Syosset Advance (6/4/21)

Town unveils Hometown

Heroes banners to honor vets

Town of Oyster Bay officials met with local veterans and Girl Scouts to unveil Hometown Hero banners which will be displayed on light posts throughout Town of Oyster Bay parks.

In recognition of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman

Steve Labriola joined with over a dozen local veterans and Girl Scouts in unveiling Hometown Hero Banners that honor veterans and active duty military personnel— both living and deceased. Over 200 banners will be displayed on light posts through-

out Town of Oyster Bay parks through Veterans Day.

“I am so proud to bring this new community recognition program to the Town of Oyster Bay. The Hometown Heroes Banner program is an excellent opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who serve—and served—in our United States Armed Forces,” Councilman Steve Labriola said. “These

banners will serve as a stark reminder of the commitment to defend our freedoms and democracy that these amazing men and women displayed during some of the toughest times in our nations history.”

Banners bearing the nominated Hometown Heroes name, rank, photograph and area of service were unveiled throughout selected park facilities across the Town

See page 12

Barbara Bucovetsky Sells Homes! There Must Be a Reason...

“Barbara provided us with her expert opinions and was incredibly professional. She is wonderful to work with...” – Michelle S.

Birchwood Civic Association launches tree planting program

BY GEORGE HABER

To replace curbside trees in East Birchwood that have been lost to storms and disease, the Birchwood Civic Association (BCA) is working to plant one hundred new trees throughout the Jericho community. The tree planting program will start in the fall, said Roy Chipkin, BCA president.

Chipkin invited BCA members to complete applications for a new tree; once approved, workers from Cornell Cooperative, who will provide the trees and do the planting, will contact the member to determine where the tree will be placed and what type of tree the homeowner prefers from a specific choice of trees. Only one tree per member will be planted.

So far, he said, seventy families have signed up for the program.

“We’re hoping for a larger response so we can restore the maximum number of trees we are funding,” Chipkin said. “We want the community to look as attractive as possible--the way it did years ago, before weather and aging took some of our most attractive trees.Too many of our streets are without any trees at all.”

He said he hoped that the prospect of adding a tree to a homeowner’s property will encourage non-members of the BCA to join

and receive the benefit of a free tree planting, in addition to the other benefits of civic association membership.

The BCA has budgeted $10,000 for the tree planting program. More information on the BCA and the tree planting is available on the Birchwood Civic Association website--eastbirchwood.org.

The Birchwood Civic Assn. is working to plant one hundred new trees in the community. A free tree is available to each member of the organization.

Town offers Narcan training

Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito (third right) and Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. (fourth left) hosted a Narcan Training Seminar on May 19, 2021 at Levittown Hall. Narcan is a potentially lifesaving medication that can be administered in the event of an opioid overdose. Also attending were Richard Horan of Levittown, Anne and Roy Behrman of Levittown, Dr. Steven Martello and Abdul Gaibi.

DWI crash

injures man, toddler

Nassau County Police arrested a Syosset man after he allegedly drove into two pedestrians and a parked car while intoxicated.

According to police, Datt Varum, 36, was driving a 2020 Hyundai south on Ann Drive in the vicinity of Betty Street when his vehicle left the roadway on the wrong side, and struck a three-year-old girl and a 33-year-old man on the sidewalk. The car then hit a 2019 Hyundai that was parked.

The three-year-old suffered abrasions to her face and legs. The male suffered facial

fractures. Both victims were transported in a Nassau County Police Ambulance to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Nassau County Police say they observed that the driver, Datt Varum, had red glassy eyes, slurred speech and say they detected an odor of an alcoholic beverages on his breath.

Datt Varnum is charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, Reckless Driving, Assault 3rd Degree, and Driving While Intoxicated

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Local action on hate crimes

To the Editor:

I applaud President Biden for signing the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act into law - an important, timely, and refreshingly bipartisan piece of legislation that will provide federal law enforcement agencies robust tools to push back against the alarming increase in senseless bias and violence that the Asian American/ Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has endured throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Senate Majority Leader Schumer - who spoke recently on the front steps of this Legislature about the importance of fighting this scourge - deserves our thanks for leading the Senate to a nearly unanimous vote in favor of the measure.

Here in Nassau County, we have an obligation and a responsibility to add to that toolkit so that members of our local AAPI communities can once again regain the sense of security they deserve.

Last month, I filed a proposed local law that would update the County’s Human Rights Law to specifically outlaw discrimination based on an actual or perceived relationship to the Covid-19 pandemic. This bill would empower victims of discrimination and the County Attorney to sue for compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. Individuals who violate the statute would furthermore face penalties of $5,000 to $25,000 per incident, which would be recoverable and payable to the aggrieved victim, as well as thousands of dollars in additional fines.

I urge my colleagues in the Majority to bring this measure to the floor of the Legislature so that it can be debated and adopted unanimously. By doing so, we would send a clear message that we will aggressively defend the rights of all Nassau County residents to live lives free of fear, hatred, and bigotry.

Arnold W. Drucker Nassau County Legislator, LD 16 Plainview

Abuse of power

To the Editor:

In my prior published letter

to the Syosset Advance editor , I explained the lack of transparency by Legislator Lafazan and the Syosset Board of Education regarding the Stillwell Proposal which has since been voted down.  Apparently it resonated within the community. I would like to take this opportunity to show everyone the absurd, accusatory & unacceptable false letter I received after I had only one businesslike telephone conversation with the Syosset Public Information manager, Tricia Williams. After reviewing a letter Ms. Williams sent to another resident,  I questioned three inaccuracies in her letter. She could not and would not try to explain on phone call why she sent inaccuracies in her letter. Instead she promised she would respond to me in writing that afternoon. I never received her communication as she promised. The next day I called to reach her, left a voice message (if it was threatening they would have had me arrested) and still never heard back. I then sent an email to Superintendent Rogers and the entire Board of Education explaining the commitment Ms. Williams made and the answers I expected. Everything was done professionally. I never received any reply to my email. But I then received this absurd accusatory warning letter. I then went to the next school board meeting to attempt to get answers and was shut down by president Tracy Frankel while I attempted to explain at microphone what occurred. I then was surrounded by about 10 school security guards and forced out of building.

I have since been told that many observers in auditorium that night were shocked at the way I was treated by President Tracy Frankel. I want to reiterate that I only had one telephone conversation on this matter contrary to the false statements in Letter from Superintendent Rogers. We cannot allow people in power to abuse their authority. I once again call for an apology or Superintendent Rogers termination by the Board that watched this play out.  I also advocate the president Tracy Frankel relinquish her position as president on Board upon the swearing in of the three newly elected Trustees.

Kevin McKenna

Drug arrest in Hicksville

Nassau County Police arrested a Hicksville man following a fatal drug overdose that took place on May 25.

According to police, an investigation into a fatal overdose of a Nassau

County resident led to the arrest of Joseph Demm, 29. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree.

Jericho senior wins prestigious science fair award

BY GARY SIMEONE

It was her father that gave Jericho High School senior Catherine Kim the idea to create a machine learning model to predict adverse drug reactions. The innovative idea helped her to earn first place in the prestigious Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair.

“I would see my dad in the kitchen every morning taking his medications, which consisted of a blood pressure and cholesterol drugs,” said Kim. “I was worried about his health and the possible side effects from combining the two meds. Just thinking about that really inspired me to do this research.”

She began her work two summers ago, delving into the mechanisms of putting together a hierarchical machine learning model.

“I set out to create this model that would be able to predict the adverse drug

reactions and underlying pathological mechanisms for all drug pairs. My applied research will hopefully prevent adverse drug reactions in patients while ensuring they are receiving the medication they need.”

She added that her model could also be applied to test the safety and efficacy of new therapeutic designs and paving the way for safer drug design and distribution in the future.

Through her research and modeling, Kim said she learned that adverse drug reactions are estimated to cause 100,000 deaths in the United States annually.

“The current methods of prediction are severely limited in two ways. Number one, they cannot be applied to all drugs, and number two, they do not provide any pharmacological insights, which are both necessary for greater drug safety,” said Kim.

In her model, she used the chemical structures of certain drugs to predict

Attention students!

their molecular actions, which were used to predict adverse drug reactions for any drug paired.

She said that her hierarchical model achieved an overall accuracy rate greater than 91%.

