - Stands for the “Joint Photographic Experts Group” which was the name of the committee that developed this format for digital pictures. It is a very common and extremely portable format for digital pictures and graphics on the internet.

Chromebook - A laptop running the Linux-based Chrome OS as its operating system. The devices were originally designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing in “the cloud.”

Blog - Short for “Web Log,” this term refers to a list of journal entries posted on a web page. Some people like to write on a blog and others enjoying reading daily or weekly blogs. They are always full of opinions.

QWERTY - Term is used to describe a standard Latin alphabet-based keyboard and it refers to the letters at the top left of the keyboard.

Wikipedia - An online resource but since it is a collaborative effort, meaning that anyone can contribute to it, Wikipedia may contain inaccurate information. “Wiki” is the shortened term for Wikipedia definitions. The term “wiki” comes from the Hawaiian phrase, “wiki wiki,” which means “super fast.”

The Cloud - The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.

Bluetooth - A wireless technology that enables communication between

computer devices. It is primarily used for short range connections.

WiFi - Stands for “Wireless Fidelity” and it refers to wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal. I’ve been using WiFi for a few years now and I never knew that one of its words was “fidelity.”

Regardless, I’ll keep on using it!

Pixie - A software program for kids. They can draw, use text, original artwork, voice narration and images to create numerous things.

Wixie - A web-based software program. They can use text, original artwork, voice narration and images to create numerous things.

RAM - Stands for “Random Access Memory.” RAM is made up of small memory chips that form a memory module. These modules are installed in the RAM slots on the motherboard of computers. It gets loaded from the hard drive into the RAM each time you open a program. This is because reading data from the RAM is much faster than reading data from the hard drive. Running programs from the RAM of the computer allows them to function without any lag time. The more RAM your computer has, the faster your computer

See page D7

BY TOM MARGENA

Robbing the Cradle Has Its Drawbacks

Q: I am 76. I have a much younger wife. She is 51. She has never worked outside the home. What will she get when I die? How about Medicare?

A: I am sure there are some advantages to having a much younger spouse. But from a Social Security perspective, “robbing the cradle” has its drawbacks. Your wife won’t be due any benefits on your record until she is 60 years old. So if you kick the bucket tomorrow, she is going to have a nine-year dry spell before her Social Security widow’s benefits will kick in.

And at age 60, she would only be due 70 percent of your basic Social Security benefit. If she wanted full benefits, she’d have to wait until she is her full retirement age, or age 67, in her case.

And like anyone else, your wife will have to wait until she is 65 before she can get Medicare. But I’d bet a few nickels that before your wife reaches that milestone, Congress will have bumped up the Medicare onset age -- maybe to 66

Q: As tax-filing season is approaching, we are thinking of having taxes withheld from our Social Security benefit to lessen the shock when we are filling out our tax return. Do you think that is a good idea? And if so, how do we go about doing that?

A: I am not a financial planner or tax advisor, so I am really not the person to ask if it is a good idea to have taxes withheld from your Social Security checks. I know there are people out there who think it’s a bad idea. They would say having money withheld from your Social Security benefits is like loaning the government money that you’d be better off keeping (and possibly investing) for yourself.

On the other hand, I know what you mean about the “shock” when filing your taxes. I use a tax-filing software program that features a little “window” up in the corner of my computer screen that shows if I am due a refund, or if I owe taxes to the government. As I complete my return, that little message screen always shows we are due a small refund -- UNTIL I enter my, and my wife’s, Social Security benefit amounts. Then, instantly, it shows I owe the government over $1,000 in taxes! And every time that happens, I vow I am going to start having those taxes withheld from our monthly checks. But then I get lazy or forgetful and never do it. But this year, I think I will.

And here is how it’s done. You need to fill out a withholding form called a W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service. You can get that form from IRS by calling 1-800-829-3676. Or you can download it from their website.

When you complete the form, you do not ask to have specific dollar amounts withheld from your Social Security benefits. Instead, you must pick from one of several percentage options. You can

have 7 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent or 25 percent of your benefits withheld to cover any taxes you figure would be due.

Q: My sister is a retired teacher in California. As such, she spent her career paying into the California state pension system, not Social Security. But she has worked some odd jobs on the side in the past and has earned her 40 Social Security quarters. She went out on a disability retirement from her teaching job when she was 60. And now she just turned 65 and contacted Social Security to file for what she figured would be a small Social Security check. But she was told that because she has not worked in five out of the last 10 years, she is not eligible for any Social Security. Could this possibly be true?

A: Your sister was either misled by the Social Security agent she talked to or possibly she asked the wrong question. I wonder if your sister brought up her disability when she was talking to the Social Security rep and he or she thought your sister wanted to file for Social Security disability benefits. That “five out of the last 10” rule only applies to the disability program.

But to get just regular Social Security retirement benefits, the rules say you simply need to have the minimum 40 work credits -- earned anytime during your entire working lifetime.

So I suggest your sister contact the Social Security people again and makes it clear that she wants to file for retirement benefits, not disability.

Q: My wife is getting Social Security disability benefits. She has been offered the chance to sell cosmetics by hosting parties in our home. Will the money she makes doing that get her in trouble with the Social Security people?

A: I don’t know if “get her in trouble” is the right way to put it. But it certainly could jeopardize her eligibility for disability benefits.

As I’ve explained many times in this column, you do not get disability benefits from Social Security because you have a disabling condition. You get such benefits because you have a physical or mental impairment that keeps you from working. In other words, it is the inability to work, not just the impairment itself, which qualifies you for disability benefits

So, if your wife is able to work, whether it is selling cosmetics in her home or showing up at a factory each day to put in an 8-hour shift, she may no longer be considered “disabled” for Social Security purposes.

Having said that, the law does offer a plethora of incentives intended to encourage people to try working while they are still getting disability checks. Those work incentives fill up about a 100-page booklet sitting here on my desk. So there is simply no way I can

summarize them in this column. But I can tell you that as a general rule, your wife can work up to nine months making as much money as she can and still get her monthly benefits. If after those nine months she is making a substantial income selling cosmetics, then her disability payments might stop.

