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BY GERRY POTTER
The Cathedral of the Incarnation will host “This Fragile Earth, Our Island Home,” featuring internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram’s monumental “Gaia” sculpture, from April 25 through May 31, 2025. This marks the first exhibition of Gaia in a U.S. house of worship.
Following last spring’s “Moon as Sacred Mirror” installation, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors, the Cathedral’s second major art residency will feature a breathtaking 20-foot diameter replica of planet Earth suspended in the Cathedral’s historic neo-Gothic nave. Created from detailed NASA imagery, the internally illuminated, rotating sculpture offers viewers an extraordinary opportunity to see Earth as astronauts do—floating in three-dimensional space. The installation aims to inspire what astronauts call the “Overview Effect”—a cognitive shift characterized by feelings of awe, an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, and renewed commitment to environmental stewardship.
“After the profound impact of the Museum of the Moon last spring, we knew we wanted to continue exploring the intersection of art, science,

Garden City Boys Varsity Basketball has achieved significant success this season, winning 11 of their first 13 games and currently holding a 6-0 league record. They boys are in first place in league play. See pages 58-59 See page 7


BY RIKKI MASSAND
At their first meeting of 2026, the Village Board of Trustees and Mayor Ed Finneran shared their appreciation for Garden City Police Commissioner Kenneth O. Jackson, who will complete 40 and a half years of dedicated police work and leadership in the village when he retires at the end of January. Over the last 44 years, Commissioner Jackson has been a staple in the greater New York City law enforcement profession. He began his career with the NYC Transit Police Department and joined the Village of Garden City Police Department in June 1985. Jackson rose steadily through the ranks, earning the rank of sergeant in 1991 and lieutenant in 1995. In 2012, he became Garden City’s police commissioner, succeeding Ernest Cipullo, who had served as commissioner for 31 years and totaled 51 years with the GCPD.
To honor Commissioner Jackson’s remarkable career, the village has organized a formal “Walk-Out” Retirement Ceremony for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Garden City Police Department Headquarters. Mayor Edward Finneran noted, “The public is warmly invited to attend this celebration of Commissioner Jackson’s outstanding service to the Village of Garden City.”
During an interview at his office inside Police Headquarters at Village Hall, Commissioner Jackson reflected on his career and the broader scope of his work. Comm. Jackson serves in an official capacity in law enforcement and state government dialogues, including his service on the Board of Governors for the New York State Police Chiefs Association since his appointment in 2017. He also serves on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Through the State Police Chiefs Association, Commissioner Jackson’s recognized leadership and experience have contributed to developments involving New York State legislation. “We work with the DCJS, the Governor’s office and the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Recently, New York State made improvements in the Discovery
See page 42
This week we received a leaked draft copy of a report by the Board of Trustees St. Paul’s Advisory Committee which is to be presented at a Town Hall on Thursday, January 29th at 7 pm in Village Hall and by Zoom.
We received the copy from someone who is deeply concerned about the report’s contents, and after reading it we share those concerns. While it is possible that this report will be amended prior to the town hall meeting, we think it’s important that the thinking behind any plans for St. Paul’s be as transparent as possible, and be widely discussed.
As such, we have placed a copy of the draft report on Google Drive where it can be examined by all residents prior to the meeting, and its contents can be
fully discussed in that public forum. To access the full report please go online to https://tinyurl.com/StPaulsReport
On a first reading, several concerns popped out to us:
The report discusses possibly getting the State Legislature to waive the parkland alienation procedure, but doesn’t acknowledge that such a deal would probably have a lot of strings attached.
The report says that the committee has consulted with an unnamed third party construction management company about adaptive reuse for a community center. We think it is completely inappropriate for an anonymous company to be giving advice on a huge public project such as this.
See page 47




As we enter the New Year, the residents of Garden City should ask themselves, “what is to become of this infighting that seems to be tearing apart one of the most special villages in the United States”?
We cannot continue to debate an issue that most residents believe has no real alternatives other than demolition. It seems we finally found a path that residents can get behind and supportsave a portion of the clock tower to create a park that commemorates our great founder.
Unfortunately, we have a BOT that refuses to accept the will of the residents and is steadfast in their plans to reconsider a PPP option under the guise of “Fiduciary Responsibility”! This option was taken all the way to the end with Avalon Bay in 2008 and was shut down by the residents.
The residents of GC must finally make the decision to end this debate and move to the demolition of St Paul’s before something tragic happens with this dilapidated building. Putting more money into this building makes no financial sense whatsoever.
After the current BOT made the decision to not include demolition as a part of the village survey, the current board lost all credibility. Saving St Paul’s at any cost is not a view shared by enough people to support the PPP path now being pursued.
If you want to vote for demolition in the next survey - vote for a new BOT that supports demolition and create a commemorative park so we won’t need another survey.
Michael Tiedemann
Add question on St. Paul’s To the Editor:
We see the different village residents who plan on running in this year elections. That’s great that so many residents want to serve this great community. But I would like to propose that this year’s ballot have on the bottom of the ballot - two boxes.
One box for preserving St. Paul’s and one box for demolishing St Paul’s. Then we can have a final conclusion to this 40 year issue.
Dan Galligan
In case you missed this one To the Editor:
In last week’s GCNews, Jan 9th edition, Donald MacLeod submitted a fabulous letter that is must reading for all Garden City residents who will be voting in the March 18, 2026 annual election for our Village Board of Trustees. Mr. MacLeod has been a major spokesman for the FABGC Party for the last two years’ elections. (I have been a member of the movement to consider the disposition of the St. Paul’s Main Building and property.)
Our preference is to demolish the structure and replace it with a Village park for all to enjoy. That point of view has been growing in popularity during the last several months.
Macleod’s letter is loaded with dozens of critiques of the many bunglings and mishandlings by the present Board in recent years. My letter today is to state that I have reviewed those critiques and enumerated fully 50 major unanswered questions and facts.
In my view, residents should raise these questions during the debates, Town Halls, etc. in the next two months.
George M. Salem
See page 52
During the three issues before the village election (Feb. 27th, March 6 and March 13th), the following rules for Letters to the Editor will be in effect:
• Letters must be 200 words or less.
• Letters must be received by our deadline of noon on Wednesday.
• One letter per person per week


SUBMITTED BY THE CANDIDATE
I’ve lived in Garden City for 50 years with my lovely wife Kathleen. Our 3 children attended the Garden City schools, Michael, John and Patrick (17
yr GCHS student killed on Thanksgiving Day in 1992 while volunteering for the Turkey Trot). Kathy was a teacher in Levittown for many years and then at the Cathedral Nursery School.
My son Michael and his beautiful wife Lynn have lived in Garden City for 23 years and their 3 children (Tim, Grace and Rebecca) graduated from the Garden City High School.
I’m running for Trustee to stop all the procrastinating on St Paul’s. We need to made the decision to replace the dilapidated building with a new St Paul’s Park while saving the Clock Tower as an anchor and preserving as many architectural elements as possible.
The choice seems simple; build the Park with the Clock Tower for all the residents to use without saddling us with unnecessary debt.
I contributed to stopping the Clinton Road Bypass into Roosevelt Field and the closure of the Seabury Road access onto Old Country Road, both efforts mitigated traffic in our area. I spent years
See page 43

SUBMITTED BY THE CANDIDATE
My name is Neha Bajaj and I am a proud mother of two boys, ages 9 and 14. We have lived here in Garden City for the past 13 years. I am also lucky enough to be joined in town by my sister and her family, Sherry and Krishna Kambhampati and their two kids.
Since the day that we moved into town, I have been struck by the sense of community in Garden City. Whether it is strolling down seventh street, chatting with friends at the pool, running in our annual Turkey Trot or cheering on one of our many sports teams, I truly enjoy and value being a resident of our town.
After a decade of service and active involvement within our school community, and having held various roles on our PTA and Special Education PTA (SEPTA), including being co-president, vice president of grants and treasurer of SEPTA, I am ready to shift focus to our town governance. As a trustee, I would take seriously the responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Trustees including the significant decision of

determining the future of St. Pauls. I believe we have a unique opportunity to create a space that will honor the
See page 43
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The current Board of Trustees with candidates.

The Garden City Property Owners’ Associations (POAs) held their Annual Resident Electors Meeting on January 20, marking the start of the local election season. Incumbent trustees Vinny Muldoon, Judy Courtney, and Jessica Tai are seeking re-election, along with lifelong Village resident, Gerard Smith. The candidates will be running on the Garden City Community Agreement Party ballot line.
Residents also received updates from Mayor Finneran, School Board Trustee Debrich and Library Trustee Foley. HANK Services for Seniors presented explaining the many services it provides for local
seniors -- highlighting its snow shoveling services.
Residents running for election to the Village Board of Trustees in the March 18, 2026 election will have an opportunity to present their views and answer questions at a village-wide Town Hall sponsored by the POAs’ Joint Conference Committee. The Town Hall will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Garden City Senior Center, 6 Golf Club Lane.
All residents are encouraged to attend to hear directly from the candidates and learn more about their priorities for the village.







The Cathedral of the Incarnation will host “This Fragile Earth, Our Island Home” which will include artist Luke Jarram's monumental “Gaia” sculpture from April 25 through May 31.
From page 1
and faith,” said The Very Rev. Canon Michael T. Sniffen, Ph.D, Dean of Long Island. “With Gaia, we turn our attention from our celestial companion to our own fragile home, inviting reflection on our responsibility as stewards of creation.” Under Dean Sniffen’s leadership, the Cathedral has emerged as a dynamic center for arts, culture, and community engagement, hosting innovative programming that bridges sacred and secular experiences while serving as a gathering place for Long Island’s diverse communities.
Gaia is 2.1 million times smaller than the actual Earth, with each centimeter representing 21 kilometers of our planet’s surface. The sculpture is accompanied by a specially commissioned surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, creating an immersive experience that has captivated audiences worldwide. The installation’s theme draws from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and underscores the urgent need for environmental awareness and action. In Greek mythology, Gaia is the personification of Earth, the ancestral mother of all life.
The Cathedral will present an extensive program of cultural, educational, and spiritual events throughout the installation’s six-week residency. Programming will include special liturgies, contemplative prayer services, and environmental-themed worship incorporating Gaia as a focal point for reflection on creation care. Educational offerings will feature lectures and dis-
cussions with environmental scientists, climate experts, and astronauts exploring Earth systems, climate change, and planetary stewardship. Highlights of the residency will be tribute band concerts by Half Step (The Grateful Dead) and Project Genesis (Genesis) as well as an intimate evening with Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb (By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, Galveston),; expanded yoga and contemplative prayer offerings, and an additional art exhibition put on by students and faculty from neighboring Adelphi University.
UK artist Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice has excited and inspired audiences globally for more than 25 years. His large-scale public artworks, including Museum of the Moon and Gaia, have been exhibited in prestigious venues worldwide, from Liverpool Cathedral to the Singapore Science Centre. Jerram was elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2019.
As with last year’s Moon as Sacred Mirror residency, free daytime admission will be available throughout the exhibition period, with suggested donations to support Cathedral programming and preservation efforts. Special evening programming may require ticketed admission. Complete programming details and ticketing information will be announced in March 2026.
For more information about “This Fragile Earth, Our Island Home” and to view the complete schedule of events, visit www.incarnationgc.org or contact the Cathedral at connect@ IncarnationGC.org or (516) 746-2955.








You could win a prize worth up to $500 of lobster, oysters, or smoked salmon, etc. for The Super Bowl just by buying tickets to “A Seafood Feast On A Winter’s Night,” on Saturday, January 31, at The Garden City Historical Society.
This seafood lovers’ prize is contributed by Les Dames d’Escoffier New York’s Emmy-award-winning Michael-Ann Rowe, aka “The Fishionista.“ Dame Michael Ann is the co-creator, along with Dame Cathy Coluccio Fazzolari, (“The Italian Daughter’s Cookbook,” author) of the incomparable dinner and wine pairing for the event. Attendees at last year’s “Italian Daughter’s Cookbook” event will remember what a fabulous meal Cathy produced from the pages of her cook-book, working with Henry from Prime!
The evening begins with the freshest oysters and bubbly, accompanied by passed savory bites of hors d’ oeuvres, followed by the perfect Caesar salad. The primi platti pasta and elegant main dish with roasted winter vegetables are next. Homemade full belly sourdough bread with fine D. Coluccio & Sons Olive Oil will accompany. The finale is Italian Panettone, served with Francine’s Out-rageous Cherry Chocolat sauce!
These are all simple dishes you can easily recreate at home. Michael-Ann and Cathy will share tips for how to choose and cook the best seafood!
To complement the menu, wine expert Dame Ellen Negrin has curated exclusive and perfect wine pairings from Italy and Spain to accompany each course and will demystify choosing wines to complement fish, including a robust Tuscan Red.


Exceptionally desirable raffle items and experiences, including a Pasta & Dessert Cooking Class for six in your home with The Italian Daughter and The Sauceress; an immersive Seafood Experience with The Fishionista, Michael-Ann Rowe; VIP Wine Tour and Tasting, wine/spirits/gourmet baskets, fine Manhattan and Long Island restaurant dining, etc., etc., have been assembled by Dame Joyce Appelman.