“I further applied my model to derive the pathological mechanism of a rare but deadly yet unexplored medical condition called interstitial lung disease,” said Kim.

Kim earned first place in the Regeneron Fair in the category of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics. She also earned the Regeneron Young Scientist Award, which gifted her with a $50,000 scholarship.

“I am still in shock and awe about achieving first place in the competition. It's like a dream come true and I am still processing this tremendous achievement," said Kim.

The precocious senior said she plans to attend Brown University in the fall.

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

TEMPLE BETH TORAH

Your Jewish Home for Spiritual and Social Connection

Shalom and Welcome!

The Trustees, Executive Board, Cantor Chesler and congregation send a warm welcome to our new rabbi, Jack Dermer and his wife Kayley as they join the Jericho Community!

Rabbi Dermer brings a vibrant, engaging, and modern view of Conservative Judaism to the bimah as Temple Beth Torah’s new spiritual leader. We also eagerly welcome back our congregation as The Temple reopens its sanctuary and Hebrew school, always in compliance with all CDC guidelines. As we kick off our 61st year in Jericho, we are very excited to welcome Rabbi Dermer and Kayley and look forward to serving the religious and social needs of our congregation and community.

When one chapter of Torah ends and a new one begins, we chant together as a community “Chazak Chazak V’Nitzchazek”–

“Strength, Strength May We Be Strengthened”

To learn more about our in-person and online/virtual religious and social programing or for information about our one-day per week interactive Hebrew school program, please contact us.

Temple Beth Torah - 243 Cantiague Rock Road - Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 334-7979 | www.templebethtorahli.org

Home Staging and Design

Every home seller’s goal is to make the greatest profit. And by making some strategic improvements prior to selling, you can.

White Glove is an exclusive service of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty that provides a no-obligation staging and design recommendation. It’s a FREE proposal. There is literally nothing to lose.

White Glove services include:

Whether you’re selling, buying, or looking to do both in a streamlined, comprehensive transaction, White Glove can help facilitate the entire process.

No up-front costs — everything is settled at the closing table.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray assisted Levittown residents Daniel Haslbauer and Theresa LoCascio as they applied for a marriage license on May 17, 2021 at Hempstead Town Hall. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Town Clerk Murray has implemented many safeguards to continue providing town programs and services in a safe and efficient manner. She continues to officiate weddings outside Town Hall, as well as via telephone, Zoom and FaceTime. For more information about the Town Clerk’s Office, please visit hempsteadny.gov/townclerks-office or call (516) 812-3046.

Bethpage teachers recruit young musicians

The Bethpage School District Music Department hosted the “Best Day of Your Life” recruitment ceremony for grades 3–4 at Kramer Lane Elementary School on May 27. Students were treated to a live instrumental performance from Bethpage music teachers, showcasing all the band and orchestra instruments available to them for the 2021-2022 school year. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Recent Real Estate Sales in Syosset and Jericho

199 Cold Spring Road, Syosset

6 bd, 5 ba, 3,595 sqft

Sold On: 4/23/21

Sold Price: $1,360,000

Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset

6 be, 4 ba, 3,509 sqft

Sold On: 4/13/21

Sold Price: $1,080,000

Type: Single Family Schools: Jericho

5 bd, 4 ba, 2,640 sqft

Sold On: 4/28/21

Sold Price: $1,275,000

Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset

4 bd, 3 ba

Sold On: 4/21/21

Sold Price: $680,000

Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset

June 4, 2021

New York State Makes it Easy, Fun to Get Out There!

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, when so much was locked down and out of reach, New York State parks and outdoor recreation areas were a godsend, providing much needed respite. Indeed, the state’s parks received a record number of visitors, even as measures were in place to control capacity. And throughout the year, the state consistently made improvements and found ways to be available and accessible to more people.

The improvements are continuing with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s NY Parks 100 initiative, which renews the historic commitment to investing and expanding the State Park system by committing at least $440 million over the next four years. Here are some of the improvements that will welcome visitors this year:

Glamping at State Parks

New York State has formed a partnership for a new tent camping service with 45 sites at four State Parks in the Hudson Valley. Tentrr’s fully outfitted campsites are available to reserve at the Sebago and Silver Mine areas of Harriman State Park in Orange and Rockland Counties; Taconic State Park and Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County; and Mills-Norrie State Park in Dutchess County.

The service ($135/night) provides tents, sleeping accommodations and all the necessary camping equipment at each site: a 10-foot by 12-foot, canvas-walled tent atop a raised platform, queen-sized bed and memory foam mattress, propane heating source, solar-powered “sun” show-

After a year’s hiatus, registration for the 2021 Cycle the Erie 8-day, 400-mile biking adventure from Buffalo to Albany is now open for a limited 350 riders © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

er, camp toilet, water container, Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, grill, and a picnic table with storage and benches.

To make a reservation, visit  tentrr.com/nysp. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

Yet another glamping opportunity is Camp Rockaway, part of New York’s  Reimagine the Canals initiative. The state-based outdoor excursion company is managing the site at Lock C-5 on the Champlain Canal in Schuylerville between Memorial Day weekend and September 8, with possible extension through early October (https://camprockaway.com/schuylerville/).

Biking, Boating the Erie Canal

Parks & Trails NY is offering its sensational eight-day, 400-mile biking adventure along the Erie Canalway for a 23rd year in 2021, after a hiatus in 2020. Riders leave Buffalo on July 11 and reach Albany on July 18. Registration is open for spots, limited this year to 350.

Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists travel along the Erie Canalway Trail, which follows the legendary Erie Canal, passing locks and aqueducts and winding through historic villages and rural farmlands. Designed as a supported camping trip, accommodations are provided with showers, toilet facil-

ities, some with pools or lakes for swimming; eight breakfasts and six dinners; two daily refreshment stops; evening entertainment; guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums and a boat tour through the Lockport locks; kick-off reception and endof-tour celebration; t-shirt; baggage transport; SAG wagon and mobile mechanical support; daily maps and cue sheets; painted and arrowed routes; pre-departure info packet including training tips. Other amenities available (at additional fee) include fresh daily towels, gourmet morning coffee, tent and air mattress rental and set up (for those who don’t want to pitch their own tent).

The price up until June 7 is $1200/ adult, $650 youth (6-17); $290 child (5 and under); plus shuttle fare of $100 (that either takes you from the parking garage in Albany to Buffalo the day before the ride starts, or returns you to Buffalo).

Info at 518-434-1583, eriecanaltour@ptny.org; to book, www. ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour.

Can’t do the Parks & Trails NY’s Cycle the Erie ride? Among the bike tour companies offering the trip, Wilderness Voyageurs offers a self-guided inn-to-inn tour (https://wilderness-voyageurs.com) and Classic Adventures (https:// classicadventures.com/) and Womantours (www.womantours. com) offer guided itineraries.

Another unsurpassed way to enjoy the Erie Canal is by boat –and bring a bike along. Erie Canal Adventures’ fleet of 11 custom-designed Lockmasters sail from Macedon, near Rochester, NY, and with enough time, you can cruise

Continued on next page

New York State Makes it Easy, Fun to Get Out There!

some 200 miles from Buffalo to Lake Oneida in Syracuse along the canal. Erie Canal Adventures, 315-986-3011,  www. eriecanaladventures.com.

Empire State Trail Open

New York’s ambitious Empire State Trail, now the nation’s longest multiuse state trail, is fully opened. The trail network spans 750 miles, 75 percent of which is off-road trails ideal for cyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and snow-shoers. The new recreational trail means you can go from the tip of Manhattan north-south through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada, and east-west from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal on a safe and incredibly scenic pathway, discovering fascinating historic and cultural sites along the way.

To promote the opening of the Empire State Trail, the state has formed a partnership with the nationally-known Boilermaker race to create the “Empire State Trail Challenge” virtual race where participants can register and

log their miles to reach milestones tied to virtual progress along the Empire State Trail, through July 31. (Details at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/ Utica/EmpireStateTrailChallenge.)

The Empire State Trail website provides quick and easy access information including segment descriptions and an on-line map identifying off-road trails connecting on-road sections, trail distances, designated parking areas, restrooms. You can download maps and cue sheets. The site also features information about the activities and destinations on or near the trail such as campgrounds, parks, historic sites, and popular stops among the local communities. (https://empiretrail.ny.gov/).