So if your wife starts working, she should call Social Security at 800-7721213 to report that fact. At the same

time, she should ask for a copy of a pamphlet called “Working While Disabled -- How We Can Help.” Or here is a link to it that she can find at the Social Security website: https://www. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page D5

GOING PLACES NEAR & FAR

Tiger, Tiger! On Safari in India’s

Kanha National Park

announces. We missed it.

and alpha female are allowed to mate); sloth bear.

There are more leopards than tigers, and unlike the tigers, are not endangered.

Leopards are sly, he tells us - they eat dogs, goats on periphery (that is, in the villages). They can climb trees so

We hear an “alarm” from the langur monkeys and speed off again, bouncing, rocking,

No tiger. But we content ourselves with a sighting of White throated kingfisher  and a gathering of hard ground swamp deer found only in Kanha – a female and one young male (with just the beginning of antlers) and

have more food options (monkeys) and hunt at night (which is why they are harder to spot during the day). “They call the leopard the ‘Ghost of the Jungle’ because one minute you see it and the next, disappears.”

Meanwhile tigers are more discriminating about mating – the male can mate with three females (depending upon food) and if the female he wants to mate with has cubs, he will kill the cubs in order to mate with her.

We are up before dawn for our first game drive in Kanha, which is supposed to be our last (we’ve had three in Pench National Park so far).  It is quite an experience to be at the park as the sun rises, and we head out on these dusty dirt roads with the red sun in our face, mist on the meadow, and later, as the sun filters through the trees.

We are so earnest to spot tiger, we tell our naturalist/guide not to bother with the breakfast gathering, but that we want to spend as much time as possible in our hunt to see the tiger.

He thinks there is a sighting and speeds off, frantically. There are five jeeps doing the same thing, one driving backwards at a furious pace.

Then we all stop still. Listen. A hand signal, and we all take off again.

A young cub crossed road, the guide

two babies (as adults, the males stay separate from the females).

As we leave the park, we actually meet Munna, the park guide for whom the park’s famous tiger was named.

“Munna” means “small child” and the fellow never liked the name very much. He had a limp, and the tiger was injured and had a limp, so they named the tiger “Munna” also. “After a tiger was named

See page D6

GOING PLACES, NEAR &

Tiger, Tiger! On Safari in India’s Kanha National Park

C ontinued from page D5

after him, he didn’t mind his name.”

On our way driving back up the forest road to the Kanha Earth Lodge, I spot the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo –the bird I have been dying to photograph - and our guide pulls over. We become engaged in chasing after this bird, then another, then a staggering array of birds: a scarlet minuet (male), a blackhooded Oriole, a Lesser Golden-backed woodpecker – more birds in this small area than you might see in an aviary. He tells us it is a hunting flock.

While seeing leopards or tigers might be the brass ring, just being on this carousel is sheer delight – the number and variety of animals we see at close range, the birds, even the insects are fascinating.

Kanha National Park Kanha, one of the first tiger reserves established by India under Project Tiger (1973), is also one of India’s largest National Parks, encompassing nearly 2,000 sq. km of deciduous forest, grasslands, hills and gently meandering rivers and home to literally hundreds of species of animals and birds. Prior to this, the whole area was one enormous regal hunting ground, its game the exclusive preserve for high-ranking British army officers and civil servants seeking trophies for their colonial bungalows.  One vast plain where we see a herd of deer used to be a village of 500 people, who were relocated when they created the park.

This picturesque reserve presently boasts of having large tiger population, as it has the ideal habitat. The meadows (called maidans) are surrounded by

thick forests that create ideal grazing spots for the hundreds of chital deer, barasingha and sambar deer, which means they are ideal hunting ground for tigers, leopards, jackal and wild dogs (all of which we get to see). Kanha offers the last remaining habitat of the hard ground barasingha (swamp deer), which was brought back from the brink of extinction (which we get to see).

During our visit, we also get to see many of the other animals that live here: wild pig, Rhesus Macaque, Langur monkey (my favorite). I think I even got a glimpse of a gaur (Indian Bison) before it retreated into the woods.

Other animals that are here but we don’t get to see include sloth bear, striped hyena, muntjacs (barking deer), chousingha (four-horn antelope), jungle cat and mongoose.

This diverse landscape also supports more than 250 species of Indian birds including migratory species. The Indian jungle fowl, which is the ancestor of domestic hens, is common here.

For bird watchers and photographers, Kanha’s diverse landscape also supports more than 250 species of Indian birds including migratory species, a mindboggling number we actually get to see during our brief time:    Green Footed Pigeon, Pygmy Woodpecker and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher. Little Minivet, Scarlet Minivet and Long Tailed Minivet can be seen at Parsa Toala grasslands. Resident common raptors as the Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard, White Eyed Buzzard, Shikra and Common Kestrel can be sighted hunting and nesting in tall trees.

Kanha Earth Lodge

Like the Pench Tree Lodge which we enjoyed during our time at the Pench National Park, the Kanha Earth Lodge (www.kanhaearthlodge.com) enhances our safari experience. It is also an ecolodge made of all natural materials that is stunning in its design that blends so perfectly without adverse impact on the environment, uses local and traditional art (there is even a fellow who paints tigers), has its own organic garden and a lovely swimming pool, a stunning lodge (WiFi available in the office), and each night, offers fascinating presentations by a naturalist about the wildlife and the national park, while serving appetizers.

The dining room reminds me of a castle, actually, with the stone and wood, vaulted ceiling, candelabra and local artwork.

One evening, dinner is served outside in a garden by firelight. The food –and presentation – is superb.

The service is impeccable, which you note immediately with the staff on hand as our van pulls up, with moist towels and a refreshing beverage. The lodge supplies coffee and tea and bottled water in the rooms. When we leave for our game drives at around 5:15 am, they have coffee and tea and biscuits on hand, blankets and even hot water bottles for us in the jeeps.

The room is actually an entire villa, with massive living spaces and has its own patio that faces out to the forest.