Dame Michael-Ann Rowe, “The Fishionista”, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier New York
The event will be held in the graceful, candlelit parlors of The Historical Society and executed by Prime. What a night!
Tickets are $150 pp, very limited, and are selling out fast. For more information about “A Seafood Feast On A Winter’s Night,” on January 31 and to purchase tickets, go to https:// TGCHSSeafoodFeast.eventbrite.com, or visit The A.T. Stew-art Exchange at 109 Eleventh Street, Garden City. A link to enter the Fishionista’s Super Bowl Seafood Giveaway for free will be sent to you after your ticket(s) purchase.
The Historical Society’s partnership with LDNY, an organization of women at the top of the culinary, wine and spirits, hospitality, cookbooks fields and culinary media, produces fascinating, delicious wine and food pairing events filled with the best of everything.


Date: 01/16/2026
Sold price: $2,650,000
6 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half baths
Architectural Style: Colonial Square feet: 2,675
Lot size: .37 acres
Annual taxes: $29,947
MLS number: 930243
The Seller’s Team: Matthew and Ann Heaney, Compass Greater NY
The Buyer’s Team: Amanda Keller, Compass Greater NY
Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS
Nestled on a rare 100 x 160 lot in Garden City’s prestigious Estates section, this beautiful six bedroom, three and a half bath Colonial exudes timeless charm and character.Set on .36 of an acre, the home features a welcoming front porch, soaring ceilings throughout, and spacious sun-filled rooms.

Date: 01/16/2026
Sold price: $1,210,000
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths
Architectural Style: Colonial Square feet: 1,400
Lot size: .18 acres
Annual taxes: $15,212
MLS number: 929023
The Seller’s Team: Michelle McArdle, Douglas Elliman
Real Estate
The Buyer’s Team: Suzanne Blair, Howard Hanna Coach
Welcome to 71 Chester Avenue, a beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath colonial located in the Western section of Garden City. The first floor features a gracious entry foyer, spacious living room, formal dining room, kitchen and family room. The upstairs has a primary bedroom with double closets, 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath. Some highlights of the home include a wood burning fireplace, crown molding, gas heating, gas cooking, hardwood floors, a finished basement, a 1.5-car attached garage and in-ground sprinklers. The oversized backyard with lush landscaping and enclosed porch makes it perfect for entertaining. This home has incredible curb appeal and is in close proximity to the LIRR, shopping and restaurants.
This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies


















Members of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new creative studio, Children's Art Classes, to West Hempstead.

As an experienced mother-son team, we combine our local expertise with strong negotiating skills to help our sellers achieve outstanding results. Every home and situation is unique, but our goal is always the same: to guide our clients through a smooth, successful sale. If you’re thinking about making a move, let our experience and neighborhood insight help you take the next step with confidence. We look forward to speaking with you about your next move.
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate Children’s Art Classes, a new creative studio located in West Hempstead.
The event marked an exciting milestone for the business and welcomed it into the local business community. In attendance were John Wilton, President of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, along with members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and local town officials, all gathered to show their support for the new venture.
Children’s Art Classes was opened in 2025 by husband-and-wife team Joey Cabarrubia and Jaimie Cabarrubia, who reside in Garden City with their two daughters. Inspired by their own children’s artistic talents, Joey and Jaimie were motivated to create a welcoming and imaginative space where children can explore creativity, develop skills, and express themselves through art.
Children’s Art Classes offers one of
the most diverse selections of youth art programming in the area, featuring more than 40 varieties of art forms. Their mission is to help students experiment with new techniques, discover favorite mediums, and build confidence in their artistic voice.
Programs and offerings include weekly art and painting classes, summer workshops and camps, birthday parties and private events, as well as homeschool and co-op sessions. Each program is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity while providing a fun and supportive environment for young artists.
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Children’s Art Classes to the Chamber and applauds Joey and Jaimie Cabarrubia for their commitment to enriching the community through arts education. The Chamber looks forward to seeing their continued growth and success and is excited about what the future holds for this creative new business.






































List this winter with the #1 brokerage in Garden City.* Reach out to connect to a Garden City agent.



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Guiding You to the Next Chapter of Life, One Home at a Time

McDougal The Laura Carroll Team
Real Estate Salesperson adrienne.mcdougal@compass.com M: 516.662.3872
Welcome to this charming and meticulously maintained 3 bedrooms, 2 bath Cape on a tree lined street in the heart of Garden City South. Encompassing 1,924 square feet of living space, this home has several entertaining spaces including a beautiful family room with wood-burning fireplace, classic living and dining rooms and an eat-inkitchen. There is a full bath off the family room. The second floor has 3 bedrooms and a newly updated full bath. There is a full basement including an updated gas burner, utilities and laundry. A rare opportunity to own a move-in ready home in one of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Offered At: $859,000 | Taxes: $9,553


Former Girl Scout Troop 1322 held its first reunion since graduating high school this past June. Troop members came together to enjoy dinner and a Broadway show...an annual troop tradition since 2015! The girls and their mothers had a great time catching up and reminiscing with one another over dinner - hearing about first year college experiences while embracing the troop bond and shared values that connect Girl Scouts. These shared experiences create lasting memories, and the troop looks forward to next year's reunion.


5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $2,799,000
Welcome to 380 Stewart Avenue, a fully renovated home with over 4,000 square feet of living space, including two potential primary suites on the first and second levels. Highlights include hardwood floors, wainscoting, updated bathrooms with radiant heat, and an open-concept kitchen with a commercial-size refrigerator. The first-floor primary suite features a spa bath and walk-in closet, while the second level offers four bedrooms, including another primary suite with an en-suite bath. The finished lower level boasts a fitness center, wine room, wet bar, and recreation space. Additional features include a heated two-car garage, private yard with patio, and convenient access to Garden City Village, shops, the LIRR, and major highways.

"Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here, but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning - a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shared Mary of Westbury.
Mary was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN. While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they are not exactly discriminating in what they destroy. The smaller nerves, specifically those in your hands and feet, are some of the first to be harmed. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy have described this pain as “burning,” “tingling,” “like walking on sharp rocks,” or like Mary explained, that fuzzy, tingling pain you experience during paresthesia (the technical term for when a limb “falls asleep”).
"Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule - forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach." Mary, like so many others, was prescribed Gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do. In their words: “There is no treatment for neuropathy.”
Fortunately for Mary, where Western medicine fails, Westbury Acupuncture tends to

prove itself. Jae Won, National Board-Certified Acupuncturist, has been blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern, medical technology to design a real solution for peripheral neuropathy that doesn’t involve invasive surgeries or prescription medications with uncomfortable side effects. These Renew Nerve Ⓡ protocols, specific to Westbury Acupuncture and its network of certified providers, actually treat neuropathy versus attempting to mask its symptoms.
"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves. It’s been used for centuries to treat peripheral neuropathy and similar conditions” tells Jae Won. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ , which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP Resonance BioTherapyⓇ is
akin to watering a plant. This treatment stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients and energy they need to repair and recover.”
ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ was originally designed by NASA to speed up healing and recovery. “To have access to this kind of technology has been life changing for our patients” shares Gen, one of the incredibly compassionate Patient Care Technicians at Westbury Acupuncture. “We even have people asking if they can take the equipment home, so we’re working on developing some at-home options for our less mobile patients.”
After only four weeks of treatment, Mary is already seeing incredible improvement. "I've taken the handicap placard off my rearview mirror and I'm finally back to walking on the beach. I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that
the neuropathy pain was just the price I have to pay for still being alive. Jae Won has really given me hope for a better life!"
Jae Won L.Ac and the staff at Westbury Acupuncture have a 90% success rate in reversing peripheral neuropathy, and not just that caused by chemotherapy. They also have tremendous success in treating diabetic neuropathy and neuropathy of undetermined origin, otherwise known as idiopathic neuropathy. “I watched my grandmother suffer with neuropathy during her final years and it broke my heart when she was told there was nothing they could do. This condition is one of the main reasons I went into medicine. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to help people truly thrive in their golden years.”
The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a comprehensive consultation and detailed neurological evaluation.
If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy, call (516) 500-8281 to schedule.
For new patients, an initial consultation is complimentary. Simply visit www.WestburyAcupuncture.com for more information and to take advantage of this offer.














BY MELVA VICTORINO
Garden City Community Church (GCCC) has been a long-time supporter of the Long Island Council of Churches (LICC) for almost four decades, contributing across Long Island with emergency food, resources and help. LICC have helped 16,000+ families per year with groceries for meals. The LICC is the coordinating body for the ecumenical work of churches throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. For over five decades the LICC has been an effective center for the coordination, referral and assistance for low-to-moderate income Long Islanders. Through its extensive network of social support resources and its ability to mobilize the volunteer and advocacy efforts of nearly 800 faith communities, the LICC is uniquely qualified to respond to the emergency needs of the least fortunate throughout our region.
The football season for the Jets has ended. During the football period, GCCC challenged its members to beat the Jets to tackle hunger by donating food items surpassing the final yards rushed by the Jets. The Jets final yards rushed was 2,096 and GCCC collected 2,053 food items, missing it by 43 food items needed to tie the Jets: a job well done by GCCC. Collecting food items doesn’t stop with the end of the football period. Another food collection has started for the ‘Souper’ Bowl Sunday with a target of 500 cans of soup (or other non-perishable items) by Super Bowl Sunday which is February 8th. Soup is the most requested item at the

LICC Emergency Food Pantry. GCCC is asking all to help support to reach its goal. There is still a need for food. To donate, see the list for their needs:
• dry cereal (cold), Hot cereal (grits, oatmeal),
• canned vegetables,
• plastic bottles of jelly,
• any kind of soup, pasta, pasta sauce,
• 1- or 2-pound bags of rice,
• shelf stable milk,
• canned meats (chicken, spam, Vienna sausage)
• toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, feminine products, razors, shampoo, conditioner)
• all sizes of baby diapers.
Deacon Anthony Achong, of the LICC, was thrilled with GCCC’s latest very generous donations of 650 pounds of non-perishable food items. Lance Fredericks, a member of GCCC, made the delivery. Collection is every other Wednesday. The next food collection and delivery will be on February 4. Please, drop off donations at the Whitehall Blvd. Porch before 12:00 p.m. (noon).
GCCC is inviting all to join them to the following events: January 25 at 10:30 a.m. Worship service with Rev. Brenda Ford as guest preachers Sunday Forum - January 25 at 11:45 p.m. in the parlor Robin Laisure will be discussing timely topics from her book, “ Taken No More: Protect Your Children Against Traffickers and Cults ”
Come visit and join a community of God’s people! No matter who you

Donations of diapers and other toiletries were also accepted.
are or where you are in your journey in life, you are welcome at GCCC. There are worship services, events, and programs for all ages. Its Sunday Worship Service is at 10:30 a.m., in-person and livestream. Church school on Sundays, youth group and confirmation classes on weekdays.
To get information regarding its virtual and in-person worship services and programs, visit its website at www.theGCCC.org.
The Garden City Community
Church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC.) It is an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations to participate in the life of its community. It is located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road. For more information, email churchoffice@thegccc.org or call (516) 7461700. You may also visit its website at www.theGCCC.org.


By John L. Gomes, MD
John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.
He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difficult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.
All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staff is on call 24/7.
He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.
Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.
He is both Board Certified and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.



All are invited to “An Evening with the SymphoNYChorus”.
BY RALPH BULLE
The renowned SymphoNYChorus, under the direction of Henric Ideström, will present “An Evening with the SymphoNYChorus” at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection at 420 Stewart Avenue in Garden City on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 7:00 pm. The program will draw on the chorus’ broad repertoire of faithbased pieces across religious denominations and musical genres - gospel, classical, spirituals, traditional, Broadway, pop and more. Admission is free.
With 35 vocalists and a supporting orchestra of 15, the chorus was founded in 2008 by Ideström to showcase the diversity of religious choral music., Emphasizing passionate authenticity, Idestrom is intent on demonstrating that “God is not bland. Citing his Swedish background, Ideström knows that not all musical tastes, much like foods, are the same; a smorgasbord solves the problem.
The chorus presents two major concerts yearly, a Christmas concert and a themed concert in the spring.
The all-volunteer ensemble taps into the extraordinary wealth of musical talent in New York, eager to

showcase skills and passion. Coming from as far as California, Wyoming, Arizona and Texas – many in pursuit of Broadway breakthroughs – and others with diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the group is a mix of religious affiliations, ages, ethnic and racial profiles and musical interests that carry over to their eclectic program compositions. The performers all have in common, under Ideström’s leadership, musical excellence combined with expressive enthusiasm.
The SymphoNYChorus performs at venues throughout the New York tristate region, including public stages, churches, synagogues, and corporate sites. The group has toured cities in the US, Canada and UK, and recently issued its most recent recording, Live in the United Kingdom, also available by streaming.
Resurrection Lutheran Church is a Christian community of faith, located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. All are invited to worship at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday mornings, with Sunday School and Christian Education at 9:45 a.m. For more information, call 516.746.4426, visit resgc.org.