Discovery Bicycle Tour on Empire State Trail

Here is what well may be the first bike touring company to come out with a guided, inn-to-inn trip along the recently completed north-south section of the Empire State Trail in New York State:  Discovery Bicycle Tours’ has introduced a six-day guided trip that cycles 200 miles from the very tip of

Manhattan to Albany.

The Discovery Bicycle Tour goes through a wide variety of landscapes in New York State. Cycle passed the Freedom Tower and Manhattan skyscrapers, through forests, along lakes and rivers, enjoy the stunning vistas of the Catskill and Shawangunk mountains as you follow the gorgeous Hudson River Valley, with a triumphant finish in Albany. As a bonus, you cycle across the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, and the iconic  Rosendale Trestle. Rated Level 1 (easier), daily cycling mileage ranges from 28 to 47 miles.

Accommodations are in inns and a bed-and-breakfast. The tour includes: 5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners (you are on your own for 1 dinner in Rhinebeck), cycling routes with detailed maps and/or app-based navigation for those interested, plus bicycle, helmet, tour guides and van support. The trip is priced at $2,495;  https://discoverybicycletours. com/empire-state-trail-bike-tour.

Discovery Bicycle Tours,

CHEAPSKATE

Cheapskate Gardening Tips and Tricks

Woodstock, VT., 800-257-2226,  info@ discoverybicycletours.com ,   www. discoverybicycletours.com

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by a record 78 million in 2020. To book a spot in a New York State campground, go to https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/. For more information, call 518-474-0456 or visit  www.parks.ny.gov

© 2021 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com,  www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

BY MARY HUNT

Is there anything more gratifying than a beautiful garden when you just happen to be the gardener? But one trip to the garden center to pick up soil amendment, weed cloth and weedkiller can pretty much zap all of that joy with its hefty price tag. That’s why I love today’s tips and tricks -- including, back by popular demand, homemade weedkiller.

GARDEN VITAMINS

While you may have no use for spent coffee grounds, your garden will love them. Used coffee grounds are like megavitamins for the soil. They’re rich in phosphorus and magnesium -- important nutrients that help plants grow. It’s easy to just sprinkle coffee grounds (wet or dry) around the plants and work them into the soil. They’re even the right color. If you’re not much of a coffee drinker, don’t despair. Many coffee shops package up their used coffee grounds in the bags that the beans originally came in and offer them to local gardeners for free. Check with your barista to see if used coffee grounds are available at your favorite coffeehouse.

FREE CALCIUM

Every day, you throw away eggshells, and why not? They’re not good for anything, right? Wrong! Eggshells are delicious calcium for your garden. Be sure to crush them well, and then work them into the soil right along with those coffee

grounds. Calcium will help keep your garden soil and plants healthy.

WEED ‘CLOTH’

Newspaper makes the best weed cloth (only after you’ve read this column). It’s free, and it allows water to drain through it, and it is also biodegradable -- very good for the soil. Newspaper will definitely last through the season, preventing unwanted vegetation from growing up through it.

First, prepare your garden. Next, lay a thick layer of newspaper over the entire area, eight to 10 sheets thick. Now cover with a thick layer of mulch. At each place that you wish to plant a seedling, cut an X through the mulch and paper and into the soil.

WEEDKILLER FOR AREAS TO BE REPLANTED

If you have weeds in areas you want to replant, do this: Fill an ordinary garden sprayer with white vinegar, and add about one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap such as blue Dawn. Apply sprayer top, and follow the instructions on the sprayer to get it ready to spray. That’s it. Seriously, it is that simple. Pick a hot, dry day to spray weeds until saturated. They will wilt and shrivel up within hours, so be careful to not spray anything you want to live. However, do not worry about the vinegar killing anything below the soil. Because vinegar will not harm the soil, you can safely replant the area once the weeds have died.

WEEDKILLER FOR AREAS NEVER TO GROW AGAIN

To kill all vegetation in walkways, driveways and other areas where you don’t want any living thing to grow again, mix two cups of ordinary table salt with one gallon of white vinegar. Do this in a container that is larger than one gallon so you have room for the table salt (not Epsom salts, which are a soil nutrient found in lots of garden fertilizers).

Apply the lid, and shake to dissolve the salt. Salt dissolves more quickly in vinegar than in water, but it takes a bit of shaking. It may not completely dissolve, but that’s OK. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Pour into any kind of garden sprayer or spray bottle; make sure to avoid including any undissolved salt, which can clog the sprayer. Apply to weeds or grass on a dry, sunny day to areas you don’t want to see vegetation of any kind in the future.

NOTES

Ordinary distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity (the kind you find in the supermarket) is cheap and works great. If you can find a higher acidity, even up to 30% (available at Home Depot, Walmart and Amazon for about $2 for a half-gallon), it is going to work faster, but the end results will be the same.

It is the presence of salt in the second recipe above that will eventually bring permanence to your weed-killing. The salt will penetrate and leach into the soil.

It may take multiple applications, but in time, the salt will “sterilize” the soil in this area so that nothing will grow there for the foreseeable future. Plan well before you go this permanent route. Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https:// www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” Tips can be submitted at tips.everydaycheapskate.com/. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM

Crossword Answers

Goat yoga, cherry blossoms & learning French

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

At the beginning of the pandemic most of my friends and relatives were good about staying inside and only ventured out when they needed food, medicine and other necessities. As the months went by they wanted to challenge themselves to learn new thingsto keep mentally and physically activeand when they told me about them I was impressed plus I wanted to try some of the things they talked about.

Signing up for a goat yoga class was something my friend, Laurie, dreamed about doing ever since she heard about the concept. Having practiced yoga for 10 years, Laurie smiled when she thought of goats milling about outside on the grass as participants did their yoga. Searching on Google for the closest place to her home in Commack, Laurie found a farm in Suffolk that offers it and asked her friend, Julie, to go along. The two women went a few times on weekends since they work fulltime during the week and they told me that, as described, goat yoga is a way to combine fun and fitness into one activity. The yoga routines are standard, but Laurie said that during the sessions the roughly 25-pound goats climbed on people, frolicked with one another and snuggled with them on their mats. The goats have a certain light-hearted way about them. Laurie and Julie both had their pictures taken with a goat standing on their backs as they struck a yoga pose. When I saw those pictures I laughed but had to admire their poise and stability. I admired the goats, too, for trusting the humans so much! Seeing that goat yoga made it look like a whole lot of fun! Being on a farm and watching the goats wander about made for some terrific time out east for both Laurie and Julie.

My brother-in-law, Don, retired from his job two years ago after working full-time for 45 years. Immediately after college Don spent two years living in Mexico so he became fluent in Spanish just by immersing himself in the language and the culture. Because he’s interested in foreign languages, he figured he’d learn French. Even though he had plenty of time on his hands, Don found listening to CDs or tapes was boring so he signed up for an online course. He said he didn’t think it would be too hard to learn since it’s a Romance language like Spanish but he found it challenging. French is harder because of the spelling of certain words – they aren’t pronounced the way they look like they should be pronounced, Don said. He continues to learn it because Don knows that French is a real international language and post-pandemic he, his wife and family have their hearts set on taking a cruise from Manhattan to Quebec City and Montreal where he can be out among the people and practice speaking his French.

A retiree friend of mine, Jeff and his wife Anna live in northern Virginia and they took their three grandchildren, who range in age from six to 11, on a short day trip to see the cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C., this spring. The kids had been to Washington before but didn’t know the story behind the cherry blossom trees which aren’t native to the U.S. In 1912 the trees were presented as a gift of friendship to the people of the U.S. from the people of Japan.

In fact, it was on March 27, 1912, that First Lady Helen Taft, the wife of U.S. President William Howard Taft, and the Japanese ambassador’s wife, Viscountess Iwa Chinda, planted the first two trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. Workers then planted

another 3,000 Yoshino trees. Visitors to Washington, D.C., arrive each spring to see the nation’s capital lit up with the beautiful cherry blossoms. Jeff told his grandkids that the original planting took place more than 100 years ago on a site that is just east of today’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The kids were wowed by the sight of all the cherry blossoms.

