Syosset Advance (11/21/25)

Inclusive playground completed at Haypath Park

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the completion of a brand-new, inclusive playground at Haypath Park in Plainview, made possible through a partnership between the Town of Oyster Bay and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads. The $108,000 project was supported by $60,000 in state grant funding secured by Senator Rhoads to help enhance recreational opportunities for chil-

dren of all abilities.

The new playground replaces the existing structure with interactive, freestanding panels designed for children with special needs, creating an engaging and welcoming space for children ages 2–5. Among the new features is a communication board, a visual tool displaying pictures and symbols that represent common playground vocabulary, helping

children with communication challenges express their needs and participate fully in play. The communication board was donated by the nonprofit organization, Rocco’s Voice for Autism.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in an environment that is safe and inclusive. Thanks to Senator

See page 8

Local business leaders honored

Nassau County Legislature

Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) proudly joined business leaders and local entrepreneurs from all across Nassau County at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Friday, Oct. 31 for the 40th Annual Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Businessperson of the Year celebration and Legislative Breakfast. During the event, Deputy Minority Leader Drucker presented Nassau County Legislature Citations to Plainview-Old

Bethpage Chamber of Commerce honoree Sherri Gillespie, owner of MRG Marketing Corp., and Syosset-Woodbury Chamber honoree Melesia DeChiaro, owner of Lash Box Beauty Studio.

“All across Nassau County, the entrepreneurial spirit of local business owners strengthens our Main Streets, makes our communities more vibrant, and creates economic opportunities that uplift families throughout our region,” Deputy Minority Leader Druck-

Santa’s mailboxes arriving in town offices

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that children can send their holiday wish list directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes will arrive in Town facilities from the North Pole on Friday, November 21.  Mailboxes will accept letters through Monday, December 15.

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole.  Letters received by Monday, December 15, with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the

holiday.  No postage is necessary. Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) at the following locations:

• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

• Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage

For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, call (516) 6246380 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com

Syosset kids volunteer

Syosset students Reese Rogers, Devin Rogers, Madison DeStefano, Ethan Tramposch and Emma Tramposch volunteered their time to help make over 200 Thanksgiving baskets to those with food insecurity. The Syosset kids collected donations, sorted the food and curated the baskets for families in need at The Nest at Nassau Community College food pantry.

Let your voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

Free musical performances at local libraries

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue throughout December with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances for December include:

• Vincent Roccaro & His Jazz Trio on Saturday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library – Songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, and more! Vincent is accompanied by some of the finest jazz musicians in the business!

• T-Bird & The Buzzards on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library – A fun, acoustic trio playing favorite tunes from every genre and decade. Open to all. Free tickets required. Registration begins Nov. 12. Visit: https://syosset.

librarycalendar.com/events/month and select the date of the concert and register.

• The Long Island Choral Society on Saturday, December 13, at 4:00 p.m. at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – Hanukkah and Christmas favorites, including selections from Handel’s Messiah, plus selections from movies and Broadway shows! Open to all. Free Tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning December 1st. For more information, contact the library at (516) 9380077.

• Quintessential Brass on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library –Quintessential Brass Quintet performs a wide variety of musical styles including brass quintet standards, classic transcriptions, jazz arrangements, popular music, and holiday favorites! The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.

Veterans Day celebrated at Syosset VFW

BHS teacher shares military service with students

Mr. Rob Verdi, a social studies teacher at Bethpage High School and Army Reserve

visited JFK Middle School this week to speak with eighth grade students about his military service

Mr. Rob Verdi, a social studies teacher at Bethpage High School and Army Reserve veteran, visited JFK Middle School this week to speak with eighth grade students about his military service in recognition of Veterans Day.

Mr. Verdi was teaching at Bethpage High School on Sept. 11, 2001 and the attacks that day changed the course of his life. Moved to serve his country in the wake of the tragedy, he enlisted in the Army Reserve and was eventually deployed overseas on active duty. During his presentation, he helped students understand the historical and political context of his service by discussing the complex dynamics in the Middle East that led to the rise of terrorism and the events of 9/11.

The veteran shared his journey from basic training through deployment to Kuwait and Iraq,

where he served as a prison guard. He showed students digital photographs from his time overseas, offering them a glimpse into military life – from living quarters and work environments to the landscapes and conditions soldiers face daily. His stories about life on base and the responsibilities of his role kept students engaged throughout the presentation.

Following his talk, Mr. Verdi answered questions from students, openly discussing his experiences and reflections on military service. His willingness to share both the challenges and rewards of serving provided students with an authentic perspective on dedication to country.

Mr. Verdi ’ s annual visit to JFK Middle School honors the spirit of Veterans Day while educating the next generation about the realities of military service and the sacrifices veterans make.

Syosset teen launches platform to empower youth

In a world where social media often dictates how young people should look, act, and “fit in,” one Syosset High School student is changing the narrative. Sixteen-year-old Bhoomi Jobanputra has created BeTotallyU, an innovative platform designed to help kids and teens embrace their individuality, build strong character values, and navigate the digital age with confidence and compassion.

BeTotallyU began with a simple belief: true strength comes from being authentically yourself. Today, the initiative has grown into a multifaceted educational and creative platform featuring activity books, character-education videos, uplifting stories, blogs, artwork, research reviews, and digital-safety resources. Bhoomi hopes to make character development both accessible and inspiring for young people everywhere, and she is currently recruiting teen volunteers to help develop new educational content.

“So many kids are told who they should be, how to look, act, and achieve,” Bhoomi says. “BeTotallyU is about giving them permission to be their truest selves while learning the values that make us human: kindness, empathy, humility, and imagination.”

Her video series, “The Little Monster in Me,” helps children identify and understand emotions such as anger, sadness, and jealousy through colorful storytelling. Another series, the “A to Z Character Development Series,” introduces character traits alphabetically—“A for Awesome,” “B for Brave,” “C for Confident,” and so on—pairing each

virtue with real-life, relatable examples. Each video corresponds to a children’s activity book Bhoomi has published, and she is currently leading workshops for the series at local libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other community organizations.

To date, she has donated 1,000 copies of her book to World Vision, a global humanitarian organization serving children and families in need, and more than 300 copies to Sunrise Association’s Sunrise on Wheels Program, which supports children undergoing cancer treatment.