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Joseph A. Farkas, President and Founding Trustee of the Garden City Real Estate Professionals Foundation (“GCRE”), has announced the appoint ment of two new Board members and the elevation of two existing Board members, bringing the Board to a total of nine full‑time members. Garden City resident John Nero and Linda O’Connor have been named to the Executive Committee of the GCRE Board, and Tiffany Rufrano and Brad Wolk have been elevated to the position of Trustee. Both Rufrano and Wolk pre viously served as Executive Committee Members.
Farkas stated, “As the Foundation has grown in its responsibility to the charities it supports as well as its vast donor base, the size of our Board needed to grow as well to service the needs of those who rely upon us for economic support.” He continued, “The
appointment of John Nero and Linda O’Connor to the Executive Committee of the Board was a result of their years of service and dedication to supporting GCRE’s fundraising efforts, as well as the various education and awareness programs presented throughout the year.” In their new roles, John Nero will work directly with Trustee Salvatore Ciaravino, Secretary and Chairperson of the Membership Committee, while Linda O’Connor will work with Trustee Frank Liantonio, Vice President and Co‑Chair of the Charitable Events Committee, alongside Trustee Lauren Scarantino, Vice President and Co‑Chair of the Charitable Events Committee. Separately, the Board recognized the strong performance of Tiffany Rufrano and Brad Wolk in their previous posi tions as Executive Committee Members, elevating both to the role of Trustee. Wolk will now serve as Chair of the
Education Committee, and Rufrano will assume the responsibilities of Community Liaison, a role formerly held by the late Trustee Brian Pinnola.
Farkas stated “these four individuals are highly accomplished professionals in the real estate industry within their respective sectors and withhold the highest standards of ethics. The Board is honored to have them help guide GCRE into its next chapter of philan thropy.”
The Trustees and Executive Committee Members of the Board implement the programs and fundrais ing on behalf of GCRE’s Members to support causes important to Garden City Village residents. GCRE has donat ed over $1 million dollars to a variety of charities and foundations that have requested support. In November 2025, GCRE held its annual gala, Cocktails for a Cause honoring Christine and Michael
Tiedemann and donated $190,000 to Breakthrough T1 D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “JDRF”) to support the organiza tion’s on going research and develop ment programs. GCRE is also proud to have provided funding for many other important Garden City related charitable organizations including The Schmitt Family Foundation, Charlie’s Champions, Bobby Menges I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, The Biggane Family Foundation, Mollie’s Fund, Tomorrow’s Hope, The International Association for Spelling to Communicate, The Griffith Family Foundation, Enriching Adult Lives, The Rix Family Foundation, For All Who Fight, The INN, NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids and the Garden City Historical Society. If you would like to learn more about GCRE or make a charitable donation, please visit www.gcrepf.org
Mark your calendars and make your plans now for the 15th Annual Will Sing For Food winter charity concert. As in years past, the show will be per formed by dedicated and talented local musicians and singers. This year, the annual night of giving will be at The Jeanne Rimsky Theater – Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington at 7pm. The WSFF team is taking this renowned stage for a night of live music spanning genres from Pop to Rock, Folk to Broadway, and nearly everything in between.
Co Creative Directors Andrew Morreale and Melissa Ryan are confi dent this year’s show will be the most exciting WSFF yet. “It’s been incredibly special making music with this group for the past 15 years, all in support of a great cause.” Morreale said. Ryan
added, “We’re just doing our part for Long Island’s hungry with what we have to offer; live music and a lot of pas sion for our mission. There are so many hungry people on Long Island and the food pantries need support year round.”
Associate Creative Director Anna Belanger is optimistic that WSFF can continue its great work, stating, “We broke the $500,000 threshold in 2025 and we’re closing in fast on $600K! Each year we gain more traction and bring in larger crowds. We’ve added our sum mer vineyard jam and even launched a Virtual Bites online fundraiser during the pandemic. There’s always a way to play!” Music Director Billy Lucano agreed, adding, “We’re all about the music and the mission, and now, to be able to bring the show to The Landmark takes it all to another level. We’re
thrilled with the set list. It’s going to be a great night. Can’t wait.”
Advance tickets are available now at www.licares.org/will sing for food 2025/ and as always, 100% of all proceeds from before, during, and after the show will go directly to Long Island Cares, Inc. The Harry Chapin Food Bank. “We’re grateful to Long Island Cares for this opportunity,” Morreale noted, “And anyone can come to enjoy the music and help support our neigh bors in need.” Ryan added, “We placed an open guitar case in front of the band a few years ago as a prop; just part of the stage decoration. Then throughout the show people began dancing down the aisle to drop donations in the case — like you see with subway performers. It was amazing! So ever since the case is always in place and overflowing. The
crowd is amazing.”
The Will Sing For Food cast (includ ing some familiar GC faces) are: Alex Vernice, Andrew Morreale, Anna Belanger, Bennie Poston, Billy Lucano, Denelle Veny, Diane Feryer, Greg Zajac, Jack Flynn, Joe Griffin, John Mezzo, Maura Ryan, Melissa Ryan, Mike Veny, Phillip Sharp, Sarah D’Antonio, and Will Lucano.
The Jeanne Rimsky Theater is locat ed at 232 Main Street, Port Washington. Visit WillSingForFood.org and find Will Sing For Food on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the WSFF mission. E mail any questions to WillSingForFood@me.com.
If you cannot make it to the concert on the 31st but would like to contribute, you can donate through the same ticket link. Any amount helps!
Our position is clear: No more surveys. No more opinion polls. No more “pauses”. No more delays.

We have delayed long enough. It’s time to take action so our village can move forward.
We will replace the St. Paul’s building with a beautiful St. Paul’s park—creating much needed green space for residents of all ages, while continuing the parkland designation.
Preserve the clock tower as a defining landmark and centerpiece of the park, if at all possible. Honor our history by preserving key architectural elements throughout the village. Keep Cluett Hall and the Gymnasium and complete all essential updates.
Let’s Move Forward Together.
Thomas Brosnan | Jo-Ann Frey | Thomas Ryan | Neha Bajaj
Running for Village Trustees, Vote on March 18, 2026 th For the full platform, visit fabgc.org/platform
Phone scam
On January 14th, Garden City Police investigated a report in which a victim received a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank representative. The caller alleged there was fraudulent activity on the victim’s account and instructed her to make several financial transactions to resolve the issue. The victim complied and later determined the call was a scam.
Truck violations
Also on January 14th, a Franklin Avenue truck operator was charged with unsafe tires and unsecured load violations. A second Franklin Avenue truck operator was charged the same day with unsafe tires and overweight violations.
Minor fires
Garden City Police and Firefighters responded on January 14th to a fire alarm activated by burnt food, as well as to two reports of minor electrical fires.
Traffic charges
On January 14th, a Washington Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and unsafe speed.
DWI arrest
On January 15th, police arrested a Cherry Valley Avenue motorist for allegedly driving with a DWIrelated revoked license and for operating a vehi cle without a court-ordered inter lock device.
Fallen lines
GCFD and GCPD respond ed on January 15th to two reports of fallen utility lines on New Hyde Park Road.
Open door

Garden City Police responded to a residential alarm on January 15th and found an open door. After investigation, all appeared to be in order.
Multiple violations
On January 15th, a Prospect Avenue motorist was charged with passing a stop sign, inoperable headlights, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
Permit missing
A victim reported the loss or theft of a handicap parking permit in the vicinity of the Nassau County Courts

on January 15th.
Red light
Also on January 15th, a Saint James Street South motorist was charged with unsafe lane use and passing a red traffic light.
Gas odor
Garden City firefighters responded to Stewart Avenue on January 15th for a report of a natural gas odor and deemed the area safe.
Fraudulent check
A fraudulent check was reportedly cashed against an agency’s bank account on January 15th.
Auto lost and found
Garden City Police investigated a possible auto theft on Ring Road on January 15th and determined the vehicle had been misplaced and was not stolen.
Package theft
On January 15th, a victim reported that the contents of a package delivered to her residence were possibly stolen while in transit.
Wallet stolen
A wallet that was briefly left unattended at a 7th Street restaurant was reported stolen on January 16th.
Multiple suspensions
On January 16th, Garden City Police arrested a motorist on Cathedral Avenue for allegedly driving with nine suspensions and unsafe speed.
Signal issue
Garden City Police responded on January 16th to a report of a traffic light malfunction at Hilton Avenue and 6th Street.
Truck charges
A Clinton Road truck operator was charged on January 16th with driving in a non-commercial zone and defective lighting.
Aggressive driving
Also on January 16th, a 7th Street motorist was charged with aggressive driving violations, including an unsafe U-turn and unsafe lane usage.
Panic alarm
Garden City Police responded to a panic alarm on January 16th and determined that all appeared to be in order.
Construction alarm
Garden City Police and Firefighters
responded on January 16th to a fire alarm activated by construction work.
Hit and run
On January 16th, an unknown vehicle reportedly left the scene after colliding with another vehicle on Stewart Avenue.
License suspended
A Washington Avenue motorist was charged on January 16th with driving with a suspended license and uninsured operation.
Bank alarm
Garden City Police responded to a bank alarm on January 16th and determined all was in order.
Identity theft
On January 17th, a person’s identity was reported stolen and used to fraudulently apply for a college.
Medical alert
Garden City Police responded to a home on January 17th for a medical alert alarm and determined it had been set in error.
Registration issue
A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on January 17th with driving with a suspended registration and defective headlights.
Vape smoke
Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to 7th Street on January 17th for a fire alarm activated by vaping smoke.
Commercial zone
On January 17th, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving in a non-commercial zone and defective lighting.
False alarm
Garden City Police responded on January 17th to a report of a panic alarm activation and determined it had been set in error.
Storm responses
Officers responded on January 18th to several winter storm-related incidents, including auto accidents, alarms, disabled vehicles, and police assistance calls.
Suspended license
A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on January 18th with driving with a suspended license and a suspended registration.
Cooking smoke
Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a residence on January
See page 54
Next Friday, January 30, Police Commissioner Ken Jackson will retire following a distinguished 44-year career in law enforcement, more than four decades of which were devoted to serving and protecting the residents of Garden City. His career began as a patrol officer with the New York City Transit Police Department before joining the GCPD in June 1985. Rising through the ranks with steadfast dedication, his service included assignments in the Patrol, Tactical, and Detective Divisions, as well as serving as an Official Training Officer. He earned promotions to Sergeant in 1991, Lieutenant in 1995, Inspector in 2005, and ultimately reached the role of Commissioner in 2012. Said PC Jackson upon receiving our Village citation: “I’ve been blessed to have these officers work for me. I’m proud of them. They work really hard to keep this Village safe. I do appreciate everyone. We’re a community-minded police department. We work with the school district, the business community, the residents. I think that’s why we’ve been so successful.” It’s hard to overstate our deeply felt gratitude for Commissioner Jackson’s service, dedication and contributions.
To honor his remarkable career, a formal “walk-out” retirement ceremony will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Garden City Police Department Headquarters. Each and every one of you are warmly invited to attend this celebration of Commissioner Jackson’s outstanding career and impact on our terrific Village.
Couple of quick updates: Edgemere
efinneran@gardencityny.net
Fire House - We’re hoping construction will commence in April. Final prep is underway with our all-important vendors/construction partners. Meadow Street - Materials are being ordered and there’s regular communication ongoing between our DPW and our vendors/ construction partners… We are hoping for a start date in April as well. P.S. Start dates of both projects are subject to winter weather conditions.

The St. Paul’s Advisory Committee will host a St. Paul’s Town Hall on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Board Room and via Zoom. Co-Chairmen Bob Catell and Frank Tauches as well as Committee members will be presenting. Some of the topics to be discussed include: options for a project at the building, financial and legal considerations and potential costs if the Village votes to support a move forward with a re-build/rehab project.
The following suggestions are offered in an effort to reduce inconvenience to residents and to assist the Village in serving your needs during a snowstorm:

The German club students got to visit a German restaurant. They loved learning about German food’s history and getting to try it themselves. They also got to listen to some German music. They tried some German items such as apple strudel, spaetzle, and schnitzel. At the end of their experience, many students said, they want to try more German food. A great time was had by all.
• Avoid excessive shoveling of your driveway apron by waiting until plow operation is complete.
• Always shovel snow or aim a snow blower chute back onto your property.
• Move your car off the street before a storm to speed up the plowing operation.
• Park your car(s) as close to the end of the driveway as is safely possible (not over the sidewalk or driveway apron).
• When snow removal equipment is at work with lights flashing, stay clear.
• Make arrangements to have snow cleared if unable to shovel. Your sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hrs after the storm.
• Clear snow away from all hydrants and home address numbers.
• Snow shoveling is a strenuous activity made worse by extremely cold temperatures. Stay hydrated. Older residents and those in ill health should not shovel.
To facilitate safe garbage collections, please clear a path from the sidewalk to where the garbage is kept. If this is not possible, it is suggested that the garbage be carried to the curb for pickup and returned promptly after the collection is completed.
Don’t forget to download MyGardenCity. We’re shooting for overwhelming participation. The app allows residents to have a direct line of communication to access information, submit service requests, get notifications and more! Thousands of residents have already downloaded MyGardenCity! Stay informed by downloading it today to receive important notifications and easily access all the latest from Village Hall, the Garden City Library, Recreation and the Senior Center! P.S. For assistance in signing up, watch this helpful tutorial on our website: https:// www.gardencityny.net/500/Villageof-Garden-City-App.