My friend, Amy, told me that she, her husband and two kids started watching “Country Comfort” on Netflix just recently. Season 1 came out in March with 10 episodes and stars Katharine McPhee, who was runner up on Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2006 and Eddie Cibrian, an actor on the TV series “Sunset Beach.”

Many fans like the series so much that they’re hoping for a Season 2. “Country Comfort” is a comedy about Bailey, a country singer whose boyfriend and bandmate has broken up with her. She lands on the doorstep of Beau, a widowed rancher, who hires her as a nanny for his five children. She’s never been a nanny before but Bailey instantly works her way into the

hearts of the family all while trying to rekindle her music career. One of the sons prides himself on being Bailey’s manager and getting singing auditions for her. Bailey picks up her guitar and starts singing and Amy said it was then that she saw why Katharine McPhee did so well on “American Idol.” Amy said, “She’s got a relaxed, natural way of singing but I can also tell that Katharine McPhee has practiced and practiced a lot to get even better at her craft.”

Amy added that one episode featured LeAnn Rimes because she’s one of the daughter’s favorite singers. Rimes made a cameo appearance on “Country Comfort” by singing “I Need You,” one of her hit songs and having Bailey join in. In real life Eddie Cibrian has been married to singer LeAnn Rimes since 2011 so Rimes’ cameo appearance on “Country Comfort” came about effortlessly when the plot had an opening for a famous country music singer.

I’ve tried some new things this past year but I can’t say that learning French or doing yoga with goats milling about were two of those things. Maybe someday soon!

BY TOM MARGENAU

Because of the high volume of emails I get from the small minority of government employees who don’t even pay into Social Security, I guess it’s time for me to trot out my old WEP and GPO column. (I’ll explain what those abbreviations stand for in a minute.) Who are these folks? They are primarily teachers in some states and police officers and firefighters in other states. Or they are old-time federal employees who started working before government employees were switched to Social Security in 1984. These local, state and older federal employees are covered by other retirement plans and not by Social Security.

Why is that? Because back when Social Security laws were enacted in the 1930s, Congress felt that they could not force a federal pension plan (Social Security) on state and local governments. So, they gave them the option of joining Social Security or not. Most did. But some did not. And still today, about 10% of all workers, mostly in state and local jobs in the public sector, are not covered by Social Security.

Federal government employees were initially not covered by Social Security because they had their own pension system in place before Social Security came along. But all federal employees hired since 1984 pay into Social Security. (That includes the president and members of Congress, by the way.) But as I said, there are still some old feds out there who are not in Social Security.

Folks who spend the bulk of their careers in jobs not covered by Social Security are potentially subject to a couple of offsets that impact either their own Social Security benefit (based on Social Security-covered work they did outside of their regular job) or any benefits they potentially might be due from their spouse’s Social Security record. There always has been a great deal of confusion and an awful lot of misinformation about those offsets. If you are potentially impacted by these offsets, today’s column is directed at you and will help you understand them.

One offset is called the “windfall elimination provision,” or WEP. This is the one that impacts your own Social Security benefit. The other is called the “government pension offset,” or GPO, and it reduces any spousal benefits you might be due.

The key to understanding WEP is to realize that the word “social” in Social Security means something. Unlike private and other public-sector pension plans, there are social goals built into the Social Security program. One of those goals is to raise the standard of living of lower-income workers in retirement. This is accomplished through a benefit formula that is designed to give lower-paid workers a better deal than their more highly paid counterparts. Very low-paid workers could get a Social Security benefit that

Yet Another WEP and GPO Column

represents up to 90% of their pre-retirement earnings. This percentage is known as a “replacement rate.” People with average incomes (the middle class) generally get a 40% replacement rate. Higher-income people get a rate around 30%.

The problem is that people who spend the bulk of their working lives not paying into Social Security are automatically treated as low-income people by the Social Security Administration’s computers. That’s because there are “zeros” on their Social Security earnings record for every year they spent in their non-Social Security job. The SSA’s records won’t show they were actually working at the other job and earning another pension. Instead, their Social Security earnings record simply shows gaps in their work history. So, when figuring their Social Security retirement benefit, the SSA’s computers automatically use the formula intended to compensate a lower-income person -- and they usually get the 90% replacement rate.

But teachers, police officers, firefighters and other government employees generally can be classified as people with average incomes, so they should get the same Social Security replacement rate paid to all middle-class workers. That’s why a modified formula is used to refigure their benefits and give them the proper -- and fair -- replacement rate. If you’re an employee affected by this law, that modified formula takes you from the 90% (poor person’s) replacement rate to the 40% (middle-class person’s) replacement rate, thus usually reducing estimated benefits by about half.

Most career teachers and government employees generally have just barely over the qualifying 40 quarters (10 years) of Social Security-covered work. But if you have 30 or more years of “substantial” Social Security earnings, the windfall provision won’t apply, and your benefit will not be reduced. If you have between 20 and 29 years of substantial earnings, your Social Security benefit will be only partially reduced. A chart giving a year-by-year breakdown of what the government considers substantial earnings is available in my book. More about that in a minute.

The other rule that so many people misunderstand is the government pension offset, or GPO. In a nutshell, that law says that an amount equal to two-thirds of a non-Social Security-covered pension must be deducted from any Social Security dependent’s benefits a person might be due. In effect, the law prevents most folks who work at jobs not covered by Social Security from collecting benefits as a wife, widow, husband or widower from a spouse’s Social Security record.

What these people don’t realize is that the government pension offset law simply treats them in the same way that all other working people have always been treated. For example, if a woman who worked at a job that was covered by Social Security

gets a Social Security retirement pension, that pension has always offset any spousal benefits she might have been due. Before the GPO law went into effect, people getting a non-Social Security pension were the only working people in this country who could get their own retirement pension AND a full dependent’s benefit from Social Security.

And the GPO law actually gives these people a bit of a break. Social Security retirement pensions offset spousal benefits dollar for dollar. But a non-Social Security retirement pension causes only a two-thirds offset. In other words, for each $3 you get in a teacher’s or other noncov-

ered pension, you lose only $2 from Social Security spousal benefits. Due to space constraints, this has been a very simplified explanation of some very complicated laws. To learn more about WEP and GPO, order my book, “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” There is a fact sheet in that book that explains these rules in much more detail.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has a book with all the answers. It’s called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” You can find the book at creators.com/books. Or look for it on Amazon or other book outlets. .

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

TWhat if we didn’t have the right to own property and invest?

hinking about this past Memorial Day Weekend and how all of us are free to purchase whatever we want and do so in a manner and environment that allows us to decide independently how, when, and where we can and want to do it. I believe to some degree we take for granted and forget how easy life is to excel, prosper and do and be whatever we want to be without any interference.

Buying real estate is one thing that comes to mind that in some other countries, one has no right to possess their own home or investment property. China, Laos, and Vietnam are those Communist countries that do not allow personal ownership of property. I am quite sure those in the inside of government and those that have connections might have a way to do circumvent the strict policies.

Foreigners too are restricted from ownership in Vietnam, Mexico, Greece, and Thailand, but again it’s not what you know but who you know that allows those that are connected to circumvent the normal rules and layers of restrictions. Communist countries, unfortunately, control property and don’t allow their citizen’s ownership (except Cuba changed their Constitution in 2019 where one could own their own home and investment property while also reassuring the central government’s authority over the regulation of production and land). However, foreigners cannot own property directly but use third parties indirectly to obtain ownership. In Communist countries, the competitive spirit is squashed and the government controls almost everything that is consumed. However, Russians

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: We bought some strawberry plants at the big-box store and planted them. They seem to be growing just fine. I did some reading about the strawberry variety we bought, and some of the sources said to cut off all of the flowers this year. The plants are supposed to grow more strawberries next year. If they are flowering now, aren’t they capable or mature enough to grow the fruit? Do I really have to cut off the flowers and wait a year for strawberry shortcake?