One of Bhoomi’s major accomplishments is the creation of an online resource guide for volunteer opportunities across Long Island. The website, LITeensRise, features teen-friendly graphics, contact information, videos, and links for charitable organizations. Teens can search for opportunities based on their interests—including animals, children, libraries, museums, nature, seniors, health, and more.

The guide promotes volunteerism among Long Island teens and has seen more than 16,000 page views. It is now used as a resource by 50+ libraries and 15+ school districts.

“LI Teens Rise has been an incredible resource for our community, providing a convenient and comprehensive way for teens to find meaningful volunteer opportunities. Having all this information in one place makes it easier for teens to get involved, give back, and make a real impact. We are grateful for this tool that connects our teens with opportunities to serve and grow,”

says Roseann Acosta, Director of the Hicksville Public Library. Beyond BeTotallyU, Bhoomi serves as a board member for the National Bring Change to Mind organization, is Vice President of her school’s BC2M Club, and is a Youth Leader for the Cohen Strong Mental Health Program. She is also a Student Ambassador for the TLC Retreat for Domestic Violence in East Hampton—roles that further deepen her passion for mental wellness and character education.

“My hope,” Bhoomi says, “is to build a generation that not only thinks deeply about character but lives it, one act of kindness at a time.”

With her blend of creativity, intellect, and empathy, this Syosset teen is showing what it truly means to be totally you.

Website: https://www.betotallyu. com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/@BeTotallyU)

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, November 21

2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “You’ve Got Mail” - Struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly hates Joe Fox, the owner of a corporate Foxbooks chain store that just moved in across the street. When they meet online, however, they begin an intense and anonymous Internet romance, oblivious of each other’s true identity. Eventually, Joe learns that the enchanting woman he’s involved with is actually his business rival. He must now struggle to reconcile his real-life dislike for her with the cyber love he’s come to feel. Rated PG. 1 hr, 59 minutes.

Sunday, November 23

2:00 p.m.: Bond with Your Teen: DIY Thanksgiving Coasters - Looking for a meaningful way to spend time with your teen this fall? Dive into a cozy, creative project that brings conversation, laughter, and a touch of seasonal flair—DIY Thanksgiving coasters! Not only will you walk away with beautiful, functional pieces for your Thanksgiving

table, but you'll also build lasting memories and strengthen your bond—no screens required. Bonus: they make great hostess gifts or conversation starters at family gatherings!

Monday, November 24

10:30 a.m.: Sensational Playtime (Ages 18 Months to 3 Years) - This is a play-based program for Early Childhood designed with occupational therapy objectives in mind. It will focus on developmental motor and social skills to foster the emerging skills for this age group.

7:00 p.m.: Book Discussion: “Thank You Omu!” by Oge Mora (Grades 1 & 2) - Join us as we talk about the book “Thank You Omu!” by Oge Mora. After registering, pick up a copy of the book to read so you can join in the discussion.

Tuesday, November 25

9:30 a.m.: Adult Walking Club (Weather Permitting) - All levels, all abilities are welcome. Join us for a 45 minute walk around the neighbor-

hood. It’s an opportunity to get some exercise, meet new people, spend time with a friend and enjoy some conversation. Meet us in front of the library. Participants must wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water.

10:30 a.m.: Mandarin Bilingual Story Time (Ages 18 Months – 5 Years) - Join us for a 30-minute program that consists of nursery rhymes, puppets, songs, stories, and movements in English and Mandarin Chinese. Does not require a Mandarin background.

11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

2:30 p.m.: News Currents with Elinor Habor - Join Elinor and participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day -- the international, national and local scene. We’ll focus on trends that affect us now and in the

future. Bring your thoughts, issues and a friend to join in the discussion.

6:00 p.m.: Movie Night: “Karate Kid: Legends” (2025) - After kung fu prodigy Li Fong relocates to New York City, he attracts unwanted attention from a local karate champion and embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition with the help of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. PG-13. 1 hr, 34 mins.

Wednesday, November 26

6:30 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Creative Writing with Sandy Kassimir - Do you like to write but don't know where to begin? You can write on any topic and genre. It can be a short story, poetry, fairy tale, a reflective memoir, fiction or non-fiction. There are no limitations. Through both writing and reading we hope you will will be inspired.

Friday, November 28th

4:00 p.m.: Craft Corner (Grades K–3) - Children will make a fun craft with the help of our teen volunteers.

LUXURY RENTALS FOR THOSE 62 AND OLDER

‘ Apartments with Full Kitchens

‘ Concierge Services

‘ Daily Housekeeping

‘ Private Car Services

‘ Outdoor Pool with Cabanas

‘ Fitness Center & Yoga Studio

‘ Spacious Patio & Fire Pit

‘

‘ Golf Simulator

‘ Beauty Salon & Spa

Therapy dog visits Levittown public schools

Argus, a comfort dog from Therapy Dogs of Long Island, recently visited students and staff at Jonas E. Salk Middle School. Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

A special furry friend has been visiting secondary school students throughout the Levittown School District to boost spirits and reduce stress and anxiety.

Comfort dog Argus, a senior greyhound, has brought smiles and calm to students and staff at Jonas E. Salk and Wisdom Lane Middle Schools and Division Avenue and General Douglas

MacArthur High Schools. Argus’s first visit was to Salk Middle, marking the start of regular visits throughout the year. Each visit provides students with comfort, support and companionship, improving emotional well-being, reducing stress and boosting morale. The district thanks its friends at Therapy Dogs of Long Island for sharing Argus.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.

East Broadway second graders make a pledge

Second graders at East Broadway Elementary School created their own “Class Constitution” in celebration of Constitution Day on Sept. 17.

Second graders at East Broadway Elementary School celebrated Constitution Day by learning about the country’s founding document, signed 238 years ago, and creating a constitution of their own.

Students in Mrs. Wilkinson’s class dived into the history surrounding the

Constitution and analyzed its significance. They generated their own “Class Constitution” in which students pledged to do the right thing and have a special year in second grade. Their Class Constitution was ratified by students who signed it with quill pens.

Events for readers at the Syosset Public Library

Tuesday, December 2, at 2 p.m.

Title Swap Tuesdays

Friday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m.