The Garden City Recreation Department will once again offer its Pastel Painting Workshop starting on Friday, February 6, from 9:00 to 11:30 at Cluett Hall. This is a ten- week program for beginners as well as the seasoned artist, taught by local artist, Arleen Rueth Urban PSA. You can call the office at the Recreation Department at (516) 465-4075 for informa-

tion on the registration fee, or how to sign up for the class on line. You can also go directly to their office at 108 Rockaway Avenue to register in person. These are the dates for class February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6, 20, 27, April 10, 17, 24.
Arleen is a professional portrait artist who conveniently paints from photographs. Her works grace the walls of many Garden City homes. People, homes, and pets, are some of her subjects for commission. Her

GC Cares a Thon- January 31 at the Garden City Middle School.
GC Cares a Thon is almost here! Your children won't want to miss this fantastic opportunity to earn Community Service hours while having fun with their friends. Over 40 stations available for students to participate in activities geared towards learning about important causes and helping those in our community. Snacks, games and raffles throughout the night! To join us, please check your emails for a signup link. Annual Sponsorship Applications Now available! Email sponsorships@ gardencitypta.org.
• January 31 - GC Cares a Thon GCMS
• February 10 - All Schools Meeting
• February 11 - Scholastic Book Fair 4-7 Hemlock
• SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL PTA DINNER: March 31, 2026!
Let’s Connect!
Website: www.gardencitypta.org Facebook/Instagram/X: @gardencitypta
To get real time information - turn on notifications!
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!
class offers students the opportunity to learn some of those secrets to create a successful painting. The camaraderie experienced in her class equals the skills achieved. This is a class you won’t want to miss. As Arleen truly believes, “Art is the only entity in life that actually improves with age”! So sign up today and join the fun this winter through spring!.. See you on February 6. If you have any questions, she will be happy to answer your queries by calling 516 352 6798. Here are a few samples of Arleen’s portraits.

Be sure to check the back part of The Garden City News each week for the latest in GC sports.

The Incorporated Village of Garden City, along with the Mayor’s Office, Board of Trustees, Village Administrator and Garden City Police Department, today announced the upcoming retirement of Police Commissioner Kenneth O. Jackson, effective January 31, 2026. Commissioner Jackson concludes a distinguished 44-year career in law enforcement, more than four decades of which were devoted to serving and protecting the residents of Garden City.


Commissioner Jackson’s career began as a patrol officer with the New York City Transit Police Department before joining the Garden City Police Department in June 1985. Rising through the ranks with steadfast dedication, his service included assignments in the Patrol, Tactical, and Detective Divisions, as well as serving as an Official Training Officer. He earned promotions to Sergeant in 1991, Lieutenant in 1995, Inspector in 2005, and ultimately reached the role of Commissioner in 2012.
Beyond local service, Commissioner Jackson has made significant contributions to law enforcement leadership in the region. He is currently Executive Director of the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association, having previously served as its President. He has also served approximately 20 years as the second Vice-Chair of the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board and has been a member of the Board of Governors for the New York State Police Chiefs Association since 2017.
Throughout his tenure as Commissioner, he has led numerous advancements, including modernizing technology, enhancing security infrastructure, and upgrading personnel resources and equipment. His leadership fostered and strengthened community policing efforts, cultivating trust and collaboration among the Police Department, local schools, and the broader community. His many achievements demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public safety and community engagement, positioning the Department well for the future.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community and to work alongside the brave men and women of the Garden City Police Department,” said Commissioner Jackson. “I leave knowing that the Department is in strong hands, guided by professionalism, compassion, and the shared goal of keeping our community safe. The values and principles we have exemplified will continue to guide all of us in our duties.”
The Village of Garden City and its Police Department express profound gratitude for Commissioner Jackson’s dedication and contributions. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy of professionalism and commitment to safety will continue to inspire the Department and community alike.
To honor his remarkable career, a formal “walk-out” retirement ceremony will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Garden City Police Department Headquarters. The public is warmly invited to attend this celebration of Commissioner Jackson’s outstanding service to the Village of Garden City.


Teens played games like Super Smash Bros., Mario Party, and Mario Kart on the Library’s Nintendo Switch consoles during Teen Gamers on Friday, January 9, at the Library! We will have our Nintendo Switch consoles available to play again this month plus crafts, board games, LEGO, and more during Teen Clubhouse, which will be held on Friday, January 30, at 3:30 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be served. Register online via LibCal (gardencitypl.libcal.com). Plus, Teen Gamers will return again on Friday, February 13, at 3:30 p.m. Register online via LibCal (gardencitypl.libcal.com) beginning Tuesday, February 3, at 10 a.m.
These programs are for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for these programs on LibCal at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com unless otherwise noted.
Teens who complete an online survey after specific programs can receive community service for participating.
Registration is live online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:
• Ongoing: 100 Books Before Graduation - Register online here:
https://forms.gle/j262hNm4tGsvR8wz9. After you register, pick up your 100 Books Before Graduation packet located at the Library to participate!
• Saturday, January 24, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Rock Cycle Fudge with Chris Buchman (Grades 6–12)
• Monday, January 26, at 4 p.m.: Teen Manga Mondays (Grades 6–12)
• Friday, January 30, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Clubhouse (Grades 6–12)
• Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m.: Inclusive Storytime Adventure - Teen Volunteering (Grades 9–12)
• Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m.: Chess4Community: Play and Learn (Grades K–12)
Registration begins Tuesday, February 3, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:
• Tuesday, February 10, at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m.: Teen Dungeons and Dragons (Grades 6–12)
• Friday, February 13, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)
Registration begins Tuesday, February 10, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

Teens enjoyed the first session of Dungeons and Dragons of the new year on Thursday, January 15, at the Library. Teen Dungeons and Dragons is a teen-led program in which teens lead game campaigns for their peers while enjoying snacks and drinks. The next Teen Dungeons and Dragons will be held Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m.. Register online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, February 3, at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, February 10-Thursday, February 19: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12).
• Wednesday, February 18, at 2 p.m.: Teen Paint Party (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, February 19, at 2 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: DIY Ceramic Mugs (Grades 6–12)
• Friday, February 20, at 1 p.m.: Teen Movie Club: “ Black Panther ” (PG-13, 2018) (Grades 6–12)
Registration begins Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:
• Monday, February 23, at 4 p.m.: Teen Manga Mondays (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, February 24, at 4 p.m.: Teen VolunTuesday (Grades 6–12)
• Wednesday, February 25, at 4 p.m.: Teen Art Workshop (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, February 26, at 4 p.m.: Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club
• Friday, February 27, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Clubhouse (Grades 6–12)
• Saturday, February 28, at
3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Chemistry with Easy Bake Ovens with Chris Buchman
Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities
Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home community service opportunities for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Please check at the Library for more information on each of these opportunities; all volunteer projects should be submitted at the Library with a Volunteer Form, which can be found outside the Tweens and Teens Room.
• Ongoing: Teen Social Media Team - No registration required. Up to four social media content can be submitted per volunteer monthly.
• Ongoing: Bookmarks for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 20 bookmarks can be submitted per volunteer monthly.
• Ongoing: Kindness Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.
• Ongoing: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 10 bracelets can be submitted per volunteer monthly.
















These programs are for children ages Birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Visit https://www.gardencitypl.libcal. com to register for November programs.
Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Children’s programs are extremely popular! To give as many children as possible the chance to enjoy storytime, beginning January 6 each child may register for one storytime per week. Please choose the session that best fits your child’s schedule and interests.
If a child is registered for more than one storytime, the librarian will select which session the child will attend. As space allows, we will continue to welcome children from the waiting list and walk-ins.
If your child is registered, please arrive at least 5 minutes early. At the start time of the program, if your registered child is NOT checked in, you will forfeit your child’s spot to a child on the waitlist or walk-in list.
• Friday, Jan. 23, at 10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Monday, Jan. 26, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 Months to 3 Years
• Monday, Jan. 26, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Craft - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Fun ClubGrades K–2
• Thursday, Jan. 29, at 10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Jan. 29, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime - Birth to 17 Months
• Friday, Jan. 30, at 11:00 a.m.: Dance Party - 2–5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10:30 a.m.: Play Hooray - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Monday, Feb. 2, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18

Please join us on Jan. 26, at 11:30 a.m. for Preschool Craft - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
Months to 3 Years
• Monday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime
- Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime
- Birth to 17 Months
• Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 11:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime
- Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime
- Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 5, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime
- Birth to 17 Months
• Saturday Feb. 7, at 10:30 a.m.: Inclusive Storytime Grades 2-5
• Monday, Feb. 9, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 Months to 3 Years
• Monday, Feb. 9, at 11:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime
- Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime
- Birth to 17 Months
• Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Craft - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not

Please join us on Jan. 30, at 11:00 a.m. for a Dance Party - 2 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
in Kindergarten)
• Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Fun ClubGrades K–2
• Thursday, Feb. 12, at 10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 12, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime - Birth to 17 Months
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 10:30 a.m.: A Time For Kids - 18 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3:30 p.m.: Dance Party - 2 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime - Birth to 17 Months
• Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 Months to 3 Years
• Monday, Feb. 23, at
11:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime - Birth to 17 Months
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Craft - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 26, at 10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Thursday, Feb. 26, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime - Birth to 17 Months
• Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.: Books Before Bed - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Friday, Feb. 27, at 11:00 a.m.: Dance Party - 2 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
• Saturday, Feb. 28, at 10:30 a.m.: Matters of the HeART2-5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)
Unattended Child Policy
It is Library policy that all children under age 11 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent or designated responsible person to remain in the Library throughout the program and meet the child upon completion of the program.




Monday Movies
Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.:
January 2026 - Alfred Hitchcock Month 1/26/26 - “To Catch A Thief” (PG), 1955, 103 mins
February 2026 - Remembering Rob Reiner
2/2/26 - “A Few Good Men” (R), 1992, 138 mins
2/9/26 - “Princess Bride” (PG), 1987, 98 mins
2/23/26 - “The American President” (PG-13), 1995, 113 mins
January and February 2026 Programs
Yoga for Beginners or Yoga for “Not So Beginners”
Tuesday Nights -
• January 27,
• February 3, 10, 17, 24
• March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Yoga for Beginners, 6–7 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Yoga for Not So Beginners, 7:30–8:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Yoga for Beginners - If you are a beginner interested in learning yoga, join Kimberley Mercandante for Beginning Yoga Sessions! All are welcome! This is a series of 13 classes from January through March at 6 p.m. Register once to cover the entire series. Yoga-for-No-So-Beginners - This new program is designed for those people who have taken beginning yoga classes, but need a bit more challenge to their program. This is a series of 13 classes from January through March at 7:30 p.m. Register once to cover the entire series.
Please register online at LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct
attempt will be made to notify participants.
Adult Crocheting and Knitting with Lupe Wednesdays, January 28, February 4, February 11 , March 4, March 18 from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Crafter, knitter and crocheter Lupe Velasquez will be on hand to teach, help and suggest projects to do. Please register online at LibCal at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com/. Register once to cover the entire series. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.
Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Beginning Mah-Jongg Instruction Wednesday, January 28, from 10–11:30 a.m. in the Small Meeting Room
Join us for a beginner-friendly Mahjongg lesson focused on learning the game in a relaxed, social setting. It’s a chance to build skills, meet new people, and enjoy thoughtful play and connection—no experience required. This is a three-part program held on three consecutive Wednesdays - January 14-21-28. Register once for the entire series. Cards and sets will be provided. Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Mah-Jongg Open Session Thursdays 6 - 8 p.m.
• Thursday, January 29, Large Meeting Room
• Thursday, February 12, Large Meeting Room
• Thursday, February 25, Small Meeting Room
Bring your own group to play MahJongg at the library. If a minimum of four registrants in LibCal is not met by 48 hours prior, the session will be canceled. There is space for 16 players, with the capability of expanding if there is a wait list on LibCal. Players are required to bring their own games. Register via the Calendar page.
Please register online at LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Fridays, March 20, April 17 from 11 a.m.–12 noon in the Small Meeting Room
Join us for a fun morning of Bingo and win some fun prizes. Register for each Bingo online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Chairobics and Strength Training with Debbie Krzyminski
• Wednesday, January 28
• Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25
• Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25, Wednesday, April 1 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in he Large Meeting Room
We are happy to have Debbie Krzyminski from Fitness Figures, NY, Inc. back teaching "Chairobics and Strength Training." This program covers strength training, balance, coordination, aerobics and flexibility. Most of the exercises are performed seated in a chair. Equipment will be provided. Feel free to bring your own free weights, if you are comfortable using them. Have water available, wear clothing that you can comfortably move in and be ready to have fun! This is a ten-week session. Register once for the entire series.
Register online on Libcal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult
Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
• January 29
• February 5, 12, 19, 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the Large Meeting Room
Former Garden City High School teacher Lia Brunetti returns with her program “Italian for Beginners and More.” This program is for those with limited knowledge of Italian but all are welcome to join.
Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Register once for the entire series. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Jim Coll Presents “Affirmative Action and The Supreme Court” Wednesday, January 28, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Jim Coll of “We The People Lectures” will present a new program each month relaying important moments in American History. This lecture series starts off with him discussing “Affirmative Action and the Supreme Court.”
Few issues have engendered discussion and debate than those around affirmative action policies in our state and federal governments. In this lecture we will discuss some of the decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court that have shaped this debate since the 1970s to get a better legal sense of where it has been, where it is and where it may be going.
Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org.. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a
Continued on page
At NYU Langone, we’re doing all we can to make sure our patients receive the best care during and after their hospital stay, so they can go home and stay home. Shorter hospital stays reduce your risk of infection, medication side effects, and complications. Plus, you can get back to the things you love most: your own bed, family dinners, and life as usual.
But getting you home is only half the story. Our low readmission rates mean you won’t have to come back days or weeks later for the same issue. Because when it comes to hospital stays, nobody wants a sequel. Just another reason we’re ranked #1 for quality care in the U.S.