A: I understand your pain. If I am going to go through all the work of planting strawberries, I want the fruits of my labor this year. I don’t want to wait. But look at it this way: Strawberry plants are perennials. Rhubarb and asparagus are other perennial garden plants that we eat. We buy all three of these plants as small plants that will grow bigger and stronger if we have the

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

can use their wages to purchase their home and goods as needed. However, whether it is a foreigner or citizen, one cannot own the land beneath the property which is controlled by the government. The value is more or less controlled by the State. It is much more difficult and takes more time to save to be able to be in a position to purchase due to the value of the Ruble. The exchange rate of one dollar equals 73.32 Rubles as the currency is far less valuable. Romania has the world’s highest homeownership of 96%, followed by Singapore with 90.8% and Slovakia with 90.3.

occur. What would the U.S. look like if we had those restrictive policies in place? I am quite sure many would move out of the country. Our economy would seriously falter over time and would not be the once “free to earn and invest” in an unrestrictive environment that it once was. I believe that is why so many have come here and still yearn for the “American Dream” in being able to immigrate to the United States, which has now been more restricted in gaining U.S. citizenship.

We as Americans have truly no restrictions on purchasing our own homes or investment properties as long as we have the ways and means to accumulate the necessary funds to close the transactions. We take for granted how free we are to amass our own individual wealth by ownership that some other countries do not provide that right to their citizens. The concept of appreciation and getting rich is extremely limited to those that are connected to the insider group. Can you imagine what your life would look like if you couldn’t own your own home or an investment property? How would you accumulate long-term wealth?

It would most likely have to be in ways that would be illegal in those countries that restrict ownership of property. The Black Market proliferates where severe policy restrictions

A few questions come to mind if and when tax laws are altered and changed in the U.S. Over the next few years what effect will it have on our real estate? Will the benefits and values that currently exist be radically changed? Will owning one’s home and/ or investment property worth the time and effort? Are we at the crossroads of change that will adversely affect our economy and country? My professional opinion is that those in charge must be very careful as to whatever changes are being considered as to whether or not we lose or win the battle of fairness and equity. The distribution of wealth to those who truly deserve it because of their entrepreneurial, physically earned “sweat equity” efforts and those who do not deserve sharing should be a major factor to be considered. The future could be quite beneficial for a greater number of people or quite bleak if decisions are made to benefit only a small minority.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

strength of will to wait a year or two before we start harvesting in earnest.

The good news is that strawberries come in three major groups. One group is grown in the garden for long-term production, but the other two types can be grown for the longer-term or for the short-term harvest each year.

The June-bearing varieties produce large berries for a few weeks in June and produce a lot of runners the rest of the summer. There are early-, mid- and late-season June-bearers to stretch out the harvest. June-bearing plants are often planted in rows so that the daughter plants can grow in the space between the rows. Eventually, the mother plants don’t produce as well, and they are dug out after the harvest is over. The daughter rows become the new higher berry-producing mother row that sends out daughter plants into what was the “grandmother’s” row space.

It sounds like you have been reading about June-bearing strawberries. Your newly planted strawberry plants were in cold storage since they were harvested last fall. They used energy to stay alive. Now they need to grow new root systems in your garden, which takes more energy. Producing flowers takes even more energy. Taking off the flowers helps the plant recover from the move into your garden. The earlier the mother strawberry plant can send out the babies, the stronger the babies will be next year.

June-bearing strawberry plants that produce fruit the first year will still send out baby runners later in the summer, but the baby plants will not be strong enough to produce large crops of berries next year.

The ever-bearing group has smaller berries in spring, summer and fall with a rest period in between. They grow some runners when they’re not producing berries.

The day-neutral group produces smaller berries all spring, summer and fall with very few runners.

The ever-bearing and day-neutral strawberries are often planted in hills, and any runners are removed. New young plants are bought each year to replace the older plants. These varieties grow great in containers and allow for harvesting the first summer.

One last thing: How many plants did you get? Can you leave the flowers on a plant or two to get some strawberries this year while still having enough plants that can grow strong runners for next year? This will allow you to have your strawberry shortcake and eat it, too.

E-mail questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.

BY CARRIE SCHWAB-POMERANTZ

Dear Parents of Teens: The pandemic has changed our everyday reality in so many ways -- financially, educationally and socially. Money may be tighter. Kids may be doing online school. And we’re all spending a lot more time at home. But for all the changes in our lives, according to a recent Schwab survey, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed for a lot of people: the importance we place on financial education. In fact, parents who took the survey rated money management as the most important skill for their kids to learn -- outranking health and wellness education as a supplementary graduation requirement to math, English and science.

So, where do kids get this crucial education? Schools are getting better. Twenty-one states now require high school students to take a personal finance course. That’s a start, but there’s a lot more work to be done. Here’s where you as a parent can help fill in the gaps.

Five Practical Ways to Get Started

With your kids home more these days, you may have more opportunities to start a conversation about money. And if your family economics have changed due to the pandemic, there’s more to talk about. But real learning comes from doing. So, give your kids some hands-on experiences and responsibilities.

Use daily opportunities as “teachable moments.” When you’re paying bills, let your teen see what it costs to run a household, how bills get paid and how to checkbook balanced. If you pay your bills online, show them how online bill-pay is linked to your checking account.

--Pay an allowance only once a month. To learn how to budget and save, kids have to have their own money. Once

Is Your Teen Financially Fit?

your child is a teen, consider giving them their allowance monthly instead of weekly; that way they can learn how to make their money last. Help them understand the difference between needs and wants and how to budget for both. (If you’ve had to make trade-offs in the past year, share why and how you did it.) Make them responsible for a certain share of their own expenses (for example, clothing, electronics or extracurricular activities). Most of all, let them learn from their mistakes. Don’t immediately come to the rescue if they come up short.

--Open a checking account. Show your teen how to use a check register and review monthly statements online or on paper. Guide them in using a debit card wisely and keeping track of debit expenditures. Show them how to use an ATM, and talk to them about potential fees associated with different accounts.

--Open a savings account. Talk about goals and setting savings priorities. Suggest saving a percentage of any earnings or gifts toward a goal. If your teen has a job, have them set up direct deposit from their checking account to their savings account. Consider matching a portion of their savings to further motivate them to put money away for the future.

--Get them started in investing. Saving gives you money to work with, but investing puts your money to work. Teaching your teen about compound interest can be eye-opening. Using fractional shares to invest in stocks can be a fun way of getting them involved and engaged in conversations about how the stock market works. If your teen earns a paycheck, you can help them set up an IRA for the future.

Evidence it Works

Recent studies confirm the positive,

long-lasting effects of financial education on behavior and decision-making. While more research and support is needed, I’ve seen the results myself through my experience with the Money Matters: Make It Count program offered through Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Kids who participate show dramatic improvement in their understanding of personal finance concepts.

Now in its 17th year, with over a million teens having participated in the program, Money Matters has shown some remarkable results. Part of the success derives from BGCA’s efforts to make the program relevant to teens through experiential activities and content.

A great example is the Money Matters Reality Store, a real-world interactive workshop, where kids discover firsthand how education, career, family and spending can impact their financial futures. There’s nothing like experiential activities to give kids a taste of financial reality. Giving your kids some extra screen time for financial videogames that simulate real-life economic experiences can be an excellent motivator!

More Than Just Money Financial education is about our sense of well-being, creating equal opportunities, even strengthening our relationships. The more we can share with our kids about our own money management practices -- from household budgeting to saving to investing -- the richer their lives will be. Be open and talk freely about how you handle your money; teach them by your good example. And be sure to give them feedback as they make their own financial decisions.

If you need to sharpen your knowledge in personal finance, visit SchwabMoney-

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

Saving by Choice, Not by Chance

wise.com, which offers tools and resources for anyone who wants a refresher in the basics, as well as those just starting out. But don’t let schools off the hook. If a financial literacy class isn’t offered at your teen’s school, petition your school district to have one added to the curriculum. To me, money management is a critical life skill for everyone.

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm), is president of Charles Schwab Foundation and author of The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty, available in bookstores nationwide. Read more at http://schwab.com/ book. You can e-mail Carrie at askcarrie@ schwab.com The Charles Schwab Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private foundation that is not part of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., or its parent company, The Charles Schwab Corporation. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers are obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, their accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. MEMBER SIPC. DIST BY CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC. (#) 0421-1J2R

BY MARY HUNT

A question that I answered in a previous column brought a small avalanche of mail, mostly from readers who were aghast that I would suggest they save such a significant portion of their paychecks for retirement. It was money they insisted they could not afford to save.

I can only imagine that for a person who saves nothing, suggesting they should be saving thousands every year can be shocking or perceived as impossible. Here is one of those messages:

Dear Mary: I am a 34-year-old college grad. My school debt is approximately $46,000. My car loan is $8,500. I have a chronic medical condition that costs me thousands each year.