In the evening, with the turn-down service, they provide a hot water bottle, and we are told that our rooms are inspected for possible intruders which

might have hidden away in dark places. The lodge is located away from a very busy tourist area – you feel you are in the national park – but very close to villages and farms, so you feel very much a part of the local culture. At night, we hear drumming of a festival. Both ecolodges (only operated October to June) that we enjoyed are part of Pugdundee Safaris (www. pugdundeesafaris.com), which operates six ecolodges (Kings Lodge and Tree House Hideaway in Bandhavagarh; Denwa Backwater Escape in Satpura; Ken River Lodge, Panna; as well as Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, Nepal) as well as wildlife safaris, which means a kind of seamless quality.

For more information, contact Royal Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.  www.royalexpeditions. com ,  tours@royalexpeditions. com, or Royal Expeditions’ North American representative:  kiki@ wanderlustportfolio.com, 720-328-8595.

Next: The Pushkar Camel Fair & Festival of Brahma

© 2017 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com and  travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ . Blogging at  goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress. com and  moralcompasstravel.info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@ aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Kanha Earth Lodge is located among villages and farms that surround the national park © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

When “techie” words become household words …

C ontinued from page D3

can be. Years ago I thought a Ram was a powerful 4x4 pickup truck.

Wonderopolis – A kid-friendly search engine. It’s quick and easy to use and can be oh, so wonderful!

Adobe and Adobe AcrobatSoftware and web services. They are very handy indeed but as a youngster I always thought of adobe as a kind of clay.

A friend of mine in Indianapolis, Ray, and his wife always like to say that the decades go by and they see how word usage changes and they don’t want to be left out on the fringe. They want to know what’s going on. You can call it a generation gap, they say, or a societal shift but either way, words – and what they mean – keep on changing.

They put together a few humorous ones that I am passing along:

The World Wide Wait - The real meaning of www.

Cube farm - An office filled with cubicles.

Egosurfing - Scanning the Net, databases, etc., for one’s own name.

Oh-no-second - That minuscule fraction of time during which you realize you’ve just made a terrible-terrible error.

Seagull manager - A manager who flies in, makes a lot of noise, dumps on everything and then leaves.

Under mouse arrest - Getting busted for violating an online service’s rule of conduct. “Sorry I couldn’t get back to you. AOL put me under mouse arrest.”

Another friend, Josh, passed along a few words that I had never heard used in this new and different context:

Word - The longer phrase was shortened to “word is bond” before becoming “word,” which is most commonly used. It basically means “truth.” Or “to speak the truth.”

Word up - I comprehend what you are saying and verify that your statement is true, my friend. Example: “Donkey Kong is the best video game ever made.”

“Word up!”

New - Someone who is clueless. E.g., “What are you, new?!”

Dull - Means boring. “Today is a dull day.”

Smart or sharp - When you, or an outfit or other object looks very nice and attractive.

“diggity”

1. No diggity = no doubt, for sure

2. Bomb diggity = great, awesome, the best, etc

1. “I like the way you work it. No Diggity! I got to bag it up.”

(from song “No Diggity” by Blackstreet)

2. “Hey, did you get that new album yet? It’s the bomb diggity!”

Regardless, slang is slang and when someone uses one of those words, I want to take a listen – and comprehend.

I hear these new words around me and I can’t help but poke fun at them. Some of them sound funny and others look funny on the written page.

All I know is to anyone born before 1965 they are funny. I think I can speak for millions of people from various

backgrounds when I say that we are much more comfortable with the words of “I Love Lucy,” “The Honeymooners” and “The Andy Griffith Show” than we are with Bluetooth, Wixie and Wikis. At times it seems as if a whole new language has taken over our society. But I fear not because I know that in another 10 or 20 years there will be more changes and different words and right about then I’ll be wondering what those new words really mean.

I’ll be trying to understand them and looking them up - and if I still don’t “get them” I’ll probably end up asking someone much younger than I to explain them to me.

As Dobie Gray sang in his 1964 song, “The ‘In’ Crowd”:

“I’m in with the in crowd, I go where the in crowd goes I’m in with the in crowd and I know what the in crowd knows

Anytime of the year, don’t you hear? Dressing fine, making time

We breeze up and down the street, we get respect from the people we meet They make way day or night, they know the in crowd is out of sight I’m in with the in crowd, I know every latest dance …”

Like Dobie Gray, I want to be part of the ‘in’ crowd.

And all I can say, ladies and gentlemen, is when it comes to words - and what they REALLY mean - is stay tuned. Stay tuned!

CLASSIFIEDS ...a sure way to get results. Call

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 11 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. FAX: 516-294-8924

www.gcnews.com

Garden City News • Great Neck News • Mid Island Times

Bethpage Newsgram • Syosset Advance Jericho News Journal • Williston Times - Mineola Edition

New Hyde Park Herald Courier • Manhasset Times Roslyn Times • Port Washington Times

3 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR:

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT:

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

HOUSEKEEPER / HOME MANAGEMENT

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

2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com 3) Fax 516-294-8924

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

Visa and MasterCard Accepted DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

DENTAL RECEPTIONIST / ASSISTANT

Wanted Part Time for friendly Garden City Dental Office. Afternoon hours until 6pm. College Students Welcome. Please call 516-739-7668 for more information.

DISPLAY ACCOUNT EXEC-

UTIVE: Blank Slate Media, a fast growing chain of 6 award winning weekly newspapers and website, is looking for an energetic, service oriented professional with good communication skills to sell display, web and email advertising. Earn up to $60,000 in the first year representing 6 Blank Slate Media publications and website as well as 5 publications and 1 website owned by Blank Slate Media’s partner, Litmor Publications. We are looking for an enthusiastic and service oriented sales professional with good communication skills. Requirements: minimum 2 years outside sales experience. Newspaper sales experience a plus. Must have your own car. Exclusive protected territory. Opportunity to sell both print and online programs. A collegial, supportive sales team. Award-winning editorial coverage. A separate newspaper for each community allowing advertisers to target their markets. And you to provide the most cost-effective way to advertise. Represent media that produce superior response for clients. Compensation: Salary plus commission, health. To apply please email resume and cover letter to sblank@theislandnow.com or call Steven Blank at 516-307-1045 ext 201

-DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE to advertise? Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 2948935 for rates and information.