Book-to-Film Discussion

Celebrating 75 years! Read Patricia Highsmith’s 1950 debut thriller, “ Strangers on a Train ” , then join us for a viewing of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1951 film adaptation followed by a brief discussion led by Jackie Ranaldo, Head of Readers’ Services. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration needed.

Excited to hear about our favorite books? Join the Readers’ Services librarians for a fun, lively in-person presentation of all the books we can’t stop talking about. Leave with a list of great reads. No registration.

Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Evening Book Discussion

Join Evelyn Hershkowitz, Readers’ Services Librarian, for a book discussion of the New York Times bestselling historical fiction novel, “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion.

No registration.

Tuesday, December 16, at 1 p.m.

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration

It’s time to celebrate a big birthday! Join us for a viewing of the 1995 film “Sense and Sensibility”, based on the novel written by Jane Austen, followed by tea and birthday cake, as well as a fun surprise! Film rated PG. No registration.

The Syosset Public Library is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Rd., Syosset. For more information please call 516-921-7161 ext. 239 or email Readersservices@syossetlibrary.org All events are wheelchair accessible.

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Inclusive playground

From page 1

Rhoads’ partnership, Haypath Park now offers a playground where children of all abilities can connect, explore, and thrive together. Investments like this reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents. Together, we’re building a Town that welcomes every family and every child.”

The Town’s Parks Department designed the new layout to foster both imaginative and sensory play while maintaining a clean, safe, and family-friendly environment. For more information, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com

Local business leaders honored

er said. “The honorees at this wonderful celebration are a cross-section of the best and

brightest minds in business, and it was an honor to recognize the achievements of Dis-

honoree

– Plainview).

trict 16 luminaries like Sherri Gillespie and Melesia

Rotary Club collects pajamas for children

The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club in collaboration with the EJ’s PJ sand Ridgewood Savings Bank is holding a new pajama collection for children of all ages. The pajamas in newborn to adult sizes are being collected through December 5, 2025.

“I want to thank Ridgewood Savings Bank and one of their Branch Banking Officers for recognizing the usefulness oof this project.” said Robert Mancino, Rotary Club President.

“He championed the request to have Ridgewood Savings Bank support the drive in all their branches. This expanded the reach of the drive to over 50 locations throughout Long

Island.”

EJ’s PJs started with one mission in mind – to give pajamas to children and teens of all ages who need the items the most – and that mission has not changed since 2011 when Patricia Poggi and her sons started the drive.

Numerous donation sites have been set up in all the Ridgewood Savings Bank Branches in the metropolitan area and various businesses on Long Island. Below is a list of the locations in Nassau County:

• Ridgewood Savings Bank, 220 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville NY, 11801

• Ridgewood Savings

Bank, 1125 Old Country Road, Plainview NY 11803

• Horseability, 223 Store Hill Rd.,  Old Westbury NY 11568

• AG Steakhouse, 1177 Corporate Dr., Westbury NY 11590

• Junkluggers, 12A Commercial St., Hicksville NY 11801

• Xtraire, 105 Bloomingdale Rd. Hicksville NY 11801

• R & R Dental, 754 South Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801

• Freeport Rec Center, 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport NY 11520

• Hicksville Chiropractic, 161 Levittown Pkwy Hicksville NY 11801

• Hicksville Water District, 4 Dean St. Hicksville NY 11801

• Metro PT in Jericho, 312 North Broadway, Jericho NY 11753

• Patricia’s of Hicksville, 1040 South Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801

• Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge #125, 226 East Meadow Ave., East Mead-

ow NY 11554

For more information about the collection, please contact the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club at HicksvilleJerichoRotaaryClub@gmail.com .

For more information about EJ’s PJs,  visit https://ejspjs. org/

Hicksville-Jericho Rotary is the first Rotary Club in Hicksville founded in 1951. Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. It connects 1.4 million members from more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at Patricia’s of Hicksville. Visit Rotary.org for more information on how to join Rotary or contact Donna Rivera-Downey at 516-532-4566

Robbins Lane PTA hosts Turkey Trot

And they're off!

On Thursday November 13,  the Robbins Lane PTA hosted its first ever Turkey Trot. It was a huge success and despite the cold, students came together for a fun run around the school grass area to celebrate fitness and the Thanksgiving spirit. With music playing and parents cheering, students jogged, walked and trotted their way through the course. Some wore festive colors and some sported turkey attire fit for the occasion. The PTA is proud of all the students for showing great energy

and enthusiasm at our first ever Turkey Trot. In conjunction with the Syosset Council of PTAs School and Community Committee students donated items for the Restock the Pantry drive to benefit the food pantry at St. Edward the Confessor at 205 Jackson Ave., Syosset. It runs from Nov 3-24, 2025. The event collected many food items, personal grooming products, cleaning supplies, as well as paper products that were donated.

The children walked, trotted, and jogged through the course.

November 21, 2025

Hotels, Resorts, Attractions Unwrap Best Deals of Year

This time of year, hotels, resorts and attractions offer their best rates to lock in the gift of vacation travel. Here is a sampling:

Sandals Resorts and  Beaches Resorts are launching their biggest sale of the year, offering up to 65% off luxury stays and travel credits of up to $2,000, available to book now through December 2, 2025, for travel through 2027 (sandals.com/sale, beaches.com/ sale).

Save up to 35% on 55 of Extra Holidays vacation ownership resorts, though Dec. 5, such as WorldMark Clear Lake, Club Wyndham Desert Blue, Las Vegas and Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas. Use promo code BF25 for bookings by Dec. 5 for travel through May 31, 2026.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 65% and get up to $1,000 in resort credits at Karisma’s all-inclusives: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya,Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Cancun, Azul Beach Resort Negril. Book Nov.18-Dec. 8 for travel through December 22, 2026.  Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort, an all-inclusive retreat in Costa Rica’s jungle-covered hills near the surf: Save up to 40% on select 2026 stays booked Nov. 28-Dec. 2 with code SURFBF2025. Packages include daily gourmet meals and non-alcoholic beverages, personalized surf lessons, daily adventures, airport transfers, local transportation (301-246-2111, lamangata.com)

Elite Island Resorts is offering 5th night free plus $250 in savings with promo code BLACKFRIDAY. Book by Dec. 6 for travel May 1 –

Sandals Saint Vincent. Take advantage of the biggest sale of the year at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts (photo: Sandals)

September 30, 2026, at participating hotels: St. James’s Club Antigua, The Verandah Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, Jolly Beach Antigua, and The Club Barbados.