I was reading an article that you wrote where you told a reader that she needed to save the maximum al-

lowed in her 401(k), which I believe was something like $17,500 a year, plus save an additional 10% of her net income in her emergency fund.

I am barely making it right now, though I work full time as a teacher and make approximately $65,000 a year. I would love to know what you would suggest I do to start being able to save that much. -- Heather

Dear Heather: I recall that article.

Reader B.H., as she identified herself, is a recently single mother with two

college-aged kids, barely surviving because she is putting the financial support of her two adult children ahead of her own financial care. She’s in a difficult position.

I recommended that she immediately shift to taking care of her own financial future now that her children are old enough to be on their own. I went on to point out all of the ways she needs to be crash-saving for her retirement because, at this point in her life, she is all she can count on. She must begin to take

care of her own financial future.

I responded, “You need to make sure that you are contributing the maximum each year to your employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan. Once you reach age 50, you can increase that amount by another amount per year as an allowed ‘catch-up’ provision, and you should.” Of course, she is not required to contribute any amount to her employer’s retirement plan, and she can contribute any amount up to the maximum allowed each year. At this point in her life, however, it is important that she push hard to reach the maximum.

You may believe that you cannot save because your debts are high. Or that you just do not make enough money to save anything at all. Wrong. How much you save has little to do with your income. It has to do with the choices you make. Even with your large student debt and car loan, at $65,000 per year, you have

-- or should have -- some amount of discretionary income. It all comes down to what you choose to do with that money. You can choose to spend it now, or you can choose to save it. Even if all you can save is 5%, do it. Start now. Then start looking for every way you can stop spending so you have more money to save. Track your spending. Know where every penny goes.

Look at every expense. Eliminate all you can -- like cable TV, restaurant meals, drive-thru coffee -- then cut back everywhere else. Examine every expense, and ask yourself, “How can I reduce this, even if only a small amount?”

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

(And on that happy day when you make your last car payment, and again when you send in that last payment on that big student debt, start paying those monthly amounts to yourself and your future.)

As a schoolteacher, I assume you have at least a couple of months off in the summer, as well as extended holidays at Christmas and spring break. Instead of seeing those days off as free time to rest and vacation, look at them as golden opportunities to pick up side jobs. One idea that comes to mind would be to freelance as a tutor. It is feasible that if you were diligent to save all of that additional income from side jobs,

right there, you would have enough to reach your annual 10% savings goal. I don’t know your situation in detail, but I can promise you this: The sooner you start, the more time your dollars will have to grow. The choice is yours.

For my readers who only wish they’d started when they were 34 years old, I will tell them they cannot change the past but the future is a blank slate.

Start today. Make the tough choices, the difficult decisions. Embrace frugality; adopt simplicity. Be willing to make sacrifices. And never forget: It’s only too late if you don’t start now.

Mary invites you to visit her at Every-

NUTRITION NEWS

dayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” Tips can be submitted at tips.everydaycheapskate.com/. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2021

Approaching Healthy Eating & Healthy Eating Tips

BY CHARLYN FARGO

We’re starting to get it.

For the first time in five years, adults in the United States know the right definition of healthy foods.

A survey by the International Food Information Council found more people define healthy foods by the presence of healthy components rather than the absence of things people wish to avoid. Back in 2016, 17% of American adults believed healthy foods included fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber. In 2021, the number is up to 27% of American adults.

Good for us!

Over 1,000 adults, ages 18-80, responded to the survey. When it came to how people defined a healthy eating pattern, 47% surveyed chose “eating appropriate portion sizes at each meal,” 40% chose “avoiding processed foods” and 35% chose “the right mix of different foods.”

And to prove we are getting better at putting this puzzle of healthy eating together, 73% of respondents said that they “are confident in their ability to choose healthy foods.” And 68% agreed that “it’s easy to cook or prepare food that fits a healthy eating pattern.”

We’re also trying to diet less, according to the survey, and instead, the motivation is to be at a healthy weight to protect long-term health and have more energy.

Hopefully, this means we are ditching the yo-yo diets for a sustainable healthy eating plan that includes choosing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.

Healthy Eating tips

I’ve given several presentations lately on “food as medicine” -- meaning, eating for health. We all know the statistics. More than 74% of adults in the U.S. are obese or overweight. Another 1.6% are underweight. Both can negatively affect your health.

People who are underweight have a higher risk of malnutrition, decreased immune function and anemia. Those who are overweight have an increased

risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and sleep disorders.

This spring -- as you tackle spring cleaning -- do a spring assessment on what you’re eating. Are you cooking at home? Do you include a vegetable and fruit at each meal? Are you eating from all the food groups -- whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat and low-fat dairy -- to get all the nutrients you need? It’s a great season to make a commitment to healthier eating to feel better, look better and be healthier.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

No. 1: Eat whole foods. Rather than fixing something from a box, plan your meals with lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. That’s where the nutrients are. And those nutrients, vitamins and minerals will provide energy throughout the day and help you maintain a healthy weight. Choose less of the processed foods like deli or sausage meat, cookies, crackers and box mixes (which can be high in sodium).

No. 2: Start slow. Take your favorite lasagna recipe and swap half the pasta for zucchini ribbons, or add finely chopped carrots to your spaghetti sauce. Mix half mashed cauliflower with mashed potatoes. Try a whole-grain version of your favorite pasta. Try replacing potato chips at lunch with crunchy baby carrot sticks.

No. 3: One of the best changes you can make for healthier eating is to cut back on your salt and sugar. The Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, about the amount in 1 teaspoon of salt. But it’s the salt shaker that adds up the sodium for most people. It’s also in hidden sources like chips, pickles, bacon, sausage, deli meats and condiments such as soy sauce. As for added sugars, the recommendation is less than 10% of total calories.

No. 4: Add healthy fats. Saturated fats such as butter can increase cholesterol. Instead, choose monounsaturated fats such as olive, peanut or canola oil. Saute your chicken or fish in olive oil instead of butter. Omega-3 fats, found in avocados,

nuts, salmon, tuna, sardines, flax seed and chia, are heart-healthy.

No. 5: Switch to whole grains. Choose brown rice over white, or try quinoa. Add barley to a soup. Start your day with oatmeal.

These are all great starts to a healthier you, and the end result will be a healthy weight for you.

RECIPE

I typically have basil growing in my garden. When I find a recipe that uses it, I like to give it a try. Here’s a recipe for Ginger-Basil Chicken and Broccoli StirFry that includes not only fresh basil but also plenty of fresh vegetables. It’s from Eating Well magazine.

GINGER-BASIL CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

Servings: 4 (1 1/3 cups each)

5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, divided

4 tablespoons rice vinegar, divided 4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided 1 pound chicken cutlets, thinly sliced 4 teaspoons honey

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided 6 cloves garlic, minced 4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

2 scallions, sliced

4 cups broccoli florets

2 tablespoons water

2 cups snow peas

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped or torn

Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoons vinegar and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a shallow dish. Stir in chicken, and set aside. Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons vinegar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch and honey in small bowl, and set near the stove. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large flat-bottom wok or cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer, and cook until golden on one side, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Transfer chicken to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add garlic, ginger and scallions, and cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Stir in

broccoli and water. Quickly cover, and steam for 2 minutes. Add snow peas, and return the chicken and any accumulated juices. Stir the reserved sauce, and add to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits, until the sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in basil.

Per serving: 300 calories; 31 grams protein; 19 grams carbohydrates; 10 grams fat; 83 milligrams cholesterol; 4 grams fiber; 9 grams total sugars (6 grams added); 686 milligrams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Ill. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @Nutrition Rd.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Ill. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM

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Treat and help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis

Ensure that sterile conditions are maintained

Clean and sterilize all equipment and working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each session.

Maintain patient dental records; update all medical records as necessary

Take all reasonable methods to ensure patient comfort.

Requirements: Current NY State Dental Hygiene License

Current NY State License to administer Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen analgesia

Passes Dental Care offers employment opportunities that promote professional, personal and financial growth. Competitive wages and opportunities for advancement are just a few reasons why a career with us is an investment in your future.