Continued from page 36
direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Town of Hempstead: “Grieve Your Tax Assessment” Wednesday, February 4, from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll will be hosting a “Grieve Your Assessment” Tax Forum. She will be walking taxpayers through the process of grieving their property's assessment. Receiver Driscoll and her staff will be available to answer any tax related questions they may have. Reservations are not required.
Cornelia Stewart, The Matron of Garden City Thursday, February 5, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Come learn what research has revealed about the life of the Garden City matron Cornelia Clinch Stewart, wife of founder Alexander T. Stewart. Cornelia and her family were instrumental in the development of the Village of Garden City. She truly was the woman behind the man!
Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Marc Courtade Presents the Music of Irving Berlin Tuesday, February 10, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Irving Berlin was Russian born, but became the first major songwriter of the Great American Songbook during his 60-year career. From his first hit song “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” in 1911 through “An Old Fashioned Wedding” written for the 1966 revival of Annie Get
Your Gun, Berlin’s 1,500 songs reached the hearts of Americans, and paid tribute to his adopted country. This program will honor the man and spotlight his music that remains an integral part of our musical heritage.
Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Reiki with Kathleen Gunning
• Thursday, February 19
• Thursday, February 26 7 - 8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Start the New Year off with an introduction to Reiki. Reiki promotes relaxation, stress reduction and pain management. It’s a wonderful form of self-care, which supports physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being to improve the body’s natural healing ability.
Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for a Defensive Driving Course with the Empire Safety Council. Receive 10% reduction on automobile/liability insurance and qualify for a license point reduction. Register in person at the Garden City Public Library. Space is limited, so check with
the Reference Department for availability. Register separately for each person. Proper ID is required when registering an absentee party. You must bring a $33 check made payable to Empire Safety Council and current Library card with you to register. Bring your valid New York State drivers license and a pen to class.
Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.
Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, the Library offers free passes to select museums and cultural institutions. Reservations can be made via LibCal, which requires a Library card and a PIN. Please visit the Circulation Desk to verify or create your PIN. Once you have a PIN, you can make your reservations from home or at the Library.
You can make a reservation to borrow a museum pass from one of the member institutions in our Museum Pass Program. Some museum passes are now available to print from home, including the Vanderbilt Museum located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. If you do not have access to a printer, the Library will be happy to print the pass for you. These passes will be good
for one day only. Please note that not all museums participate. For a list of printfrom-home passes, visit the Library website, www.gardencitypl.org.
Passes for the following museums still need to be picked up at the Library: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NYC (2 adults & 2 children); MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), NYC (5 visitors); the Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City (2 adults & 2 children) and the Empire Pass, which allows entry of the vehicle when the card is presented at most New York State Parks, Department of Environmental Conservation forest preserve areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves.
The following Library Museum Pass rules remain in effect.
• Museum passes are available only to Garden City Public Library cardholders in good standing who have signed the Museum Pass User Agreement. Museum passes may be reserved in advance and must be checked out by an adult (18 years and older) family member.
• Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a firstcome, first-served basis. Reservations can be made in person at the Adult Services Desk or over the phone at 516-742-8405 x5236.
Additional rules and information are available at the library.










BY BOB MORGAN, JR.
A new initiative by the Trump Administration that involves neither Greenland nor higher tariffs is the new Trump accounts that were a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3), the tax legislation that passed Congress last year.
Basically, Trump accounts will provide an additional savings vehicle for families. These accounts are a new form of individual retirement account (IRA) for the exclusive benefit of children born after December 31, 2024.
Parents and legal guardians can start Trump accounts for eligible children, who must be under age 18 in the year the account is opened and a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number. To apply, parents or legal guardians can submit a Form 4547 (note the homage to Mr. Trump in the form number) to the Treasury, whether by filing separately, as a part of their tax return or online. The accounts themselves are initially set up with the Treasury, but can be rolled over to a preferred financial institution by trustee to trustee transfer.
Parents and relatives and employers may make contributions to a Trump account, subject to an overall annual per account limit of $5,000. Employers may contribute to a Trump account established by an employee, or permit employees to contribute to this account on a pre-tax basis, subject to a $2,500 per employee (not per child) limit. Subject to certain restrictions, the law also permits charitable or government organizations to decide to make contributions to Trump accounts. As a special incentive to participate in Trump accounts, under a “pilot program” accounts established for children born between 2025 and 2028 will receive a one-time $1,000 contribution from the government, which contribution is not subject to income limitations. This special contribution is also not subject to the general $5,000 annual limitation on contributions. Contributions may not be made to accounts of beneficiaries who have attained age 18 in that year.
Contributions to the Trump accounts may be made on or after
July 4, 2026, our nation’s 250th birthday.
A key advantage, of course, of establishing a Trump account is that amounts in the account build up tax free and are not subject to taxation until distribution. During the “growth” period before the year in which a beneficiary reaches 18, Trump accounts must be invested in “eligible” investments that basically are mutual funds or exchange traded funds that track a qualified securities index, for example the S & P 500 and have low fees and expenses. Proponents of this approach point out that these indexes have shown very substantial growth in the last 20 years.
Trump accounts normally may not be distributed until the end of the growth period. At that point the rules governing IRA’s generally apply and the Trump account may be rolled over to a traditional IRA. Distributions are ordinary income and some distributions before age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a 10% additional tax unless an exemption (such as for first time home purchases) applies.
While not a panacea, the new Trump accounts seem like a step in the right direction. The accounts provide a meaningful way for parents to save for expenses of their children on a tax favored basis and will be particularly effective when used in tandem with Section 529 educational accounts, which have more favorable distribution taxation rules for educational expenses. In addition, the Trump accounts provide an opportunity for young people to understand the advantages of saving, and perhaps the possibility of using saved assets in Trump accounts to, say, buy a house or start a business.
On a more global level, Trump accounts are consistent with providing incentive to have more children at a time when birth rates have dipped below replacement levels. In addition, most financing of the Trump account program is grounded upon contributions by parents, relatives and employers, and does not exacerbate fiscal concerns by creating a major new entitlement program.
Have you lost someone?
If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them along with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.
Eileen Patricia Murtagh
Eileen Patricia Murtagh (nee Quirk), resident of East Northport and Garden City, born and raised in Queens, passed away on January 9, 2026 surrounded by loving family. She was 81 years of age. Eileen’s life demonstrated that education, creativity, loyalty, strength, family and joy for life are rewarded with love. Eileen was happiest when spending time with her family.
She was the loving wife of John “Jack” Murtagh (deceased) for forty years. A devoted mother to Sean and Tracy Murtagh, Kiera and Andrew Pfaff, Brian and Denise Murtagh. Cherished grandmother of Jack Murtagh, Mairead Pfaff, Patrick Murtagh, Aidan Pfaff, Fiona Pfaff, Caitlin Murtagh, Niamh Pfaff, Riley Murtagh, Roisin Pfaff, and Regan Murtagh. She is survived by her sister Maureen LeLaidier (husband Frank LeLaidier) and her brother John Quirk (wife Patricia Quirk).
She was a drama enthusiast as a younger woman and produced some beautiful pieces of art, later throwing herself into undergraduate studies focused on math and physics at Hunter College after graduating from Dominican Commercial High School. Eileen completed her studies with a master’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook in Education. She taught mathematics in the Northport-East Northport UFSD from 1978 until her retirement in 2005.
Eileen made education a priority for her children and grandchildren and saw her teaching vocation as a gift to all who wanted to learn and be successful in their life pursuits. Eileen willingly gave more than she took.
She loved to travel (when she had two strong knees), shopped often and she

never shied away from a challenging recipe. She loved many games and was a tough competitor, often outsmarting her opponents in Scrabble, Rummikub, Scrabble, family poker, card games of all types and high stakes 25-cent buy-in Mah Jong.
She loved her family and friends immensely and was passionate about making plans for fun, playing a game or preparing a meal together. She loved the Mets and the Islanders and spared herself from being a Jets fan. Later in her life, Eileen, aka Gammy, continued to pour her energy and love into her ten grandchildren and spent cherished time with them often.
In Eileen’s memory and in lieu of flowers, kindly donate to either the Diabetes Research Institute or the Susan G Komen Organization to end breast cancer.
Our Children’s Department is thrilled to introduce an exciting new reading initiative designed to help young readers discover the joy of books!
Encourage your child to embark on a journey of reading 1,000 books before entering kindergarten. This program fosters a love for reading, improves literacy skills, and provides fun milestones to celebrate along the way.
For older readers, we offer the 500 Books Before Middle School program. This challenge promotes independent reading and helps children continue
developing their imagination and comprehension skills.
These programs are designed to help children experience the pleasure of reading, build lifelong habits, and nurture a natural curiosity of stories. How It Works: Register in the Children’s Department beginning January 5.
Start reading and track your books. Celebrate your progress with fun sticker rewards! Together, let’s inspire a generation of readers!
For more information, contact the Children’s Department Staff.
July 20, 1929 - January 18, 2026
Rosemarie DiGaetano, born on July 20, 1929, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 96.
After moving to Garden City in 1963, Rosemarie built a life with her husband, Vincent, rooted in family and long-lasting memories. Garden City remained her cherished home for more than six decades.
Rosemarie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vincent DiGaetano. While they are now reunited, the love they shared lives on through their children and all who knew them. Rosemarie was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Gloria Altman, with whom she shared an incredible bond.

A devoted mother to 7 children— Donna, Laura, Vincent, Tommy, Daria, Robert, and Gina—Rosemarie’s life was defined by her strength and unwavering dedication. Her home was a place of warmth, guidance, laughter and constant care. She was also a loving grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.
Rosemarie will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the deep impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of family and love that will endure for generations.
Funeral services will be held at The Church of St. Joseph in Garden City on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.
Marie Ramos
May 6, 1935 – January 15, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Marie Ramos announces her passing. She was a dear wife, devoted mother and Grammy, cherished friend, and a lover of nature and passionate educator.
Marie’s life was defined by her love of the natural world and her deep commitment to education. She inspired countless students and friends through her warmth, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of learning. Marie remained energetic and engaged well into her later years, a supportive teammate in tennis and partner for cribbage, bridge, canasta and mahjong.
She was also a dedicated volunteer from the local PTA to Clark Botanical Garden and many other organizations she supported. She has been a member of the Garden City community since 1946. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her spirit lives on in all those she touched.
Devoted wife of the late Thomas F Ramos. She is survived by her chil-

you like loved simply send short biography them (if photo, details their requests call office
If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.