Looking for a welcoming, detail-oriented, organized, computer savvy team player for weekday part time (18 hours) position. Please email Mother Christina van Liew at revxina@ gmail.com for copy of job description and compensation.

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

EMPLOYEES AND SUBSTITUTES P/T TEACHER AIDE

East Williston School District is seeking P/T School Security Aide (NYS Security Guard Lic required, Ret. LEO preferred) and P/T School Monitors beginning January 2017. Additionally seeking P/T Substitute Cleaners, P/T Substitute clerical and P/T Substitute Bus Drivers for an on call basis. Bus drivers must meet A-19 requirements plus CDL class B with P & S endorsement. Send resume and letter of interest to: EWSD Jacqueline Pirro, Assistant Superintendent for Business, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 nor fax 516-333-1937

LEGAL SECRETARY P/T:

Small insurance defense firm seeking a part time legal secretary. Salary commensurate with experience. Please fax resume to 516-216-1521

OFFICE MANAGER: Full time, small Roslyn construction company. Must be experienced in Word, Excel, Data Entry. Requirements consist of light bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, general office duties. Good telephone skills a must. Email resume to: submitresumes3@gmail.com

Certified CNA. Loving, caring, honest, seeking position to care for your elderly loved ones at home, hospital or nursing home. Excellent references. Call 516-808-4956

CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE

TEACHER PRE-SCHOOL: Immediate hire! Well known program in Roslyn area seeks teacher with minimum 2 years pre-school experience. 8:30-1:30 or 8:00-5:00. Send resume growing00@aol.com

SITUATION WANTED

AIDE AVAILABLE:

HOME HEALTH AIDE

Kind, compassionate aide with 25+ yrs experience seeking FT/ PT position on weekdays, weekends or overnight. References available. Call Liz 516-590-5338

AIDE / CARE GIVER: CARING, EFFICIENT, RELIABLE

Available Mon-Fri live in to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Cooking, light housework, personal grooming, administer medications . 14 years experience. Just ended 7 years with previous patient. References available.

Please Call 516-448-0502

ATTN: MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Sanford Brown graduate available to do your medical billing coding. Please call 516-384-0852

BABYSITTING:

COLLEGE STUDENT

Experienced babysitter available to work Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays. Extensive experience in the Garden City area. Solid references. Licensed driver with car. Call 516-404-1045

CAREGIVER:

Seeking a patient, experienced care provider to care for your elderly loved one? If so, please contact me. I would be happy to assist. Call Marva 917-302-5482

CERTIFIED HHA, PCA seeks weekend position, live in or live out. 17 years experience with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, dementia, cancer patients. References available upon request. Call Doreen 516-302-7564

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8935 for rates and information.

Cleans, organizes your home, office or garage. English speaking, honest, reliable. Excellent references. Own transportatio n. Animal friendly. Free estimates. Call 516-225-8544

COMPANION / HOME HEALTH AIDE

With 20 years experience in home care & nursing homes seeking position to care for the sick/elderly. Experience with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, Dementia, Stroke. Licensed driver able to transport to appointments, etc. References available. English speaking. Please call 347-546-4133

ELDER CARE COMPANION:

Mature woman with car available for shopping, errands, activities, cooking meals, doctor appointments, home organization. Trustworthy, reliable, compassionate, flexible. Please call Neila Rosenberg 347-3876798

HOME CARE AVAILABLE:

Seeking FT or PT private duty home care/personal care position for the sick/elderly. 10 years experience. References available. Call Beverly 516-3858545 or 516-838-9772

HOME HEALTH AIDE CERTIFIED with 20 yrs. experience & excellent references. Available immediately full time live in or live out. Driver with own car. Call Georgia 516-499-2089

HOUSE CLEANING:

Experienced cleaning service available. Pleasant, responsible. Provides own quality clean products. Own transportation. Local references. Spanish/English speaking. Free estimates. Approximate cost: Small home $79, Mid size $99, Large $118. Please call Diana 516-859-7084

HOUSE/OFFICE CLEANING

I clean houses and offices. I have affordable rates and great references. I do it all move ins and move outs, all rooms and facets of home and office cleaning. No job too big or small. Contact Milagros 516-450-6452

Full Time housekeeper available. Many years of professional training. Highly skilled cook / baker. Catering to various dietary needs of busy family. Excellent organizer, performing all household duties. Clean driving record. Excellent references available. Please call 516485-0761 or email Wltservices@ hotmail.com

IN HOME PATIENT CARE

Male w/ 30 years experience seeking position to care for in home patient. Available FT/PT. References available. Licensed driver w/vehicle. Please contact: 718-640-7286

NANNY/ BABYSITTER

Experienced Babysitter available FT/PT. Trustworthy, responsible, active, creative and fun! Child development background. Excellent references. Licensed driver. Call Doris 516-330-0230 or email: dorischris910@gmail.com

OUTSTANDING HOME

HEALTH AIDE / COMPANION CARE GIVER: Loving, caring and excellent caregiver for over 10 years of experience working with the elderly seeking FT / PT positions during the weekdays, weeknights and weekends. References available. Serious inquires only. Contact: Elena 646-755-4197 or Danielle 347-320-1986.

CAREER TRAINING

AIRLINE CAREERS Start here. Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866296-7093

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONVENTIONAL & BANK

RATE FINANCING, Fix’n Flips, Hard-Bridge Loans, No Documents-Stated Income Programs, $100K-$100 Million, Purchase-Refinance, SFH-1-4, Multi-family, Mixed Use, Commercial. 888-565-9477

HUNTERS

Our hunters will pay top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a free base camp leasing info packet & quote 866-309-1507 www.basecampleasing.com

GET RESULTS! Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the G.C. office at 294-8935 for more information.