Atlantis Paradise Island: Book Nov. 24-Dec. 5 for savings up to 35% with daily breakfast for travel Jan. 1-Sept. 8, 2026, at The Coral, The Royal, The Cove, and The Reef hotels (minimum four-night stays).

Cayo Espanto, Belize, a private island resort, is offering free airfare credit (up to $750 per person) with booking four- to seven-night stay. Book at aprivateisland.com Nov. 28-Dec. 2. A 7-night stay adds a Catch and Cook Adventure.

Borgo San Vincenzo, Tuscany, Italy: Book Nov. 27–Dec. 2 for 20% off 5+ nights all-suites stay, daily breakfast, e-bike rentals and $106 F&B credit (email info@borgosanvincenzo.com or call +39 0578 810137).

Salamander Collection:  Save up to 35% on select dates across their properties throughout the US and

Caribbean through 2026. Book Nov. 28-Dec. 6; promo code TRAVEL25. Omni Hotels & Resorts, 50 + Locations: Save 30% on minimum stays of two nights during Bright Lights, Big Savings sale, Nov. 19-Dec. 3 for stays thru May 26, 2026.  Outbound Hotels, Stowe, VT; Yosemite, CA; Mammoth, CA; Jackson Hole, WY; Sedona, AZ: Book Nov. 18-Dec. 3 to get up to 35% off for stays through December 30, 2026 (blackout dates).

Limelight Hotels, Aspen, CO, Ketchum, ID, Snowmass, CO have a limited-time “Flash Stay: Mountain Edit” offer: book two- to three-night stay by Dec. 2 to save up to 20% on select dates. Limelight Hotels, Boulder and Denver, CO “Flash Stay: City Style” sale: book a two- to threenight stay by Dec. 2 to save up to 25% on travel through March 31, 2026. Limelight Mammoth, Mammoth, CA, which opens December 1, 2025, has a seasonal offer: book minimum two nights by Dec. 2 to save up to 25% plus

a $25 nightly food and beverage credit, for travel December 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, 45% off stays of five nights or more booked Nov. 28-Dec.2 for travel January 20–September 30, 2026 (code BF2025).

The Meadows on Rock Creek, a seasonal all-inclusive guest ranch in Montana’s Big Sky, is offering 15% off all 2026 season bookings made by Dec. 31 (code HOLIDAY15).

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire: Get 50% off bookings made Nov. 28-Dec. 2.

The Glen House, an eco-friendly, four-season retreat in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, is offering up to 35% off stays through June 14, 2026 booked by Dec. 3 (THANKS2025).

Sea Crest Beach Resort  Cape Cod, MA  is giving up to 40% off stays booked Nov. 18-Dec. 9 on travel through December 30, 2026.

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, is offering 30% plus $50 resort credit per night for stays booked through Nov. 30, 2025, for travel through April 11, 2026 (www.thewhitefacelodge.com, 518-523-0505).

Merlin Entertainments: Through Nov.28, save 50% off tickets and annual passes at LEGOLAND® Resorts, LEGO®  and LEGOLAND®  Discovery Centers, SEA LIFE Aquariums, PEPPA PIG Theme Parks, PEPPA PIG World of Play and Madame Tussauds. Gift-givers can save over 30% on gift tickets. Purchase: www. LEGOLAND.com/California,  www. LEGOLAND.com/Florida,  www. LEGOLAND.com/NewYork,  www. LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter. com,, www.VisitSEALIFE.com, www. PEPPAPIGWorldofPlay.com.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of November 23-29, 2025

Many stargazers are surprised to learn that stars do not all appear the same but actually display different colors. Those that appear white are hotter than those that are orange or red. And bluish stars are the hottest of all.

Of course, not everyone can see color, but those who can still have a tough time with it. The human eye’s color receptors do not respond well to faint light. You know this is true if you’ve ever looked around a darkened movie theater; shapes and shades of gray are pretty easy to spot, but colors are virtually nonexistent.

The same is true with stars. Only the brightest display their colors for our eyes, but if two differently colored stars appear next to one another, the contrast between them becomes quite discernible. This autumn, there is a place in the evening sky where such a colorful contrast exists, but you’ll need a small telescope to see it.

I’m talking about the star Albireo, and it’s located not too far from the center of the Summer Triangle, now appearing midway up in the west after dark.

With the naked eye, Albireo appears as a single star, no matter how good

A Colorful Celestial Showpiece

our vision. Even binoculars don’t show it as anything more. But aim a small, backyard telescope in its direction and you’ll discover that the light you’ve been seeing comes from two separate stars.

Even more impressive is that each of these stars appears to be a different color. The astronomy writer Agnes Clerk wrote in 1905 that the tints “golden and azure” gave perhaps “the most lovely effect of color in the heavens.”

I suspect that anyone viewing Albireo through a small telescope will surely agree.

Its two stars (individually named Albireo A and Albireo B) not only display stunning colors but inform us of a fundamental property of stars as well: their temperatures. Albireo A is a yellow star (around 7,400 F and about 69 times larger than our sun), and Albireo B is a bluish star (around 23,000 F and about 3 times larger than the sun).

Astronomers still don’t know much about these stars. We believe the pair lies about 400 lightyears from us, which means the light we see from it has been traveling in our direction since the early part of the 17th century. But we don’t yet know if the two orbit a common center of gravity or if they just appear along the same line of sight.

The unusual name Albireo has its

roots in historical misunderstandings and mistranslations. Early Arabic texts originally called it “al-Minhar al-Dajajah” (meaning “the hen’s beak”), but Latin scholars misunderstood that the name had come from a kind of herb and translated it as “ab ireo” (meaning “from ireus”). Eventually, people considered this a misprint and transcribed it as “al-bireo.”

Whatever you call it, be sure to check

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Wait, Are YOU My Waiter?

out this celestial showpiece when you get a chance. It will be visible for another month or so as it appears lower to the west with each passing week. If you miss it, don’t worry; Albireo will return to our evening skies next summer.