To apply for this position you must e-mail your resume along with a cover letter to passesdental.marji@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

A COMPANION

HOME HEALTH AIDE

With 20 years experience In Home Care & Nursing Homes Seeking Position To Care For Sick/Elderly. Experience With Parkinsons, Alzheimers, Dementia, Stroke. References Available. English Speaking. Please Call 347-546-4133

AIDE / CARE GIVER: CARING, EFFICIENT, RELIABLE

Live In/Live Out

Available FT / PT days, evenings, weekends to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Cooking, light housework, tidy up, personal grooming, administer medications. 15years experience.

References available. COVID SAFE

Please Call 516-448-0502

NURSES AIDE / COMPANION

with wide experience. Gentle, skillful and good company too. Reliable. Vaccinated. Outstanding references, all verifiable. Call Grace: 917-499-9520

CAREER TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING program! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING

Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADOPTION

FAMILY ORIENTED SINGLE WOMAN LOOKING TO WELCOME A CHILD INTO HER LIFE. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call 347470-5228 or my attorney: 800-5823678 for information.

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

516-746-8900

Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-LampsArtwork

Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City

Tues-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4

Shop Our Online Store

ATStewartExchange.org

Items to Consign?

Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

MOVING SALE

Saturday, June 5th 9am 3pm 135 Brook St Garden City, NY

Tables, Chairs, Rugs, Clothes, Toys, Lamps, Art, Window Treatments, Weights, Tools, Holiday, Sports Equipment And Much More. NO PREVIEWS

MARKETPLACE AUCTIONS

COOL OLD STUFF IN GLEN COVE VINTAGE SHOP. WINNER OF BEST OF NORTH SHORE 2020. GREAT PRICED items for Boat and Home. See ALL online: Wilsonsdrydock.com. For info / appt Please call 516662-2821

WANTED

TO BUY

FREON WANTED: We pay

$$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS

$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV 10#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516297-2277

DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:

Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

VACATION RENTAL

SUMMER RENTAL

Hampton Bays Waterfront

5 Bedrooms/3 Baths.

Huge Living Area.

2 Balconies.

Own Private Boat Dock. Immediate.

Entire house or 3BR Apt. Please call 347-386-2051

SERVICES

** EVON’S SERVICES ** HOME HEALTH AIDES ELDER CARE

CHILD CARE AND MORE!

We offer the following services: Companions, Home Health Aides/Elder Care

Child Care and Housekeeping

Laborers Days / Nights Live In or Live Out NO FEE TO EMPLOYERS Call: 516-505-5510

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99 /mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! CALL 888-508-5313

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything!

Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!!

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

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts

Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122

www.dangelolawassociates.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing 28 year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS

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

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC.

FREE ESTIMATES

Stainless steel liners

cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist. FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK 516-766-1666 or 631-225-2600 Since 1982 chimneykinginc.com

DECORATOR

Well known decorator available for in home advice. Color Scheme, Paint Colors Furniture Placement Flooring, Area Rugs email: Beechwood315@hotmail.com Call: 516-297-0141

ELIMINATE GUTTER

CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-763-2379

FREE ESTIMATES

Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone.

Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146

FRIENDLY FRANK HANDYMAN

Careful & Reliable

Covid-19 Conscious and Safe Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types

Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More

35-yr Nassau Resident References Lic#170101

Phone/Text Friendly Frank: 516-238-2112

Email: Frankcav@optonline.net

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

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.

Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry

Louie 516-850-4886

NEVER PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN!

Complete Care Home Warran-

ty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE MONTHS! 866-440-6501

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing

Local References

Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

ROOF LEAKS REPAIRED

Slate Roof Repairs

Caulking/Roof Maintenance

Copper Flashing Replacements

Shingle Roof Repairs

Gutter Clean Outs

Nassau Lic#H1859520000

B.C. Roofing

Call 631-496-9711 (Office) or 516-983-0860 (Owner direct)

THE GENERAC PWRcell

a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections. com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

INSTRUCTION

BASEBALL TRAINING/ LESSONS

Trainer: Jake Fraher, former 2 year varsity starter. All-League high school selection and current Division 1 player. Lessons for all ages, include training in pitching, hitting and defense for just $35 /hour. Individual and small groups welcomed. Contact: 516-761-8184

CLEANING

CLEANING AVAILABLE

EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER

Good references, ability. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days and hours. Reasonable rates. I will do a good job.

Call or text 516-589-5640

SERVICES

CLEANING

DEEP CLEANING EXPERTS

Commercial and Residential Window, Gutters, Power Washing

Call Richie 917-553-8008

Email: delgadothebestcleaning@gmail. com

GARDEN CITY

WINDOW CLEANING

HOME WINDOW CLEANING

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

SERVICE BY OWNER

Fully Insured / 25 yrs experience

516-764-5686

631-220-1851

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

DISH TV

$64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo expires 7/21/21

Call 1-888-609-9405

LEAK REPAIRS

Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens

24 HOUR SERVICE

Call 516-668-5624

Passion for Seniors. Certified HHA’s , Companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau locations. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

PERSONAL TRAINER

Wouldn’t it be great to have a Health Professional with 30 yrs experience advising you about your health?

I’m a Class 1 I.S.S.A Certified personal trainer. I have been in Port Washington over 30 years and have a studio on Port Washington Blvd. Please call Rich 516-491-7379

Gluten-free baking easy and tasty

Gluten-free diets are a necessity for people who have Celiac’s Disease, a condition that causes an immune reaction in the small intestine from eating gluten. This reaction causes damage to the small intestines that can lead to pain and other symptoms. Going gluten-free also is a choice for people who experience other reactions to eating gluten products that are not related to Celiac’s, or have been instructed to do so on the advice of their nutritionists or doctors.

It used to be that gluten-free cooking, especially baking, was extremely limited and the results may have not tasted much like gluten-containing counterparts. However, thanks to recipe experimentation and new flour blends on the

market, baking gluten-free breakfast items, breads and desserts is much easier and tastier — as is the case with “Gluten-Free Buttery Snickerdoodles,” courtesy of King Arthur Baking Company. These flavor-packed cinnamon cookies are sure to wow friends and family at gatherings, like spring picnics or Memorial Day Celebrations, even if they don’t need to follow gluten-free living.

Gluten-Free Buttery Snickerdoodles

Yields 31⁄2 dozen 21⁄2-inch cookies

Dough

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature*

3⁄4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1⁄2 teaspoon salt*

1 teaspoon baking powder

11⁄3 cups Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour

*If you use salted butter, decrease the salt to 1⁄4 teaspoon

Coating

2 tablespoons sugar

1 to 11⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon, to taste

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.

To make the cookies: Beat together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, beating until smooth. Beat in the vanilla, salt, and baking powder. Add the flour, mixing until totally incorporated.

To make the coating: Shake together the sugar and cinnamon in a medium-sized zip-top plastic bag.

Drop small (1-inch diameter) balls of dough into the bag; a teaspoon cookie scoop works well here. Roll/toss the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar until they’re completely coated.

Space the cookies at least 11⁄2 apart on the prepared baking

sheets. Use a flat-bottom glass to flatten them to about 3⁄8 thick; they’ll be about 11⁄2 in diameter. Bake the cookies for 8 minutes (for soft cookies) to 10 minutes (for crunchier cookies). Remove them from the oven, and cool them on the pan until they’re firm enough to transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Store any leftover cookies, well wrapped, at room temperature for several days; freeze for longer storage.

Tip: If you prefer chewier cookies, chill the dough before making into cookies and do not press the snickerdoodles as thin.

Town unveils Hometown

Heroes banners to honor vets

From page 12

of Oyster Bay, and will be on display through Veterans Day in November 2021. Although submissions for this year are closed, any interested individual or organization who would wish to sponsor a banner can remit $75 to sponsor the production of a banner for next summer. No profit is made from this program.  The Town will maintain the banners on display, and once the banners are taken down after Veterans Day to avoid any inclement winter weather, they will be returned to the service family or their loved ones who nominated an individual.

Supervisor Saladino noted, “This initiative has brought together an amazing collaboration of local heroes, and I look forward to further recognizing our veterans, active duty service members, and their families for their commitment to defend our freedoms and democracy.

The Town of Oyster Bay once again leads by example when it comes to honoring and treasuring our veterans, as we raise a level of respect for those who served our great nation.”