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8935

MARKETPLACE

INVITED SALES

BY TRACY

JORDAN

Consignment Shoppe and Auction House

Open 7 Days a Week Consignments by Appointment

Monthly Live & Online Auctions

Tag Sale, Appraisals and Estate Sale Services

Complete House Cleanouts

Moving Services

Home Staging Services

839 Stewart Avenue

Garden City, NY 11530

516-279-6378

www.invitedsales.com

YAMAHA CLAVINOVA

MODEL 204, digital piano for sale. Excellent condition. $800. Call Gil 516-741-3713 or 516-5092498

WANTED TO BUY

LOOK! Old clocks and watches wanted by collector regardless of condition. Highest prices paid. 917-748-7225

LOOKING TO BUY!

Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware. Call George 718-3861104 or 917-775-3048

OLD TOOLS, toys, trains, coins, antiques, sterling, costume jewelry. Pleasant and courteous treatment. In business over 54 years. Immediate payment. Immediate removal. 347-256-7981

TOP CASH PAID: JEWELRY, Furniture, Art, etc. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128. www.iBuyAntiquesNYC.com

MARKETPLACE

TAG SALE

*BROWSE

*SHOP

*CONSIGN A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

China, Silver, Crystal, Jewelry, Artwork, Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles

Tues-Fri 10-4

Sat 12-4

Every Tuesday: 10% Senior Citizen Discount.

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 11530 516-746-8900 email: store@atstewartexchange.org www.gardencityhistoricalsociety. org

PETS

PET SERVICES

A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL

LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-505-9717

DO YOU HATE KENNELS? OR STRANGERS IN YOUR HOUSE?

HOME AWAY FROM HOME will care for your dog in my Garden City home while you are away. Dog walking also available. Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early!

Annmarie 516-775-4256

MYA’S K9 CAMP Full Service Pet Care

Professional Dog Training Grooming Boarding

Walking GC Resident 516-382-5553

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO FOR SALE

HONDA PILOT EX 2010: 4WD, 89,250 miles, good condition. $11,250. 516-263-0598

AUTOS WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631-317-2014 Today!

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY BORDER APARTMENT: Spacious, bright 1 bedroom with dining area + outdoor balcony, gated parking, laundry, A/C, hardwood floors. NO BROKER FEE, near LIRR. $1,500 + electric. Available March 1. www.gcbapts.com or 516-742-1101

GARDEN CITY

Three Large Rooms, 1 Bed, New EIK, Tiled Bath w/walk in Shower. Pet Friendly, Doorman $2,400

Top Floor 5 Rooms. 2 Bed, FDR, Owner Paying Full Broker’s Fee $2,800

Garden City Properties 516-746-1563 / 516-313-8504

OFFICE SPACE

NEW HYDE PARK: 1300 Jericho Tpk, near LIRR lots of natural light, building newly renovated, small office space from $900 month. Tenant controlled heat and AC, includes parking space. Call Greg 516-567-1323

GET RESULTS! Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the G.C. office at 294-8935 for more information.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

VACATION RENTAL

SOUTH JAMESPORT SUMMER RENTAL

Newly renovated, on Peconic Bay, sandy beach. 3 BR, 2 Bath, all amenities, sleeps 6. Single family, no pets, no smokers. $4,000/month + security. Call 516-456-8808

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CONDO/CO-OP FOR SALE

MINEOLA “NEW TO MARKET” 3 Rooms; 1 Bed, New Bath. Close to LIRR and Hospital. Move in condition. $165,000

GARDEN CITY PROPERTIES 516-746-1563 Doris 516-313-7367 HOMES FOR SALE

GARDEN CITY FOR SALE BY OWNER in the heart of Estate Section. near LIRR, 1 block from Garden City Country Club. EIK, fireplace. Call for pricing and appointment. No Brokers. Call 516-5091458

LOTS FOR SALE

LENDER ORDERED SALE! Catskill Mtn Farm Land! 39 acres $84,900 (cash price). Incredible valley views, fields, woods, spring, stonewalls! Town rd, utilities! Terms are avail! 888-905-8847 newyorklandandlakes.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

GRANDPARENTS - Send in your grandchildren’s photos and enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest. Just send a photo and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to: Litmor Publications, Beautiful Grandchildren Contest, 81 East Barclay St., Hicksville N.Y. 11801. We’ll do the rest!

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA (EAST COAST) Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an “Old Florida” fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, shopping and restaurants. Direct flights from Newark to Vero Beach. New manufactured homes from 89,900. 772581-0080; www.beach-cove.com

SERVICES

NEW YORK MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS: Joan Atwood, Ph.D. An experienced therapist makes all the difference. Individual, couple, family therapy and anger management. 516-764-2526. jatwood@optonline.net www.NYMFT.com

TAX & ACCOUNTING: Winnie Malone, CPA, MBA. Smart Allied Accounting & Tax Services. Individual & Business Taxes. Tax Problems Resolved, Financial Statements. Year-Round Accounting. Bookkeeping & Payroll. 516-626-0711. www.smartallied.com. winnie@smartallied. com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing 23year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628

ARE YOU A PROFESSIONAL?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8935 for rates and information.

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8935

SERVICES

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)

JV PAINT HANDYMAN SERVICES

Interior-Exterior Specialist

Painting, Wallpapering, Plastering, Spackling, Staining, Power Washing. Nassau Lic#H3814310000 fully Insured Call John 516-741-5378

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

RELAX & ENJOY

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

CHEMISTRY TUTOR: Call Jonathan, Ivy League Ph.D. AP, SAT II, Regents. I also tutor Biology, Physics, Earth & Environmental Science. itutorchem@gmail.com or 516669-0587

ENGLISH TUTOR:

Diane Gottlieb M.Ed., M.S.W. SAT/ACT, College Essays, AP, Regents, ELA Test Prep, Reading comprehension and writing proficiency. 917-599-8007 or email: dianegot@gmail.com LongIslandEnglishTutor.com Providing one-on-one professional support to build confidence, knowledge and skills in every student.

MATH, SAT, ACT TUTOR: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 plus Trig, Pre-Calc, AP Calculus. Norm 625-3314

ENGLISH, ACT, SAT TUTOR: 25+ year experience Critical Reading, Writing, Grammar, Essays. Lynne 625-3314

SERVICES

SPANISH TUTOR: Spanish Grammar-Literature, FLACS A -FLACS B, Exam Preparation/ Comps. William Cullen, M.A., Spanish, S.D.A. Chaminade HS, Fairfield University Alumnus. 516-509-8174. wdctutor06@aol. com. References furnished upon request.