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Can I get an unsweetened iced tea?” I asked the server who brought me a glass of water. My husband was out of town, and I thought it would be nice to treat myself to dinner in a fancy restaurant I’d heard a lot about. I had put on actual shoes instead of Uggs for the occasion, so I expected good food and service to match.

“Oh, I just do the water,” he replied. “Someone else will be over to take your drink order.”

I wasn’t sure why there needed to be one guy for water and one guy for other beverages, but I said OK and looked at the menu while I waited. A few minutes later, another server approached.

“Can I get you a beverage?” asked Server No. 2.

“Yes, I’d like an unsweetened iced tea, please, and I’m also ready to give you my food order.”

“Oh, I just do beverages,” he replied. “I’ll send your server over to take your order.”

“OK,” I replied, wondering why it now took three different people to take my order.

Server No. 3 arrived and took my order while Server No. 2 showed up with my iced tea and Server No. 1 came back and refilled my water glass.

After Server No. 4 came to my table with my appetizer, I asked for some salt, and that was brought over by Server No. 5. And then after I was done with my appetizer, a sixth server showed up to clear my dishes and give me new silverware.

“Can I get another iced tea?” I asked her.

“Oh, I only do silverware,” she replied. “I’ll send someone over to get you another drink.”

While I waited, a seventh server came over and lit the candle on my table, an eighth server replaced my dirty napkin with one that looked like a swan, and a ninth server came over and swept all the crumbs off my table.

At this point I was wondering when someone would come over and eat my meal for me.

Naturally, I had expected that the fancy restaurant would be a step up from the usual service I got at my regular restaurants, but I didn’t count on having nine people preside over me while I ate. I wondered if I was going to have to leave nine different tips for the nine different servers, or just one extremely large tip to be divvied up nine ways. Would it be bad if I showed favoritism for the person who folded my napkin like a swan? Still, I wouldn’t want to shortchange the candle lighter. I was so busy trying to figure all this out, I almost forgot to chew my food.

While I ate my dinner, at least a dozen people stopped by to see if everything tasted OK. At this point I was convinced they thought I was either someone important, a restaurant critic or someone on death row.

At long last, the meal was over. Server No. 6 came back and cleared

my dishes. Server No. 9 swept all the crumbs off the table again. Server No. 2 offered me coffee. Server No. 3 brought me the dessert menu. Server No. 1 refilled my water glass. And Server No. 8 brought me a new napkin and made it into an elephant. I was sure I had met everyone who worked in the restaurant except maybe the dishwasher. But then a new face showed up.

“Hi, my name is Tom. I’m the manager. I just wanted to make sure everything tonight was up to your satisfaction.”

“The food was delicious,” I replied. “But I think you may be understaffed.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

Thanksgiving is great with family & friends

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

November is a great time of year and Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite holidays. My family, friends and I can relax, eat a delicious meal and spend hours enjoying each other’s company.

Before Thanksgiving arrives, I have plenty of opportunities to read some stories about Thanksgiving to my nieces and nephews. That’s one of the best things about coming from a large, extended family. There are usually plenty of kids of various ages around and I get to tell them about the Thanksgiving holiday. Showing them what it’s all about using the narrative and the book’s pictures is always fun.

Last November Tommy, my 7-yearold nephew, and Julie, my 6-year-old niece, were visiting and I read them the book called, “The Night Before Thanksgiving” by Natasha Wing. Published in 2001 and featuring illustrations by Tammie Lyon, it’s a cute spin on Clement C. Moore’s classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

They both liked the “turkey day book” because it vividly describes why so many of us eat roast turkeys and have holiday get-togethers.

Natasha Wing’s tale begins: “’Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the nation families got ready for the big celebration.”

The story goes on, “That night we were nestled all snug in our beds, while visions of turkey legs danced in our heads.”

They watched the Thanksgiving parade on TV the next morning and waited for relatives to arrive by taxi and airplane, by train and by car. The kids polished the best silverware then set two tables “with patience and care.”

The book goes on to say that eventu-

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Want your children to eat healthier? Have them stay at the table longer.

In a randomized clinical trial, researchers found that longer family mealtimes may be an effective strategy to get kids to eat healthier. The trial found that children who spent just 10 minutes more at the table consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables. The study was conducted by Jutta Mata and colleagues at the University of Mannheim in Germany.

Researchers found that in those extra 10 minutes at the table, children ate 3.32 more pieces of fruit (equivalent to a medium apple) and 3.66 more pieces of vegetables than children at regular mealtime duration. The study was published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers found that kids in the longer mealtime group tended

ally everyone showed up except Uncle Norm who called saying that he would be a little late because he was stuck in a storm. The roast turkey feast complete with its trimmings was all set and people gathered around the table along with their appetites. Just as the relatives and guests sat down Uncle Norm came through the door. He said that he was lucky to have gotten a ride from a trucker.

Julie said she liked the part in the book where the Dad said to wait a minute before digging into their food because he said a Thanksgiving prayer: “We’re thankful that everyone is together this year, in our home, and our hearts, where we hold you so dear.”

Tommy said he laughed at the book’s illustration showing the kids eating some of the leftover Thanksgiving feast at their kitchen table the next day. Tommy and Julie added that in

ed about the holiday - and about seeing all of their relatives - and it was fun seeing Thanksgiving through their eyes. Julie said she liked eating the turkey and stuffing and Tommy noted that he enjoyed everything.

Natasha Wing, the author, has said that her favorite part about the Thanksgiving meal is eating sweet potatoes and pie. She added that her tradition is to spend a quiet morning on Thanksgiving with her family then welcome her guests to her home for a big celebration.

After reading and perusing Natasha Wing’s story I explained some of the history of the holiday to my young niece and nephew.

The Thanksgiving Day holiday got its start as a feast in the early days of the American colonies roughly 400 years ago. It was in 1620 that a ship called the Mayflower filled with

school they had drawn pictures of the Pilgrims at a large table covered with the Thanksgiving food plus plenty of gourds, pumpkins and decorations.

Tommy told me that last year he and his first-grade classmates were given some holiday treats by parents - cupcakes topped with icing and a piece of candy in the shape of a turkey. Another parent brought chocolate chip cookies which were a big hit with the kids.

Both Tommy and Julie were so excit-

NUTRITION NEWS

Time at the Table

to eat more vegetables from the start and more fruit during the extra 10 minutes added to the end of mealtime.