For more information on how to sponsor a banner for the 2022 season, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/herobanners to download and submit an application, or call (516) 624-6380.

School Board to meet

The Syosset Board of Education will meet at 8 p.m. on Monday, June 14 for its monthly meeting at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset. The public may observe the meeting via livestream broadcast at the district website, www.syossetschools.org

Town to offer swim program this summer

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier today announced that the Town of Oyster Bay will offer a swim program this summer at outdoor pools located in Syosset-Woodbury Community Park and Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa.

“Get ready to dive into Oyster Bay Town pools this summer and improve your stroke,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We are proud to offer this swim program to children that reside in the Town of Oyster Bay. Swim programs like this really bring the community together and are an integral part in the training of our young swimmers for the future.”

Town of Oyster Bay residents aged 6 to 16 are eligible to register for the swim program. Workouts will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. beginning Wednesday, July 7 and ending on Friday, August 13.  If a session is cancelled, make-up day(s) will be attempted. Registration must be postmarked by June 30.

Councilwoman Maier stated, “Many of our young people lost the ability to jump into the pool and improve their swim skills during the pandemic due to restrictions in place at the time. Now, with the proper safety protocols in place, we’re happy to offer this swim program and the chance for young people to exercise while improving their strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and more!”

Program fees (checks or money orders only) are $35 per swimmer for season pass holders, and a $10 discount is offered for each additional swimmer in the same family. For residents without a season pass, the program fee is $50 per swimmer. A $15 discount is offered for each additional swimmer in families without a season pass. Proof of residency/age required when registering, with TOB residents given first preference. For more information, please call the Oyster Bay Town Department of Parks at (516) 797-4131 or email tobparks@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING

The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.

Upcoming Virtual Events at the Jericho Public Library

Monday, June 7

2:00 p.m.: Vincent Van Gogh: A Tragic Painter... The Asylum Year with Louise Cella Caruso - On May 8, 1889, Vincent Van Gogh was admitted to a mental asylum where he remained for a year. This time period saw Van Gogh at this most raw and vulnerablebut it resulted in an intensely productive chapter of his short life.

4:00 p.m.: Flex & Tone with Mindy Vasta - Put on some comfortable clothing and  join Mindy for this exercise class while in the comfort and safety of your home.

7:00 p.m.: Fit & Fabulous with Linda Ray - Join Linda for this evening exercise class designed to get you Fit & look Fabulous!

Tuesday, June 8

10:30 a.m.: Stories with Miss. Liz (Ages 2–5 Years)

11:00 a.m.: Guided Meditation for Self Healing with Patricia AndersonJoin Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life.

Wednesday, June 9

10:30 a.m.: 1,2,3 Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead: Summer Sailboats (18 Months–5 Years) - These preschool STEM programs include music, movement, fine and gross motor development and storytelling followed by a craft! Learn about shapes and make a sailboat using these different forms.

1:00 p.m.: Watercolor Demonstration with Chuck Van Horn - Learn watercolor techniques, tips and tricks. There will be time for questions.

7:00 p.m.: Take Home to Make Home: Heart Art with Miss Catherine (Ages 3–K)Listen to the story “My Heart is Like a Zoo” by Michael Hall and create a heart filled craft.

Thursday, June 10

10:00 a.m.: Chair Yoga with Jolie Bosnjak - This practice is for all levels including those nursing an injury or coping with a chronic problem. The results will surprise you!

5:30 p.m.:Yoga with JoeThis yoga class is geared for all levels to reduce the stress in your life while keeping fit!

Friday, June 11

10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy with Joyce Oddo (18 Months–5 Years) - Join this lively program of music and activities for you and your child.

Saturday, June 12

11:30 a.m.: Table Top Adventures with Lucy Van Horn: Time for BrunchLucy will share her German pancake, eggs supreme, spinach salad and pineapple & mango cocktail recipes to make a delicious brunch.

Sunday, June 13

2:00 p.m.: A Classical Mix: Solo Piano Concert with Veselin NinovWe’re bringing it all back home as Veselin Ninov returns to the Jericho Public Library to perform a virtual concert of Schubert, Chopin, Pipkov and Gershwin via Zoom. He was among only a few artists who had the honor to tour with the piano of legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Today he is a piano soloist, teacher, and artistic director of the Muzika Foundation.

For all events, go to www.jericholibrary.org/events/month to register.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF FORMATION

Riann Realty LLC

Filed Art. of Org. with the SSNY on 04/06/2021. Office: NASSAU County. SSNY designated as agent for process and shall mail copy to: 1 N PERSHING AVE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BN 7506

6X 05/07,14,21,28,06/04,11

Former Jericho resident publishes 17th book

Jericho resident Marilyn Levinson with the many books she has written.

NOTICE OF FORMATION

AJR Keepsakes, LLC.

Filed with the SSNY on 5/13/21. Office: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to USCA, Inc. at 7014 13th Ave, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BN 7507

6X 06/04,11,18,25,07/02,09

BY GEORGE HABER

Marilyn Levinson, former East Birchwood resident, has published her seventeenth novel, “ Checked Out For Murder, ” the fourth book in her “ Haunted Library ” series.

Levinson, who writes under the pen name Allison Brook, has written children's books, romantic suspense novels and mysteries since the 1980s.  She lived in Jericho for thirty years before moving to Suffolk County. One of her books, “ Death Overdue, ” was

nominated for a 2018 Agatha Award, an annual competition for traditional mystery books, named after renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie.

Levinson, a graduate of Syracuse University, was a Spanish teacher who taught in Roslyn and also worked as a substitute teacher in Jericho High School.  She and her late husband, Bernard, who was a dentist in Jericho, had two children, Michael and David, who attended the Jericho public schools.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, June 4 at 12:00 p.m.

Virtual Lunch with Author Ellen Meister

Grab your lunch and zoom in to meet Ellen Meister, author of “The Rooftop Party.” No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Friday, June 4 at 12:00 p.m.

Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni: Icons of Italian Cinema Presenter, Marc Courtade, executive director, Huntington Arts Council

Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni were one of the most dynamic pairings of a leading man and woman on film. They were stars of the Italian cinema, but also rose to international stardom. They made numerous films in Italian and English, including 17 films together. This talk will take a look at their films and lives and recall the magic of Loren and Mastroianni. No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www.syossetli-

brary.org/live-streaming.

Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Iconic Women of the 1970s with the Karpenteers

The Karpenteers, known for bringing you heartwarming renditions of the music of the Carpenters, now presents an entirely new show featuring favorite music and songs of three of the most iconic female artists of the 1970s, Carly Simon, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt.  During this hour-long livestreamed concert, the Karpenteers will perform faithful renditions of these performers including “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Anticipation,” “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be,” “Blue Bayou” and “Different Drum.” No registration required. For Zoom link at the time of the program, go to www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Monday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m.

Dancersize

This fitness class combines aerobic exercise with dance movements. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/

See

live-streaming

Wednesday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m.

Simply Fit with Marilyn Bunger

This class is especially suited for the older adult, and combines the basics of Simply Stronger and Simply Stretch. You will need light hand weights for the class. Register at www.syossetlibrary. org/live-streaming

Thursday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Edith Piaf: Use Your Defects

Presenter: John Kenrick, entertainment historian

Raised in her grandmother's brothel, this native Parisian rose from singing on street corners to become France’s greatest vocal icon. Watch Piaf perform some of her greatest hits and learn about her meteoric career and unbridled private life. A loving and thoughtful celebration of The Little Sparrow who gave us “La vie en rose” and “Non, je ne regrette rien.” No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

what's happening at your library!

Thursday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Rachel Harrison! Virtual Author Visit & BYOB

Grab your favorite summer beverage and zoom in to meet Rachel Harrison, author of “The Return.” No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

Friday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m.

Painting the American Aspect

Presenter: Louise Cella Caruso

Examine the works of Thomas Hart Benton, Ben Shahn, John Stuart Curry, Reginald Marsh, Raphael Soyer, Philip Evergood and others who crossed the country painting scenes of the depression, the dust bowl, the simple barns, the New York Bowery, industrial complexes and crowded ghettos through the support of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created during the Great Depression. No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

PARROT BEACH JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE

J u n e 1 6 t h , 2 0 2 1

7 : 3 0 P M

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