TUTOR AVAILABLE!

Elementary / Middle School: all subjects.

High School: writing, reading, grammar.

GCHS alumnus, Dartmouth College graduate, Master’s Degree in Education Certified NYS Teacher, classroom and coaching experience. Cell: 516-510-1836 or Email: JOHN.P.DANTONIO@gmail. com

INSTRUCTION

BASEBALL INSTRUCTION

Top rated on Long Island New York State Certified Go to: coachup.com/coaches/johns-22 for reviews and info.

PIANO LESSONS

By Ira Baslow. Experience the joy of playing the piano. Private lessons in your home, free no-obligation piano lesson, all levels, all styles, all ages. Beginners a specialty. 516-312-1054 www.iwantmypianolessons. com

PIANO, TRUMPET & TUBA

LESSONS given by very patient teacher, very reasonable rates. Flexible hours. All ages welcome. References available. Call 516-746-8349

CLEANING

MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE

Our excellent cleaning team will get your home or office spotless! Available Monday thru Friday 7am to 6pm

Supplies provided if needed Own transportation

Excellent references provided CALL 516-849-2026

SPARKLING CLEANING SERVICES

Offices * Homes * Apartments Own Transportation

Free Estimates

Experienced with excellent references from many satisfied customers!

Call or Text: 516-669-2909

SERVICES

CLEANING

STRONG ARM CLEANING: Residential and commercial cleaning specialist, post construction clean ups, shipping and waxing floors, move ins and move outs. Free estimates. Bonded and insured. 516-5381125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405

COLLEGE ARTS ADMISSIONS: College Counseling in the Visual and Performing Arts. Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama. Film, Instrumental & Vocal Music. Audio Recording & Production. Theatre Technology & Production. Visual & Graphic Arts. Resume, Essays, Repertoire Lists. Michele Zimmerman. 516-353-6255 CollegeArtsAdmissions@gmail.com www.CollegeArtsAdmissions. com

COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/DEMOLITION SERVICE: Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We haul anything and everything. Entire contents of home or office. We clean it up and take it away. Residential/Commercial. Bonded/Insured. Free estimates. 516-538-1125

OLD VILLAGE TREE SERVICE: Owner operated since 1989. 24 hour emergency service. Licensed / insured. Free estimates, member LI Arborist Assoc. Please call 516-466-9220

PSYCHOTHERAPY: Efrat Fridman, LCSW. Individual, couple and family therapy. effiefrid@gmail.com 2 Pinetree Lane, Old Westbury, NY 11568. 516-224-7670 or 225 West 35th Street, NY 10001 718-887-4400

Cat Lovers Needed

Our Last Hope adoption venue at PetSmart on Route 110, Huntington Station currently has openings for volunteers who are able to cover morning and evening cleaning/feeding shifts as well as midday meet/greet ones. If you enjoy interacting with and helping cats, this is the perfect volunteer job for you! During the year, we have friendly adult cats and kittens that are in our adoption center, eagerly awaiting their forever homes. If you’re interested in helping our furry felines, please email Lauren at lasthopepetsmartvolunteers@gmail.com

Our main adoption center is located at 3300 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh. Please visit our web site – http:// lasthopeanimalrescue.org to read more about our organization and to see photos and information about all of our fabulous felines who are waiting in our various venues for loving families of their own.

Last Hope Animal Rescue’s Special Needs Day

The Special Needs Committee for Last Hope has been working tirelessly and we are so thankful for their efforts. This past year, we’ve had an extraordinary number of animals needing veterinary care above and beyond the norm. Our special needs fund is depleted and we are holding two great events on Saturday, February 4th that will help to replenish available funds and allow us to continue our life saving work, especially for those animals that need it most.

Start your day with shopping at our Flea Market and Jewelry sale from 10-2 at Church of the Advent, on Advent St. in Westbury. Proceeds will benefit the Special Needs committee. You might just find that perfect gift for your valentine! Donations for the sale will be accepted the night before, Feb. 3rd from 2:30 to 7 at the church.

After a few hours of rest from shopping, join us for our Bowl-a-Thon. Encourage your friends to sponsor you. Sponsor sheet is the second page of the sign-up flyer you can download below. Or, pick up a sheet at our Wantagh adoption center at the cat desk. All proceeds will benefit the Special Needs committee.

When: Saturday, February 4th- from 6 to 8 pm

Where: Levittown Lanes, 56 Tanners Place, Levittown 11756

What: 2 hours of bowling, bowling shoes, pizza & soda

Price: $25 per person, $20 for kids 7 & under.

Bowl-a-thon to benefit Last Hope

For more information, please visit our web site: http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/bowl-a-thon-tobenefit-last-hope-special-needs-cats-dogs-feb-4th/ Who to contact: Terri 631-332-6606 (montauk1219@ yahoo.com); Letty at 631-946-9528

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

Planning Estate Planning Probate & Estate Administration / Litigation 901 Stewart Avenue, Suite 230 Garden City, NY11530 (516) 222-1122

WWW.DANGELOLAWASSOCIATES.COM

itutorchem@gmail.com AP • SAT II Regents I also tutor: biology, physics, earth & envi. sci. NorthShoreAcademics.weebly.com

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County Of Nassau

The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWMBS, Inc., CHL Mortgage Pass-Through Trust 200530, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-30, Plaintiff AGAINST

Steven Hershkowitz, Evelyn Hershkowitz, et al, Defendant

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 9/16/2016 and entered on 10/3/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Mineola, 100 Supreme Court Drive, The Calendar Control Part (CCP), Mineola, NY on February 21, 2017 at 11:30 AM premises known as 23 Eaton Road Syosset, NY 11791. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 12, BLOCK: 358, LOT: 47. Approximate amount of judgment is $842,895.34 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 013812/2012.