The average age of children in the study was 8 years (range 6 to 11) and the average age of parents was 43. Children were equally split between boys and girls. Some 50 pairs of parents and 50 children participated in the study.

Children who had longer family mealtimes also drank more water, on average, about 3.70 milliliters more, as well as more sugar-sweetened beverages. Interestingly, the length of family mealtimes wasn’t associated with more bread or cold cuts eaten. Researchers think because the fruits and vegetables were cut into bite-size pieces, they were more convenient to eat and more enticing.

“This outcome has practical impor-

more than 100 people sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from England to settle in the New World. This religious group had begun to question the beliefs of the Church of England and they wanted to separate from it.

They wanted to return to a simpler faith and less structured forms of worship. The idea was to return to worshipping in the way the early Christians had. They were called “Puritans” because they wanted to purify the church.

Settling in what is now the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Pilgrims’ first winter in the New World was filled with many hardships. Arriving without fresh food and too late to grow any crops, many colonists died from diseases that were contracted on the voyage from England.

The following spring Wampanoag Indians who lived in the area befriended the Pilgrims and they taught them how to hunt and fish. The Pilgrims were from central England, from villages that aren’t on the coast, so fishing was new to them.

Navigating from place to place on the Atlantic Ocean and over land is something the Indians also taught the Pilgrims how to do. They taught the Pilgrims how to smoke and dry the meat and fish that were local to the area so they would have a sufficient food supply.

They also showed them how to plant corn, barley, beans, pumpkins and squash in dirt that was fertilized by fish. The Massachusetts soil wasn’t familiar to the Pilgrims and they had never grown corn before.

The Wampanoag Indians also taught the Pilgrims how to tan hides used for clothing, how to identify toxic plants and berries, and they explained the medicinal and cooking use of herbs that were native to America. The Pilgrims saw these things for the first time.

In the autumn of 1621, plentiful crops of corn, barley, beans and pumpkins were harvested.

A feast was planned in thanksgiving for the harvest and they invited the local Indian chief and 90 Indians. The Indians brought deer to roast with the turkeys and other wild game offered by the colonists. That Thanksgiving celebration went on for three days.

In subsequent years, many of the original colonists celebrated the autumn harvest with a feast of thanks.

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

tance for public health because one additional daily portion reduces the risk of cardiometabolic disease by 6 percent to 7 percent,” the group wrote in the study.

If you want to try this with your family, make sure you have fruits and vegetables available at the table. Researchers found the extra time at the table was most effective with the evening meal rather than breakfast, when family members may not be as rushed.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY TOM MARGENAU

The people who syndicate this column have just assigned a new editor to me. She’s a relatively young person. (Of course, when you are 76 years old, as I am, the majority of people I meet and deal with are younger than me!) I sort of apologized to my young editor for having to work with a guy who writes a column about an old people’s topic like Social Security. But she graciously let me know she was looking forward to learning more about the program.

Anyway, this got me to thinking about the issue of young people and Social Security. And it turns out they are more involved with the program than most folks might think. And I’ll use the rest of this column to explain.

I’ll start out by sharing this story. For part of my career with the Social Security Administration, my job was to run around and give speeches and make presentations about the program to various groups and organizations. I used to go out of my way to schedule such talks to high school students -- usually as part of a history or economics class. You might think that I had some kind of speaker’s death wish. After all, can you think of a tougher crowd to stand up in front of and talk about Social Security than a group of teenagers? But there was a method to my madness.

I’d start each class by asking the kids what they thought of when I said the words, “Social Security.” Inevitably, someone would say “old people.” And another kid might pop up and say, “Yeah, I think my grandparents get Social Security checks.” And usually another student would say, “I think that’s what they are taking out of my paycheck at McDonald’s.” Those were the kinds of responses I was expecting.

After a few minutes of playing that word association game, I’d turn the tables a bit and tell the class this. “Many years ago, when I was sitting where you are sitting, I was getting a Social Security check every month from the government.” And then I’d ask them, “How come?”

There was always a long pause as the kids mulled this over. In fact, even the teacher usually looked puzzled. But eventually, a young person somewhere in the room would raise his or her hand and say, “Maybe one of your parents died?”

And that was the right answer. My dad died when I was a little kid. And soon after that, my mom and my sister and brothers and I started getting monthly survivor benefits. So when I was in high school, I was indeed getting a Social Security check every month from the government. (And in case you’re wondering, I wasn’t making a killing off the program. As I recall, my check was all of $22 per month. But of course, that was 60 years ago.)

By the way, I just said “eventually” some kid in the class would figure out that my dad had died. And that was always

Young People and Social Security

because that child also had a deceased parent and was getting Social Security survivor benefits just as I was many years earlier. In fact, I probably made a hundred such talks to high school classes during that part of my career, and I don’t remember a single class that didn’t have at least one kid who was collecting a monthly Social Security check off the record of a deceased parent.

That’s a big part of the message I was delivering to the kids (and now, to you). Social Security isn’t just about old people. There are many millions of younger people who get Social Security benefits every month. They might be children of a deceased parent. Or they might be children of someone getting Social Security retirement or disability benefits. And speaking of the latter, they also might be young or middle-aged adults getting Social Security disability benefits.

The point is that survivor benefits (around since 1940) and disability benefits (around since 1956) are a big part of the Social Security program that many people usually don’t think about. How big? Let’s look at some numbers.

There are 70 million people getting Social Security benefits. Of those, about 8 million are getting disability benefits and another 6 million are getting survivor benefits. In other words, almost 20% of the people getting Social Security benefits are not retirees -- the kind of “old people” normally associated with the Social Security program.

Let me break that down further to highlight the number of children getting Social Security. There are about 1 million children of disabled workers getting monthly dependent benefits, and 2 million children of a deceased parent who are getting monthly survivor benefits.

Further, there are another 723,000 children of retirees who are getting dependent benefits. In other words, we are talking about senior citizens (almost always men) who are getting Social Security retirement benefits who happen to have one or more minor children still living at home. (For obvious biological reasons, it would be rather rare for a woman in her 60s to still have a minor child.)