dren Peter Ramos & Jacqueline Beyer, their spouses, Michelle NiosiRamos & Michael Beyer. Also her two Grand Daughters, Caroline Ramos & Alexandra Ramos. In addition her beloved Norwich Terrier, Nutmeg.
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
The
Friday, January 23, 2026
From page 1
Laws, following the reforms in 2019 and some 2025 amendments. That was pushed by the Chiefs Association,” he noted.
At the Nassau County level, Commissioner Jackson currently serves as executive director of the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association and previously served as its president. For nearly 20 years, he was the second vice chair of the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board, experience that he said complements the role of a municipal police chief. Jackson’s expertise in traffic management, regulations, and safety matters — along with his knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the official publication of the Federal Highway Administration — has provided the Garden City Traffic Commission with valuable guidance.
The GCPD has been one of the state’s most proactive law enforcement agencies when it comes to securing funding to enhance operations through grants, particularly those offered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). One example is Garden City’s receipt of the Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) grant, which provided funds for the GCPD to purchase a new records management system, a new drone, and license plate readers (LPRs).
“Just on January 6th we installed a new recording system thanks to a grant from NYS Sen. Siela Bynoe’s office. We were also recently accepted for a NYS wellness grant involving an app to help provide officers with wellness tracking, and I applied for another wellness grant for training,” Jackson said.
The GCPD has also received grants to fund traffic enforcement activities in the village, including a DWI grant. This allows Garden City to increase police coverage and leverage upgraded technology while remaining cost-effective.
“We are doing pretty well in securing grants, and it’s always good to be able to enhance what we have. And it’s always important to receive funding for programs and initiatives that do not impact the Garden City taxpayers — as we plan and organize the things that make the village safer, it doesn’t always come at their expense (increased taxes),” he explained.
Garden City has implemented several traffic safety initiatives supported by enhanced GCPD operations through New York State grants. Jackson has long advocated for pedestrian safety and safer local roads, consistently examining data to identify trends. Ticketing and traffic enforcement in the community reflect that data-driven approach.
“When it comes to traffic safety the revenue to me is less accidents and less injuries, not more money (from tickets and fines). Pre-Covid, we had over 1,300 accidents per year, and I knew, despite having the main Nassau County roads, that was just too many. So we had to take action to get the numbers down. We specifically increased our speed enforcement and we are down to around 1,000 a year. That’s a significant drop and that is a tribute to our officers buying into my theories, and they’ve excelled at it. We are lowering accidents — it’s not writing tickets for the sake of writing tickets.
“And we’ve focused on truck enforcement to make our roads safer, including the wear and tear on the roadways — we get truckers with overweight loads, unsecured HAZMAT loads and for a period there were LIRR bridge strikes. We’ve made a lot of inroads to make the whole area safer,” he explained.
The work of the police commissioner and the GCPD ahead of Traffic Commission meetings — and any reviews by village DPW officials and engineers — includes reviewing resident requests for stop signs, traffic lights, speed humps, and other traffic controls.
“What we normally do is we look at the accident data, then we cover the causes of accidents with the data. Sometimes it’s necessary to perform a speed survey since our department has the speed detectors people would not notice (visibly). When we collect that data I will also contact the Garden City School District to see if there’s a bus stop, and what type of bus stop that might be. I check on the age levels for the kids present there. Once we get all this data we examine the surroundings, including the adjacent streets’ conditions with or without multiple stop signs, traffic lights etc. We need to know that, and especially for all-way stop signs we’ll compare it with the MUTCD’s specific consideration for what should be done,” Jackson said.
He detailed the review of “set warrants,” which involve data points such as traffic volume, the 85th percentile speed, and accident frequency, along with separate considerations for traffic planning. He emphasized how Garden City’s layout and pedestrian-heavy areas factor into public safety decisions.
“Visibility could be so limited in some places, you may need to do things to help the intersections and roads. At times we review and find accidents and traffic numbers low, but we (the GCPD) do see certain types of pedestrian traffic. The Board or the Traffic Commission can make the best decision after I’ve completed my job of making them aware of all the factors I can find out,” he said.
Big Picture for Crimefighting
Through his involvement with

Gov. Hochul’s Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, Jackson also represents the New York State Police Chiefs Association. He works with the committee on state grants and broader strategic planning initiatives.
“We work together to make sure grants are being used in an efficient manner. As a team, the law enforcement community helps the chiefs of all the police departments apply for and obtain grants and get updates in their statistics and equipment — anything that will help any village or police department in New York State improve their work,” Jackson said.
With his direction, Garden City will become the first Nassau County community to join the Suffolk County Intel Center, part of the New York State Network associated with DCJS. The GCPD already partners with the Nassau County Intel Network, and joining the Suffolk network allows information to be shared across 11 statewide networks. This provides access to briefings and intelligence on emerging crime trends. Commissioner Jackson also receives reports from all eight Nassau County Police precincts.
“In the role of executive director of the Nassau County Municipal Chiefs Association, I am now working with Suffolk County to try and work with
other Nassau County villages so its Intel Network gets even stronger,” Jackson said, citing a recent case involving thefts from church donation boxes that resulted in an arrest after information-sharing.
One of Commissioner Jackson’s key areas of focus has been community outreach, particularly to senior residents, to warn against scams and suspicious communications.
“To us, seniors are a very important faction in the community. The police department has a wellness program for folks to call us every day and check in, especially for anyone who lives by themselves,” he said, also describing GCPD lift-assist calls and coordination with EMS when needed.
Traffic enforcement priorities also reflect concern for seniors, particularly in shopping and medical districts. “If we did not enforce the parking violations, seniors would not have any place to park or they could be forced to walk blocks to where they need to go,” he explained.
The GCPD’s reputation for professionalism and approachability reflects Jackson’s community-focused leadership philosophy.
“My feeling is that when you’re a
village police department, you are not only here to enforce laws but you’re enforcing confidence, partnerships and friendships,” he said.
Jackson also highlighted partnerships with the Garden City School District, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha, and NYU-Langone Ambulance services.
Commissioner Jackson praised the collaboration among village departments, describing them as a “well-oiled machine.” He also shared advice for students considering a career in law enforcement.
“If you’re truly committed to helping the community, it’s a great profession,” he said.
On January 8th, Trustee Bruce Torino presented Jackson with a “Top Cop” baseball hat during a formal rec-
ognition by the Village Board. Jackson expressed gratitude for the many professionals who supported his work, including dispatchers, whom he called “the lifeline of this department.”
“I love this town, I love the job, I love all the residents and businesses I’ve worked with, and I love the GCPD,”
Jackson said. “It’s been a hard job but it’s been a really great time working here, a wonderful ride.”
Mayor Finneran closed by reading from the proclamation honoring Jackson: “Commissioner Jackson’s dedication and commitment to law enforcement continued as he rose through the ranks…Commissioner Jackson provided the leadership and team-building skills necessary to create a safe community for Garden City residents…a recognition that exemplifies the highest police standards and sets Garden City apart.”
Garden City Public Schools is excited to welcome kindergarten students for the 2026–2027 school year and encourages parents to take the following steps to ensure a smooth transition process. The following information can also be found on the Kindergarten Registration Information page on the district website.
First, parents must find their home school, which is the school their child will attend next year. If unsure about which school this is, they can watch the Instructions to Find Primary School Location video posted on the Kindergarten Registration Information section of the website.
Parents must then make an appointment online to register from Jan. 20–30, 2026, at their home school. The following links can be used to book an
appointment for kindergarten registration: Hemlock School, Homestead School and Locust School.
Specific forms, such as the original and a copy of your child’s proof of birth (either a birth certificate or a passport), must be brought. All required forms must be completed prior to the appointment time. For all forms required, please visit the Kindergarten Registration Information 2026 page on our district website.
Garden City Public Schools looks forward to welcoming kindergarten students and their parents to the community. Please email Registrar@gcufsd.net and visit the Kindergarten Registration Information page on the district website with any remaining questions or concerns.


From page 3
coaching youth sports in the Village and served as a certified high school referee for multiple sports after my retirement from industry. I’m currently a member of the Knights of Columbus and teach CCD at St Joseph’s.
Please vote for me along with my three running mates, Tom Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey & Neha Bajaj who share the same priorities. You can review our platform & bios on www.fabgc.org or scan the QR code.

From page 3
history and architecture of St. Pauls, as well as provide an economically viable solution that the community can enjoy for many years to come. I also believe in utilizing and funding our town’s existing resources such as our town library where we can continue to expand programming for both children and adult residents.
My professional experience includes 15 years of non-profit finance and strategy work at global and national organizations including UNICEF USA. I have an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, and recently
completed a Master’s of Social Work from Stony Brook University. I am currently a therapist focusing on maternal mental health and lead the social impact work at Helping Hands Psychotherapy. I am a member of the Nassau County Perinatal Services Network where I advocate for maternal health. I am also a visiting author at school districts throughout Long Island where I share my children’s book, Noah's Intense Day, and lead discussions to increase disability awareness and acceptance. I look forward to our upcoming Meet & Greets and hearing more of residents' thoughts, concerns and suggestions.



Applications are now open for the National Charity League (NCL) Garden City Chapter, offering local mothers and daughters the opportunity to join the nationally recognized mother-daughter philanthropic organization focused on service, leadership, and cultural experiences.
Following the success of its original chapter, Garden City is now home to two distinct and separate NCL chapters. Families are reminded that while both chapters are accepting applications, mothers and daughters may apply to only one chapter during the application period, which runs from January 15 through March 1, 2026.
Founded in 2016, the National Charity League of Garden City is the original and long-standing chapter serving the community. Now nearly a decade strong, the chapter is 330 mothers and daughters and partners with over 40 local and Long Island–based philanthropies. Members collectively contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year, supporting causes that include food pantries, shelters, children’s hospitals, senior services, foster care initiatives, and community events.
The Garden City Chapter has celebrated multiple graduating classes, most recently the Ticktocker Class of 2025, whose members exemplify the organization’s commitment to philanthropy, leadership development, and service. In addition to hands-on volunteering, the chapter offers leadership training, cultural opportunities, and signature traditions that strengthen the mother-daughter bond while making a meaningful community impact. Our graduating members go on to nationally recognized colleges and universities, carrying with them a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community
The NCL Garden City Chapter is currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year for girls in the Class of 2031, their mothers, and legacy sisters. For more information or to apply, visit www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/gardencity/ or email the chapter’s Vice Presidents of Membership, Jenny Shah or Joanne Thomas, at membership@nclgardencity. com.
All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2026.

You already know that exercise keeps your muscles healthy…
But did you know it also keeps your brain healthy?
Yup, it’s true!
As you age, blood flow to your brain slowly declines…
When that happens, things don’t work like they used to.
You walk into the grocery store and forget why you were there…
You feel more irritable around the people you love…
And you lie in bed at night struggling to fall asleep.
Now, over the past few years, scientists have taken a closer look at how exercise affects the brain.
What they’ve found is nothing short of spectacular.
For example, when you try a new exercise, your brain has to learn a new movement…
And that learning process helps your brain build new connections.
This is called neuroplasticity, and it’s how your brain adapts, changes, and continues to grow at any age.

It’s the same process that helps you learn games like canasta and mahjong and improve each time you play.
Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support memory, emotional regulation, and focus…
So you can be in a better mood around your grandkids, keep up with their stories, and remember the names they gave their toys.
A 2025 study in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found that older adults who exercised regularly didn’t just slow brain aging… Their brains actually appeared bio-
logically younger based on brain imaging!
This is why people often notice clearer thinking and more energy when they exercise.
Now, if you’re wondering what type of exercise supports brain health best…
The biggest benefits come from a consistent routine that includes both resistance training and cardio…
So you can stay strong, active, and sharp.
Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646) 415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

Arthur Danziger, life coach, will speak on overall well-being next Tuesday, January 27.
If you’d like to launch the new year with proven tools to relieve physical pain and discomfort, while supporting the body’s ability to heal and reduce stress, join MineolaGarden City Rotary’s lunch meeting next Tuesday, January 27, 12:15 at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant.
Fellow Rotarian and guest speaker, Arthur Danziger is a member of Commack-Kings Park Rotary and serves on Rotary’s Mental Health Committee. As life coach, Mr. Danziger has presented to more than a dozen other Rotary Clubs. His presentation next Tuesday will focus specifically on relieving physical pain and discomfort, supporting the body’s ability to heal and reduce stress.
Mr. Danziger’s notes that his key points will focus on practical research-based techniques for: 1.) Relieving Physical Pain and Discomfort Naturally: simple, effective tools to help ease discomfort; 2.) Supporting Healing and Restoring Health: strategies that help the mind and body work together for recovery and vitality; 3.) Reducing Stress Levels: proven methods to calm the mind, build resilience and improve overall well-being.
Arthur Danziger says the pre -

sentation is designed to provide members and guests with hands-on actionable and immediate strategies.
“With time allowed for questions and open discussion, members and guests will be able to walk away with practical solutions they can use right away.”
To attend this instructional lunch meeting, please email mineolagardencityrotaryclub@gmail.com. Fee: $40 each person payable at the door.
Joanne Meyer-Jendras, Rotary’s service projects chair and Erin McKinstry, Ed.D., business education teacher at Garden City High School had coordinated efforts to engage students to assist in Rotary’s 2025 Election Day Food Drive to benefit the Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead.
Kudos to members of Garden City
High School’s Fashion Club who also encouraged members of the Garden City community to contribute to the drive and appreciated contributions from members of the Stock Market Club as well.
Thanks to these combined efforts, 67 pounds of non-perishable food items were delivered to the INN on behalf of Rotary’s annual Election Day Food Drive, generously supported by Gar den City High School’s Fashion Club.