Justin B. Perri, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 SYO 4018 4X 01/20, 27, 02/03,10 SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU EMIGRANT BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK-LONG ISLAND, Plaintiff -against- GAYLE ASCHENBRENNER, et al

Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on January 29, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on February 28, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 15 Block 175 and Lot 67. Said premises known as 22 ROSEANNE DRIVE A/K/A 22

ROSANNE DRIVE, WOODBURY, NY

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

We are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Index Number 015291/2013.

KEITH BROWN, ESQ., Referee STAGG, TERENZI, CONFUSIONE & WABNIK, LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530 SYO 4019

4x 01/27,02/03,10,17

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK-LONG ISLAND

Plaintiff -against- ADELAIDE DEWHURST RICKERT a/k/a ADELAIDE RICKERT and MARIANNE MANSOOR,, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated January 8, 2014, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on March 7, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Oyster Bay Cove, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York; known and designated as Section: 27 Block: D Lots: 30 & 31.

Said premises known as 30 COVE WOODS ROAD, OYSTER BAY, NY

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

We are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Index Number 22826/2010.

RALPH MADALENA, ESQ., Referee

STAGG, TERENZI, CONFUSIONE & WABNIK, LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530

SYO 4020

4X 02/03,10,17,24

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that I shall on the 21st day of February, 2017 through the 24th day of February, 2017, beginning at 10:00 o’clock in

the morning each day, in the Legislative Chambers, First Floor, Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, New York, sell at public auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 17th, 2017 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February, 2017 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $125.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/17674

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 16th, 2017.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 Ext. 13715.

Dated: January 2017

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York TERMS

OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agen-

cies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect.

Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Dated: January 2017

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York SA 4021

2X 02/03, 02/10

LEGAL NOTICE

SW BROTHERS LLC Articles of organization. Filed NY Sec. of State(SSNY) 10/24/2016. Office in Nassau County. SSNY design, agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to THE LLC 315 Oak Street, Uniondale, NY 11553 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

JNJ 7836

6X 02/03,10,17,24,03/03,10

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not individually but as trustee for Pretium Mortgage Acquisition Trust, N.A., Plaintiff

AGAINST

Rohit Bedi; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated November 3, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on March 7, 2017 at 11:30AM, premises known as 1639 Cedar Swamp Road, Brookville, NY 11545. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, County of Nassau and State of NY, Section 18 Block A Lot 957 A & 957 B. Approximate amount of judgment $1,128,794.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 14-007763.

Lisa Anne Leimbach-Gutman, Esq., Referee

Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835

Dated: January 11, 2017 JNJ 7837

4X 02/03,10,17,24

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that I shall on the 21st day of February, 2017 through the 24th day of February, 2017, beginning at 10:00 o’clock in the morning each day, in the Legislative Chambers, First Floor, Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, New York, sell at public auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 17th, 2017 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February,

2017 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $125.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/17674

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 16th, 2017.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office.

Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 Ext. 13715.

Dated: January 2017

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or may become subject to such

proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax

liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent

within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect.

Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Dated: January 2017

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York JNJ 7838

2X 02/03, 02/10

This Week at the Jericho Public Library

Saturday, February 4th , 2 - 4 PM

Meet the Artist Reception - Between the Lines 2.0 by Peter Schachter. The public is invited to attend.

Sunday, February 5th at 2:00 PM

Vladimir Zaistev, pianist, presents Baroque to Beatles. Join us for an eclectic piano program filled with a kaleidoscope of styles and genres sprinkled with personal stories and musical anecdotes. You will enjoy the music of baroque master D. Scarlatti, romantic giant S. Rachmaninoff, F. Busoni’s virtuosic Carmen Fantasy, jazz arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs, a medley from West Side Story, variations on Scott Joplin’s rag-times, a Beatles tribute in classical style, a

Syosset

selection of Gershwin favorites and more. This program is co-sponsored by the Jericho Library and The Town of Oyster Bay Distinguished Artists Concert Series. Tickets are required. Non ticket holders will be seated as space allows.

Tuesday, February 7th at 2:00 PM

Movie: The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (Documentary/Music) - A compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews and stories of The Beatles’ 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966. Starring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison , John Lennon. Unrated. 2 hours, 17 minutes

Thursday, Feb. 9th at 1:30 PM

The Passionate Reader – Join Mary Hirdt for a discussion of Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. This is a tale of two broken families and the paths their lives take over the course of 40 years. Listeners are welcome!

Friday, February 10th at 2:00 PM

Movie: Our Little Sister (Comedy/Drama) - This story revolves around three sisters who live in their grandmother’s home and the arrival of their thirteen-year-old half sister. (Japan) English Subtitles. Rated PG. 2 hours, 8 minutes.

College Exam Prep

Thursday, February 9th from 7 - 8 PM SAT & ACT Info Session

Join Curvebreakers when they unlock the secrets of the SAT & ACT. Discover which test is right for you & register for the practice exam given on February 12th. Register online e-mail YA Librarian, Gina at gpatronaggio@jericholibrary.org

Sunday, February 12th from12:30 - 3:30 PM SAT/ACT Practice Exam

Teens can choose which practice exam they would like to sign up for – SAT or ACT. Exams will be graded and handed out on March 1st. Please bring #2 pencils, scientific calculator and a snack. Register online for either the SAT or ACT – or e-mail YA Librarian, Gina at gpatronaggio@jericholibrary.org. Please register for only ONE!

Wednesday, March 1st from 7 - 8 PM SAT/ACT Results/Q&A

Curvebreakers will score your test and distribute your results at this session.

Thespians put on a special show for veterans

Thirty-five members of Syosset High School’s Association of Creative Thespians presented a holiday-themed, cabaret-esque performance at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, bringing cheer to our nation’s heroes while showcasing their various talents.

Coordinated by club community service liaisons Sydney Fells and Danielle DeLaFuente, students performed various songs, monologues, scenes and dances. In November, ACT members created cards for the veterans and decorations for the performance space.

“Veterans lit up when they received the holiday cards that were beautifully handmade. The talent of all the children was incredible,” wrote Northport VA Center Recreation Assistant Megan McNeely in a letter to ACT adviser Gene Connor, thanking him and the students for their thoughtfulness.