This has always been a controversial part of the program. I can tell from the emails I’ve gotten over the years that people don’t mind kids getting benefits from a disabled or deceased parent. But for some reason, they have a problem with the children of retirees getting benefits. I’m guessing it’s because they figure we are talking about some old goat who has married a much younger woman and fathered a child or two by her -- and now those kids are getting monthly Social Security checks. Of course, that is not always the case. But I think it’s the perception most people have of male retirees with small children at home.

Although when it comes to benefits for “children,” we are not necessarily always

talking about a minor. Those monthly Social Security checks to kids usually end when the child turns 18. But the law has always said that a child can get benefits after 18 if he or she is disabled. In other words, there are adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s who are getting “disabled adult child” benefits. That number is about 1 million. And that cuts across all three of the major benefit categories. In other words, of the 723,000 children of retirees and 1 million children of disabled workers and 2 million children getting survivor benefits, about 1 million of them are “dis-

abled adult children.”

Anyway, the whole point of this column is to point out that Social Security isn’t always an old people’s program. If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

The Path to Ownership: How Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X can buy a home

For many would-be homebuyers across the country—and especially here on Long Island—the biggest obstacle isn’t income or credit. It’s student loan debt. With balances that often rival the cost of a car, today’s Gen Z, Millennial, and even Gen X buyers face a unique financial squeeze: rising housing prices on one side and rising loan payments on the other. But the dream of owning a coop, condo, or even a single or multifamily home isn’t out of reach. It simply requires strategy, discipline, and an understanding of the tools available.

Below is a generational guide to reducing student debt in a way that opens the door to homeownership sooner than many people realize.

Why Student Loan Debt Matters to Lenders

Before looking at solutions, it’s important to understand how lenders view student loans. When applying for a mortgage—whether for a coop, condo, or single-family home—lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This is one of the most critical underwriting metrics. Even if you’re making payments on timae, a high monthly student loan obligation can:

• Reduce the mortgage amount you qualify for

• Raise your interest rate

• Lower your overall purchasing power

For coops, the standards are even stricter. Many boards prefer a lower DTI, larger cash reserves, and a stronger post-closing financial position. Condos are more flexible, but the monthly carrying charges add to your DTI as well.

This is why reducing your student loan payment—or paying off loans entirely—can unlock eligibility for the type of home you really want.

Regardless of age, three universal strategies can help almost anyone accelerate progress:

1. Refinance or Consolidate (When It Makes Sense)

A lower interest rate can mean thousands in savings. Private refinancing is a strong option only if you do not need federal protections like income-driven repayment or forgiveness programs. Gen X borrowers, in particular, may benefit because they tend to have higher incomes and longer credit histories.

2. Boost Your Credit Score

Homebuyers with a FICO score above 740 receive the most favorable mortgage terms. Paying down your student loans helps, but so does:

• Keeping credit utilization under 30%

• Paying all bills on time

• Avoiding new debt in the months

before applying

3. Increase Income (Even Temporarily)

A temporary side job, part-time weekend shift, or freelance work can accelerate loan payoff dramatically. Lenders will look for a two-year history of self-employment income, but bonus earnings, overtime, and W-2 side work all count immediately.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Gen Z: Early Career, Big Advantage

Gen Z borrowers—roughly early 20s to mid-20s—are in the best position to plan ahead because time is on their side.

Use Income-Driven Repayment

Gen Z often has modest starting salaries, so IDR plans can reduce payments to a manageable level while you save for a down payment. In 2023, the new SAVE plan reduced many borrowers’ payments significantly, freeing up hundreds of dollars per month.

But here’s the key: Don’t let lower payments become an excuse to delay saving. Channel the difference into:

• A high-yield savings account

• Roth IRA (which allows penalty-free withdrawal of contributions for a home purchase)

• A dedicated “home fund”

Employer Repayment Assistance

More companies offer student loan repayment benefits as a hiring incentive. If your employer doesn’t offer one, ask. These programs can shave years off your payoff timeline.

House Hack Early

Gen Z buyers often have flexibility in lifestyle and location. Purchasing a small multifamily home and renting the other unit—or even renting a bedroom—can:

• Cover a significant portion of the mortgage

• Build equity faster

• Help qualify for a larger loan because rental income counts

This is one of the fastest paths to ownership for young buyers, especially in high-cost areas like Long Island.

Millennials: The “Sandwich”

Generation of Student Debt

Millennials (mid-20s to early 40s) carry more student loan debt than any other generation. Many also juggle childcare, aging parents, or career transitions. But they also tend to earn more than they did in their 20s, and many have the most to gain by restructuring their debt.

Aggressive Pay-Down Strategy

Millennials generally benefit from the avalanche method:

1. Pay minimums on all loans

2. Throw any extra money toward the highest-interest loan

3. Roll previous payments into the next highest debt

This technique shortens payoff time and reduces total interest dramatically.

Use IDR to Drop Your DTI Before Applying for a Mortgage

Many Millennials are shocked to learn that income-driven repayment can make homeownership possible even before the loans are fully paid. Lenders typically look at your current monthly payment on your credit report—not the overall balance.

Reducing a $500/month payment to $125/month could increase your buying power by $40,000 to $100,000, depending on other factors.

Downsize Temporarily

Many Millennials maintain higher lifestyle expenses—larger apartments, expensive daycare centers, or subscription overload. A one- or two-year “homeownership sprint,” where you intentionally cut $500 to $1,000 from monthly expenses, can speed both debt payoff and down payment savings.

Gen X: The Final Push to Ownership

Gen X (early 40s to mid-50s) often carries lingering graduate-school debt or Parent PLUS loans for their children. Refinance High-Rate Loans

Gen X borrowers often have older loans with rates between 6% and 9%. Refinancing to a lower rate—even if it extends the term—can reduce DTI enough to qualify for:

• A larger single-family home

• A vacation home

• A “right-sized” condo for empty-nest years

Leverage Home Equity

Some Gen X buyers aren’t first-timers—they’re trading up or down. If you currently own a home, you may be able to:

• Use a HELOC to pay off high-interest student debt

• Improve your DTI

• Refinance into a stronger mortgage position

Always consult a financial advisor before using secured debt to cover unsecured debt, but when done strategically, this move can be highly effective.