Students, their advisers and Director of Literacy K–12 Lauren Kaufman.
On Dec. 16, the Garden City High School Literary Circle held its 30th anniversary of the winter solstice poetry reading. Club president Isabella Fuertes worked closely with fellow members to thoughtfully plan and organize this meaningful event.
The club is advised by English teachers Laurie Bocca and Aria Laucella, who have taken on leadership of the
Literary Circle while continuing the longstanding legacy established by retired teacher Carlo Rebolini. Through biweekly meetings and biannual poetry readings, the Literary Circle promotes a shared appreciation for poetry and creates meaningful opportunities for students to come together through the written word.
The winter solstice poetry reading

Students read their poems aloud during the winter solstice reading.
welcomed both themed poems and self-selected works of personal interest, encouraging participants to use their voices and engage deeply with the beauty and power of poetry. Through these experiences, students developed confidence, connection and a stronger sense of belonging among a community of readers and writers.
The Literary Circle, along with its
ongoing poetry events, has additional initiatives planned for the new year. The group is preparing for its spring poetry reading and looks forward to continuing its tradition of celebrating reading, writing and self-expression within the Garden City community.
Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District
On Dec. 17, Garden City Middle School’s winter concert featured a special highlight: the premiere of “Emmett’s Entrance,” an original composition by eighth grader Emmett Owens. The piece marked Emmett’s composing debut and was performed by the Garden City Middle School Late Night Jazz Ensemble.
Emmett began exploring musical composition earlier this year, writing short pieces and sharing them with his band teacher, Ms. Iovino. Recognizing his growing talent and enthusiasm, Ms. Iovino encouraged Emmett to take the next step by composing an original work specifically for the jazz ensemble.
Over the summer, Emmett developed the piece using Logic Pro, a digital recording software, before transferring it into Noteflight, a music nota-

Emmett Owens played the trumpet during the winter concert.
tion program. Throughout the process, he worked closely with Ms. Iovino to strengthen his understanding of musical form and instrument ranges,


The GCMS band played during the winter concert.
thoughtfully refining the composition.
The premiere of “Emmett’s Entrance” marked an exciting and significant milestone in Emmett’s musical
journey and highlighted the creativity and dedication of Garden City Middle School’s student musicians.
Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District
From page 2
That company gave a ballpark estimate of $80 million for adaptive reuse. The report is sparse on details, but the ones that are there seem unrealistic. For example, the $80 million cost estimate only includes $3 million in contingency costs for restoring the 143 year-old building. That seems woefully
low.
The report also discusses the idea that one reason the St. Paul’s conundrum hasn’t been solved is because village trustees only serve two year terms, and more continuity of leadership is needed to see the project through. The report mentions (but does not endorse) the idea of using the St. Paul’s Conservancy or another
non-profit to issue financing for the project, but insists that the Village would still retain control over the property.
We’re extremely leery of that scenario. The Conservancy has many well-meaning members but frankly it has not been able to raise any substantial funds to save the building. In its last public tax filing in 2023, the Conservancy raised $12,401 in
contributions and spent $10,733 on promotions and advertising. Its net assets are listed at $233. This does not inspire confidence that it, or any other non-governmental group, should be involved in a project that could cost $80 million of the public’s money or, more likely, a lot more.
We may annoy members of the board and by posting
this draft report prior to the town hall meeting, but really the most important thing here is that residents are well informed about St. Paul’s as it’s the largest financial decision in the history of the village. If people are able to read the report in advance this will hopefully spur productive discussion.

Friday, January 23, 2026
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of formation of YFire's Trading Post LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/07/2025. Office location: Nassau County.
SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Barbara Ann Young: 20 Adams Street, Garden City, NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that GoodFriend SelfStorage facility located at: 119 South 3rd Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on January 28, 2026 at 11:00am. Bid online at storageauctions.com. This is a cash sale and all sales are final.
Unit E134 – Dinesh Nayee; Unit R132 – Arthur Gordon
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of formation of Kamaboo LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/15/26. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Kamaboo LLC: 31 Buckminster Rd, Rockville Center, NY 11570. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Sealed bids MUST be RECEIVED BY & DELIVERED TO:
PURCHASING DIVISION
Inc. Village of Garden City 351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, UNTIL 11:00 AM EST
THURS, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following: 2026 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Specifications, Form of Bid, and other information may be obtained from the office of the Purchasing Division at the above address or you may download the bid specifications from the New York State Contract Reporter website at the following web address: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm
This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:
Garden City, Inc. Village of Dated: 1/23/26
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of formation of Schult Mental Health Counseling, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as an agent of Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to :: 28 E Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
516-294-8900


The United Nations Brundtland Report defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” To ensure the Village’s long-term viability and protect our natural surroundings, Garden City is implementing focused environmental initiatives.
Key Sustainability Efforts in Garden City
• Biodiversity: To celebrate Earth Day 2025, the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) inaugurated a new pollinator garden on the Village Green, featuring an educational butterfly release.
• Water Conservation: The Water Department is offering a $100 account credit for the installation of EPA WaterSenselabeled smart irrigation controllers with the
Smart Sensor Rebate Program which runs through March 31, 2027.
• Waste Management & Recycling: Garden City utilizes multi-stream commingled recycling and partners with ReWorld Inc to convert non-recyclable waste into electricity.
• Renewable Energy & Climate: The Village was awarded $40,000 via a NYSDEC Climate Smart Communities Grant to identify sources of greenhouse gas emissions from the Village fleet and infrastructure and to map out cost-effective emission reduction strategies.
These initiatives are essential for preserving Garden City’s tree-lined streets, vibrant green spaces, and high quality of life for years to come.

23, 2026
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
New York (with New Jersey) will welcome the world to Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford for eight FIFA World Cup matches beginning on June 13 and culminating with the World Cup Final on July 19 (https:// tickets-center.com/fifa-world-cupmetlife-stadium).
NYC Tourism is mounting a campaign, “Where the World Comes to Play,” and is making it easy for travelers to find out what to do outside the matches and make the most of their visit, listing hotels, Broadway theater, arts and cultural events. These include websites that direct fans to FIFA Fan Festivals at Liberty State Park and other places (NYCtourism. com/FIFA), even listing the Best Bars to watch soccer matches.
“Fans can watch Columbia play while at a Columbian restaurant; Sri Lanka while at Sri Lankan restaurant, etc. – just about any team’s nationality has a restaurant,” said Allisa Schmid, NYC Tourism’s VP of Communications.
2026 is an Olympic year and while the world may be gathering in Cortina, Italy, the next best thing is Lake Placid, the site of the Winter Olympics of 1980 and 1932 (one of the few sites to host even once and fewer still that have hosted more than once). Today, Lake Placid is a major Olympic training center and it is common to see athletes training, teams competing in world events (the World Cup in Luge was held in December), and athletes just hanging about in the pleasant village.
Indeed, Lake Placid is Plan B for the 2026 Olympics bobsled and in February, will be the nearest thing to actually being at the Cortina

Next best thing to being at Milano Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics is being at Lake Placid, where February is filled with special events. Year-round, you can engage in activities at Olympic venues and watch athletes training and competing © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Olympics with viewing locations, and meet-and-greets with some 2,000 athletes who will compete for the New York State Games just ahead of Winter Olympics, and a full month of special events.
At Lake Placid, you can not only visit Olympic venues and an outstanding Olympic Museum but try your own hand at bobsled, luge and skeleton on the Olympic track; do cross-country skiing and even biathalon at the Nordic ski center at Mt Van Hoevenberg (where you can also ride an amazing coaster); take the elevator the athletes ride to the top of the alpine ski jumps; skate on the 1932 Olympic Oval and on the 1980 hockey rink where USA achieved its “Miracle on Ice” (an annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp is held that includes players from the gold medal winning 1980 USA Hockey Team), and ski and snowboard at Whiteface
Mountain.
Whiteface Mountain is operated by the state’s Olympic Regional Development Authority which also manages the ski areas at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks (located in North Creek, it is fabulous for intermediates and is where a new Gore Mountain Zip Coaster is opening this summer, part of a larger redevelopment that includes a new lodge and upgraded chairlifts, boosting the North Creek Ski Bowl for year-round visits), and Belleayre in the Catskills (2 ½ hours from New York City, it is especially great for families to ski and is opening a 28,600 sq. ft. Discovery Lodge to support year-round tourism). All three NYS ski areas are now part of the Mountain Collective Pass. New York State actually has more ski areas (52) than any other state –you are never more than 2 hours away from a ski area (see ISkiNY.com).
Besides FIFA World Cup, other world-class sports events coming to the state include:
Saratoga Race Course’s Final Belmont Stakes (Capital-Saratoga): Historic Saratoga Race Course will hold the 158th running of the storied Belmont Stakes for its third and final time, on June 6, while Belmont Park remains under construction. Other prestigious races like the Travers Stakes occur throughout the 40-day summer meet at America’s oldest sporting venue, from mid-July through Labor Day. While in Saratoga, visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, www.racingmuseum.org.
U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Long Island): Hosted by the United States Golf Association and one of the PGA Tour’s four major championships, the always challenging golf tournament will take place at the Southampton golf course June 15 - 21.
Lake Placid will host the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series October 3-5, this time featuring men’s and women’s UCI World Cup races in both endurance and gravity formats. The three-day event includes UCI Cross-Country World Cup Races at Mt Van Hoevenberg and UCI Downhill World Cup at Whiteface Mountain (www.ucimtbworldseries.com/news/ whiteface-mountain-to-host-ucidownhill-world-cup-in-lake-placid)
For more information about travel around New York State, visit iloveny. com.
© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of January 25-31, 2026
Few things are as captivating as a dark, star-filled sky. But the stars we see and enjoy don’t just “exist”; they all came into being long ago inside of massive clouds of gas and dust known as “nebulae.”
Within these clouds, clumps of interstellar material eventually begin to collapse under their own weight; when one becomes dense and hot enough, thermonuclear fusion begins at its core, and a star is born. Leftover material is accreted into smaller bodies orbiting nearby: a planetary system.
We can find such stellar birthplaces scattered all around the heavens, and many are visible to anyone with just binoculars or a small telescope. The most amazing, however, is visible even to the unaided eye right now: the Great Orion Nebula. As its name suggests, it’s located in the brilliant constellation Orion, the hunter, now appearing in the southeastern sky after dark.
This ancient constellation was known to the Sumerians of Mesopotamia as far back as the 4th millennium B.C. Later, the Egyptians saw Orion as the god Osiris, and the early Greeks knew him as the son of the sea god Poseidon and a powerful hunter.
Two bright stars, Betelgeuse and Bellatrix, mark the hunter’s shoulders. Saiph and Rigel form his knees. In his
midsection lie three stars in a nearly straight line that trace his belt. And below hangs his sword that appears as a smudge of light. This is the Great Orion Nebula, also known to astronomers as M42.
M42 is a colossal cloud of interstellar gas and dust that lies some 9,000 trillion miles, or about 1,300 lightyears, away, and is one of the largest, brightest and most beautiful of all “deep sky” objects.
It is also one of the most prolific star-forming clouds in our part of the Milky Way Galaxy, where new stars and planetary systems are continually being born. Binoculars show it as a hazy smudge surrounding some bright stars, but aim a small telescope in its direction, and you will experience one of the most marvelous sights in all the heavens.
Here you’ll see the wispy structure of this stellar nursery, and near its center you’ll easily spot a tightly packed grouping of four young stars (the “Trapezium”) that illuminate the cloud from within. Astronomers estimate these stars to be only about 300,000 years old; sounds pretty ancient -- and it is when we think in human time scales -- but these are mere stellar toddlers, equivalent to only about two or three years old in human terms.
It is from a similar nebula somewhere in our galaxy that our own star and planetary system came into being some 4.6 billion years ago. Exactly