Part of the club’s mission is to stage productions of various theatrical works while giving back to the community. Each month, the ACT identifies a different organization to dedicate its time and energy toward. This school year, members have donated more than

200 winter clothing items, hosted a Thanksgiving food drive, prepared and delivered hundreds of sandwiches to the Mary Brennan INN, participated in a walkathon to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and donated hundreds of dollars to various foundations, including the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fight childhood cancers and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For Syosset schools, canceling property sale carries price tag

From page8

who put in time over many years but they are no longer attending PTA meetings or volunteering – we have been there and done that. And if somebody were to contact me and ask if I would be able to do something I probably would. I think many people would – here is another question of community outreach, letting people know what is going on and getting people motivated to be a part of things. Also I am all for governments taking a second look at the decisions being made and saying ‘wait a minute’ – we have fresh information now so it is okay to take another look at things,” Stapen said.

Melissa Breitstein of Yukon Drive in Woodbury urges the school district to work with residents “collaboratively as one community.” She said she understands how it can be difficult to engage people at times, but as she said in December residents turned out quickly then to demand the 30-day period of notice for public input (which elapsed last fall, after the board’s September vote.) She told the board the community had the right to know of the Woodbury property sale decision and be able to act on it properly.

“I want to clarify the plea of this community to speak out for our children and our neighborhood. We will speak until our last breath on it. I’ve been a resident for five years and I’ve gone through the last several BOE meeting minutes and for executive sessions it lists ‘sale of property’ or real estate but that did not make the public agenda. I volunteer as much as I can, I’m on the PTA – people with jobs may not able to be at every particular meeting. We are reliant on the school board to tell us what is going on in a clear, visible way,” Breitstein said.

In her comments, Goff had also criticized Lafazan for making his messages known online and through an email listserv. She said in person, as a school board trustee he was silent at meetings on the Woodbury property until the fateful vote he cast last September “at the eleventh hour.” Goff said he made no suggestions about the property, the zoning rights or alternate plans.

“You have wasted a lot of time, a lot of money and a lot of effort. I am disappointed in you,” Goff said to Lafazan. He later replied that no member of the community had ever approached him against selling the property, not once in his time on school board until the December outrage occurred. Lafazan responded to Goff briefly.

“The reason I voted no in September is because I harbor a deep philosophical belief that government is not in the business of selling property, and when we (Syosset Schools) have an edifice like this that we can use for our own advantage, I feel that we should have kept it for us. Second I voted no because I feel that the sale price of $5 million was not even in the realm of reasonable to violate that principle,” he explained at the meeting.

Lafazan was sworn into a school board seat two weeks after his Syosset High School graduation with the Class of 2012, becoming New York State’s youngest elected official at the time. He’s finishing a master’s degree in education at Harvard now. But in his home district, he was chastised by Goff at the podium and more so in prepared comments read by School Board Trustee Tracy Frankel. In the face of that Lafazan refuses to apologize for going solo in his email blasts and not speaking in unison with the school board.

The harshest perspective shared on January 25,

however, had little to do with all that already happened since the school year started or before that. It has to do with a pattern playing out from the Syosset school board as it operates and interacts with residents.

Fred Gang of Village Road in Syosset took the bird’s eye view of the current financial circumstances facing Syosset-Woodbury related to school infrastructure plans, timely as the budget season arrives.

“If the board reached out to the community and not just the PTA’s it would have gotten the feedback while the Basser Kaufman contract was being negotiated. We never would have gotten to this stage because you would have heard the community speak, we would have heard the issues and at that point you probably would not have gone ahead with the sale. But you did make a mistake and now you make an honest effort to correct it. Hopefully you learn from the mistake – but on the meeting agenda tonight are three propositions for a bond to be held two months from now. The financial implications of this bond will impact the community for the next 20 years, and board actions over the next 20 years. Its financial implications (to spend on updates to physical plant in Syosset) are ten times greater than the $5 million sale of the Woodbury property. And what do we hear at tonight’s meeting? How well your meetings with PTA members went on. Where’s the announcements for the general public? The board‘s December newsletter made vague references to the bond and the extent of district projects –have there been open meetings well publicized for the general community on the various projects, and the way to pay for them? The answer is obviously ‘no’…. Don’t make the same mistake over again,” Gang said.

7 Fountain Lane, Jericho

Sold Price: $876,000 Date: 12/21/2016

4 beds, 2 Full/1 Half baths Style: Split # of Families: 1

355 Split Rock Road, Syosset

5

133

Oakwood Drive, Syosset

Sold Price: $728,000

Date: 12/05/2016

4 beds, 3 Full baths

Style: Split # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 80x136

Schools: Syosset

Total Taxes: $16,176

MLS# 2879521

14 Deborah Road, Syosset

Sold Price: $475,000 Date: 12/09/2016

3 beds, 2 Full baths

Style: Ranch # of Families: 1

Lot Size: Irreg

Schools: Syosset

Total Taxes: $16,549

MLS# 2884223

ARE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES TOO HIGH?

Linda Freedman & Christine Malloy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate invite you to a

Tax Grievance Seminar

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 11:00 a.m.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate – 317 Jackson Avenue, Syosset, NY

IN THIS SESSION YOU WILL LEARN

When you should or should not begin to grieve your taxes.

How your existing property’s assessment is a share of the tax pie and why, if your neighbor successfully grieves their taxes, you may pay more.

Why your assessed value cannot be increased as a result of filing a grievance.

How you can evaluate your assessed value each year to decide if you should continue to file a tax grievance.

The pros and cons of filing an online grievance yourself or using an outside firm to help you with the process.

Property Tax Grievance Applications will be provided at the seminar Tax grievance filing deadline is March 1, 2017

REGISTRATION REQUIRED • SEATING IS LIMITED

To register or for more information email robin.altman@elliman.com or call 516.364.2213

Presented by

Willets S. Meyer of FARRELL FRITZ, P.C.

LINDA FREEDMAN

Licensed Assoc. R.E. Broker 917.743.2724

CHRISTINE MALLOY

Licensed R.E. Salesperson 516.474.8909