Set a Five-Year Countdown

For Gen X buyers who want to retire student-debt-free, a structured fiveyear plan can work wonders:

• Target one loan each year

• Use bonuses, tax refunds, or overtime for lump-sum payments

• Reassess your mortgage qualifica-

tions annually

This approach often leads to both debt freedom and homeownership earlier than expected.

Final Thoughts: Your Debt Doesn’t Define You

Whether you’re Gen Z just starting your career, a Millennial juggling financial responsibilities, or Gen X looking for financial stability before retirement, student loans do not have to delay homeownership indefinitely. The key is not just paying them down— it’s paying them down strategically.

Lowering your monthly student loan payments, improving your credit score, and building a consistent savings plan can significantly enlarge your purchasing power for a coop, condo, or single-family home. The U.S. real estate market—and Long Island’s in particular—still rewards buyers who prepare thoughtfully.

I want to wish everyone an enjoyable, relaxing and fun Thanksgiving with your family and friends. But try not to eat too much, lol!!!

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:

National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate). Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions. National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com

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PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

SAFE STEP

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

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323

www.familycareconnections.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement

JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured #80422100000

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

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

RELAX & ENJOY

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

TUTORING

STRUGGLING WITH BIO? LET’S MAKE IT CLICK!

From cell structure to ecosystems, I help students truly understand not just memorize.

AP Honors

Regents: Biology Environmental Science Virtual or In-Person

Dr. Amanda Shore, University Professor ShoreThingBiology@gmail. com

SERVICES SERVICES

AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-

NET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT

YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today!

1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

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

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

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

• Articles must be between 1,500 – 3,000 words.

• Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Can’t-’beet’ side dish for Thanksgiving

Lemon-Rosemary Beets

Thanksgiving is a food-centric holiday. Certain dishes are expected to be on the table come Thanksgiving, including roasted turkey, potatoes and pies. However, holiday hosts have a little leeway with side dishes.

Beets are a versatile fall

2 pounds beets (about 6), peeled and cut into wedges

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

food, and these plants thrive in cool temperatures. Beets are nutrient-rich and can be flavorful on their own or when paired with the right ingredients. Their deep, reddish-purple hue also can look festive on a holiday table. This recipe for “Lemon-Rosemary Beets”

2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground

makes a refreshing addition to a Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Cooking Light Dinner’s Ready!” (Oxmoor House) by the editors of Cooking Light. Yield: 7 servings

black pepper

2 rosemary sprigs

1⁄2 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1) Place the first 8 ingredients in a 4-quart electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beets are tender.

2) Remove and discard rosemary sprigs; stir in lemon rind.

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y. 516-538-4503

www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com Hours: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Do You Have a Service To Advertise?

Litmor Publications publishes the ads of service providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory.

A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community. Let us begin listing you in our next Issue. For More Info and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900 Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.

Kramer Lane Elementary students learn fire safety

To help younger children feel comfortable around firefighters in emergency situations, one firefighter demonstrated his oxygen mask, letting students hear the distinctive "Darth Vader-like" breathing sound it produces.

In celebration of Fire Safety Month, students at Kramer Lane Elementary School in Bethpage received an important lesson in fire safety and prevention during a special assembly with firefighters from Ladder 4.

The interactive presentation gave students a hands-on look at the equipment firefighters use every day. Members of Ladder 4 displayed their protective gear, including heavy jackets, helmets, oxygen tanks, masks and various rescue tools, allowing students to examine and touch the equipment up close. To

help younger children feel comfortable around firefighters in emergency situations, one firefighter demonstrated his oxygen mask, letting students hear the distinctive "Darth Vader-like" breathing sound it produces. This demonstration was designed to show children that they shouldn't be frightened if they encounter a fully-geared firefighter during a fire emergency.

Beyond showcasing equipment, the firefighters shared crucial safety information with students. They emphasized the importance of creating a family

The interactive presentation gave students a hands-on look at the equipment firefighters use every day.

emergency plan and establishing a designated meeting place outside the home in case of fire. The presentation also covered essential fire prevention tips, including keeping electronics out of beds while sleeping, ensuring working smoke detectors are installed in every room, and sleeping with bedroom doors

closed to slow the spread of smoke and flames.

Following the assembly, the excitement continued outside where students got an up-close look at the fire truck. Each class gathered in front of the vehicle for group photos.

Following the assembly, the excitement continued outside where students got an up-close look at the fire truck.

SADD brings wellness message to elementary students

Bethpage High School ’ s SADD chapter brought an important conversation about stress and selfcare directly to Bethpage ’ s younger students this October. Members of Students Against Destructive Decisions visited Central Boulevard, Charles Campagne and Kramer Lane Elementary Schools, connecting with 4th and 5th graders during Red Ribbon Week – an annual initiative dedicated to drug prevention and mental wellness.

The high schoolers created an engaging presentation that spoke to what matters most: finding positive outlets for stress and treating yourself with compassion. Drawing from their own experiences, the SADD members shared practical tools the elementary students could use right away – taking mental breaks, trying mindfulness exercises and carving out moments for activities they enjoy.

The presentation sparked a thoughtful hands-on activity where students decorated puzzle pieces, reflecting this year ’ s theme: “ Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free. ” As they worked, the younger students identified their own stress-relief strategies and the trusted people they can turn to when life feels overwhelming.

The elementary students connected enthusiastically with their high school mentors, asking questions and sharing openly in what became a meaningful exchange. The older students ’ presence created a comfortable space where talking about feelings and asking for help felt natural

School.

and encouraged.

This cross-grade partnership demonstrates the real power of student-led initiatives. When older students share their insights with

A high school student connects with a younger student, talking with her about the puzzle she is decorating.

younger ones, the message resonates differently – it becomes more relatable, more real. These connections between Bethpage ’ s high school and elementary students show how peer

mentorship can plant seeds of awareness and healthy habits that grow alongside the students themselves.

The presentation sparked a thoughtful hands-on activity where students decorated puzzle pieces, reflecting this year's theme: “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free.”

A Q U A R T E R - C E N T U R Y O F CONFIDENCE IN EVERY MOMENT

For 25 years, we’ve transformed uncertainty into unwavering assurance, creating sophisticated spaces where care and comfort naturally intertwine. Because the best decisions often begin with ‘I’m not sure.’

When Expertise Meets Compassion – Confidence Follows

For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: thebristal.com