where that was, we cannot say, of course, but we know that our sun and the planets of our solar system formed within such a cloud. Perhaps even more remarkable is that, from such an origin, our species has evolved the curiosity, intelligence and technology to learn this very fact!
If bright moonlight makes it tough for you to spot the nebula this week, don’t worry. You’ve got plenty of time. Orion and M42 will grace our evening skies all winter long!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
When you have short hair, it is inevitable that you will spend an inordinate amount of time growing your hair out, and then getting fed up and cutting it again. I have been down this hairbrained road several dozen times before, complaining for months until I am convinced my husband is going to cut it all off while I sleep just so he doesn’t have to listen to me whine about it one more day.
The last time I decided to torture myself with this hair thing, I made it about six months before my husband told me to either cut it or shut it. Of course, it wasn’t the only thing I’d talked about for six months, but it was definitely in the top five along with 1) my thighs, 2) my wrinkles, 3) my butt, and 4) my kids (I had to throw that last one in there so I didn’t sound completely self-involved).
I actually really liked my former, short spiky “’do,” but various people
who offered opinions I didn’t ask for convinced me that my short haircut was making me look older, and when you’re over 60, being told something makes you look older goes over about as big as a prescription for a colonoscopy.
This time around, I managed to get past the dreaded “growing it out over my ears” stage, and the “looks a little like a mullet” stage, without running screaming to the hair salon. It helped that whenever I had a hair attack, my stylist seemed to be out of town or all booked up. It also helped that my husband hid all the scissors in the house, except the kids’ old plastic school scissors. I did actually try to use them in desperation one day, but they only cut one hair at a time.
Eventually, the day came when my hair was officially “grown out,” and even though I was getting lots of positive feedback, I still wasn’t sure if it was the right “’do” for me.
“So what do you think of my new hairstyle?” I asked my daughter one day.
She contemplated my “’do” for several seconds.
“You look like someone who could be the president of the PTA,” she finally responded.
I’m sure she meant this in the most positive, mundane, suburban-mom kind of way. This was kind of like the time she told me when I had on a pair of jeans that I had a Mom Butt, which I’m quite certain is not nearly as complimentary as telling someone they have a Victoria’s Secret Butt. And while I knew there were plenty of cool, fashionable, self-confident PTA presidents out there, I was pretty sure they were not the ones my daughter was referencing when she made that comment.
Scraping up what was left of my good self-image, I pulled my presidential hair back in a ponytail and then drove directly to the hair salon.
That night, my husband walked in and noticed my new short haircut.
“Lost the battle?” he observed.
“Yes,” I said. “By a hair.”
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
As we move into 2026, the Long Island real estate market is no longer driven by frenzy, fear, or speculation — but by strategy. Elevated mortgage rates, tight inventory, rising insurance costs, and shifting household priorities have reshaped how buyers, sellers, and investors must think. Yet opportunity remains — and in some cases, it has improved — for those who understand where value is emerging and how Nassau and Suffolk counties are diverging.
This is no longer a one-size-fits-all market. Nassau and Suffolk are operating under two distinct sets of economics, lifestyle demands, and housing stock realities. Knowing how — and where — to move is now the difference between frustration and success.
The national narrative in 2026 centers on a market that is stable but not slow. Interest rates remain higher than the historic lows of the early 2020s, but inflation pressures have eased, employment remains strong, and household formation continues. On Long Island, inventory remains constrained — not because people don’t want to sell, but because many homeowners are financially “locked in” by low mortgage rates from years past.
This creates a paradox: fewer listings, but serious, motivated buyers. Sellers retain leverage, but buyers who understand creative financing and off-market strategies can still secure excellent opportunities.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the growing contrast between Nassau and Suffolk.
Nassau County in 2026: Scarcity, Stability, and Seller Strength
Nassau continues to function as a supply-constrained, premium market driven by proximity to Manhattan, high-performing school districts, and established communities. Homes are older, lots are smaller, and zoning restrictions limit new construction.
Seller Leverage Remains Strong
In Nassau, sellers in desirable school districts and walkable communities maintain significant leverage. Even in 2026, homes priced correctly often attract multiple interested buyers — not always bidding wars, but strong, serious offers.
However, today’s buyers are more analytical. They expect:
• Proper pricing
• Pre-sale inspections
• Seller concessions where appropriate
• Energy-efficient upgrades
• Clear flood and insurance disclosures
Homes that are updated, well-staged,
and properly marketed are still selling quickly — while dated homes now face longer timelines and negotiation pressure.
Buyer Reality: Fewer Choices, Higher Standards
Buyers in Nassau face limited inventory, higher price points, and tighter competition for move-inready homes. This pushes many buyers to:
• Expand search areas
BY PHILIP A. RAICES

• Accept smaller footprints
• Renovate rather than relocate
• Consider multi-generational living
Creative financing strategies — including seller credits, interest rate buydowns, assumable loans, and even seller financing in select cases — are becoming essential tools.
Investment Outlook in Nassau
Investment opportunities in Nassau remain low-risk but lower-yield, driven primarily by:
• Long-term appreciation
• Stable tenant demand
• Low vacancy rates
Investors focus on:
• Legal accessory apartments
• Owner-occupied two-families
• Small multifamily properties near transit corridors
Returns may be more modest, but risk-adjusted stability remains a major draw.
Suffolk County in 2026: Space, Growth, and Strategic Upside
Suffolk tells a very different story — one of expansion, adaptability, and emerging opportunity. With larger lot sizes, newer housing stock in many areas, and room for development, Suffolk offers flexibility Nassau simply cannot match.
Buyer Opportunity:
More Home for the Money
In Suffolk, buyers in 2026 enjoy:
• Larger homes
• Bigger lots
• Lower price points
• Greater renovation potential
This is especially attractive to:
• Remote and hybrid workers
• Growing families
• Buyers relocating from the city or other states
• Investors seeking higher yield
However, buyers must be mindful of:
• Flood zones
• Insurance costs
• Commute patterns
• Septic systems and well water considerations
Sellers Face a More Balanced Market
Unlike Nassau’s seller-dominated environment, Suffolk operates under more balanced conditions. Sellers must
be strategic:
• Overpricing leads to stagnation
• Presentation matters more than ever
• Upgrades and energy efficiency impact value
• Flood mitigation and insurance transparency are essential
Homes that offer value, flexibility, and clear documentation move well — but sellers can no longer rely solely on scarcity.
Investment Outlook in Suffolk Suffolk is where growth-oriented investors are focusing in 2026. Opportunities include:
• Multifamily properties
• Short-term rental markets
• Value-add renovations
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Transit-oriented developments While risk is higher than Nassau, so is upside — especially in emerging neighborhoods and commuter-friendly corridors.
Perhaps no factor divides Nassau and Suffolk more than flood exposure and insurance dynamics. Rising insurance premiums and tighter underwriting standards have reshaped buyer behavior — especially near coastal and low-lying areas.
In Nassau:
• Many older homes require upgrades for compliance
• Buyers demand clear elevation certificates
• Flood insurance pricing increasingly affects affordability
In Suffolk:
• Flood exposure varies dramatically by location
• Some inland communities face minimal risk
• Coastal and bayfront areas face significantly higher insurance costs
In both counties, properties that have invested in:
• Proper drainage
• Backflow preventers
• Sump pump systems
• Elevated utilities
• Storm-resistant materials
…are commanding higher buyer confidence and faster sales.
Nassau Sellers Should:
Price accurately from day one
Invest in presentation and inspection transparency
Offer strategic concessions rather than price reductions
Highlight school districts, transit access, and energy efficiency
Prepare for sophisticated, financia ly savvy buyers
Suffolk Sellers Should:
Focus on value and flexibility
Highlight lot size, expansion potential, and zoning opportunities
Address flood and insurance questions proactively
Price competitively to drive momentum
Prepare for longer marketing timelines
Nassau Buyers Should:
Work with agents who access off-market opportunities
Be financially pre-positioned
Explore renovation potential
Use creative financing strategies
Act decisively on well-priced homes
Suffolk Buyers Should:
Conduct thorough flood and insurance due diligence
Evaluate long-term commuting and infrastructure plans
Consider value-add opportunities
Look beyond turnkey homes
Negotiate strategically on longer-listed properties
Investment Strategy in 2026: Stability vs. Upside
Investors face a clear choice in 2026: Nassau = Stability
• Lower risk
• Predictable appreciation
• Strong tenant demand
• Lower cash flow but greater longterm security
Suffolk = Upside
• Higher potential returns
• Greater development flexibility
• Renovation and expansion opportunities
• Higher risk but greater reward
Smart portfolios often blend both — using Nassau for stability and Suffolk for growth.
The Human Factor: Why People Are Moving — and Staying
Beyond numbers, 2026 is being shaped by life transitions:
• Aging homeowners downsizing
• Families expanding or relocating
• Divorce and estate settlements
• Career shifts and retirement planning
• Health-related moves
These transitions are fueling both inventory and demand — often quietly, through off-market channels, private transactions, and discreet listings.
Agents and advisors who understand these motivations — and who
Continued on page 5
BY TOM MARGENAU
I’m sure you’ve seen these little teaser links on the Internet that can sometimes be too irresistible to ignore. They have catchy titles like “20 Celebrities Who Have a Secret Past” or “10 Common Foods That Will Kill You.” This kind of come-on is called “clickbait.” Frequently, it’s a form of false advertising that is designed to entice people browsing the web to follow a link to read or view some content that is usually disingenuous at best, and totally misleading at worst.
And there is a growing number of Social Security-themed clickbait. As I mentioned in a recent column, one of the most common ones goes something like this: “6 Major Changes to Social Security Coming in 2026.” And I’m sure many people fall for that come-on and open the link because they sure don’t want to miss out on any major changes to the program that might affect them.
But if you take the bait and open the link, you will learn that the “major changes” coming in 2026 are simply routine updates to Social Security that happen every year. For example, one of those changes is the annual cost-of-living increase that every Social Security beneficiary gets every January. Another is the routine annual increase in the amount of money a working beneficiary under full retirement age can make before any penalties are imposed on his or her benefits. There is not a single “major change” contained in any of these come-ons.
An increasingly common clickbait scenario, frequently sent as an email, usually goes something like this: “Click here to get your annual Social Security statement.” Those are always false because the Social Security Administration rarely sends Social Security statements, or any other Social Security information, to people via email.
I have never been naive enough to take the bait and open those kinds of emails. But I have two friends who did. One guy told me he was sent to a page that was trying to sell him insurance. But far worse than that, another friend said he followed the link and it led him to a porn site!
Another common theme of Social Security-related clickbait sites involves “secrets.” Here are a couple I saw recently. “Three Social Security secrets no one knows.” And another: “The secret to how you are losing out on $3.4 trillion in Social Security.”
I guess the temptation of learning a secret sells. But when it comes to Social Security, there really aren’t any. There might be some information that you are not yet aware of. But all of that information is definitely not secret because it is readily available from places like the Social Security Administration website (www.socialsecurity.gov), a local financial planner or from reading this column. And frequently, the so-called “secrets” are really just bits of information I’d bet most people are already familiar with. For
example, here are those “Three Social Security Secrets No One Knows.” One: Your benefits are reduced if you take them before full retirement age. Two: Your benefits are increased if you delay filing until after your full retirement age. Three: There is no point in waiting beyond age 70 to file for Social Security.
The reduction for early retirement is pretty straightforward and relatively modest. It is roughly one-half of 1% for each month a Social Security check is taken before full retirement age. But here is an interesting and revealing point. The clickbait site says your benefit is “slashed” if taken early.
The site also says you get a “generous” increase if you delay your benefits until after your full retirement age. The delayed retirement credit you get is actually twothirds of 1% for each month you wait after your FRA to file for benefits.
And why do these clickbait sites exaggerate the downside of early retirement and overplay the upsides to delayed retirement? Because almost all of them have one goal: to get you to wait until age 70 to start your Social Security -- and in the meantime, to sign up for financial services offered by the companies sponsoring the sites.
To illustrate this further, let’s recall that other clickbait come on I mentioned earlier -- the one that said: “The Secret to How You Are Losing Out on $3.4 Trillion in Social Security.” Well, I guess somehow the author of that website used some very dubious math to figure out that all retiring baby boomers in this country will be losing out on combined benefits of $3.4 trillion if they don’t wait until age 70 to start their Social Security checks.
So I guess my wife and I have missed out on part of that $3.4 trillion because we both took our Social Security benefits at 62. I’ve discussed our reasons for doing this many times in this column. In a nutshell, we both decided to grab our benefits early because we wanted to have fun spending that money before we got too old to enjoy it. (And of course, it helped that I also had my civil service pension for all the years I spent working for the federal government.)
I am definitely not saying everyone should file for their Social Security as soon as they reach age 62. I am simply pointing out that there are various reasons why some people might not want to wait until age 70 to file.
As I’ve said over and over again in this column, I am not a financial planner. I’m just an old, retired Social Security guy. But I do know enough to tell you there are many obvious factors you need to take into account when deciding at which age to begin your Social Security benefits. Do you think you will live to a ripe old age, and you will want more benefits in the long run? Then wait until age 70. Are you unsure of your longevity and are looking for more cash up front? Then take Social Security before then. Are you trying to
guarantee higher survivor benefits for your spouse after you die? Then wait until age 70. Or do you and your spouse prefer to have more of that money in your early 60s as opposed to just one of you having more money later on? Then file sooner.
I can also tell you that I’ve heard from enough financial planners over the years to realize that more and more of them are suggesting that most people would be wise to start their benefits at full retirement age.
So another message of today’s column is this. When deciding when to start your Social Security benefits, consider all the things going on with your health, your fi-
nances and your marital status. And maybe talk to a financial planner. But definitely do not rely on clickbait to make your Social Security decisions.
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.
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Continued from page 3
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BY CLAIRE LYNCH
I’m in the habit of looking at the calendar of events for both my public library and the senior center because I never know what new clubs and activities they might post. Sometimes they add a beginners’ macrame class, a calligraphy class or a woodworking class and other times they’ll highlight a guest speaker for the general public.
All people have to do is show up and they might get to hear a famous author speak not only about their latest books but about how they found a publisher at the beginning and got their first books printed and bound.
It’s very interesting and while they had a spate of speakers whose topics didn’t thrill me, I know if I wait long enough, I’ll get to hear a great speaker.
When I perused the calendar of events recently I noted the monthly book club and two newer groups - the food club and the chess club. I’d never seen these last two listed as events at my public library so I read more about them.
One write-up I saw said: Once a month you can have a group that loves to talk about food! What could be better? We meet right before lunch and that’s okay. Not only do we talk about food, we eat food, too! We start with a theme such as lemons and we gather recipes that pertain to that particular theme.
Searching for recipes that contain lemon, I found several places to go for reliable recipes. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with additional optional seasonings is terrific. Basil Shrimp is from allrecipes. My favorite is Lemon Bars from Ree Drummond at The Food Network.
The best way to feature a food is to bring samples of it for members to taste.
The chess club was being led by a volunteer from the community, by a man who’s played chess as a hobby for 40+ years. People were encouraged to join the chess club and they had two different groups - one for beginners and the other one for more advanced chess players.
Occasionally they get a guest speaker to talk about the origins of chess and how it’s grown as a hobby over time. By most accounts a basic form of chess began in the 6th century in India. Word of the game spread through trade routes and other means.
It was in the 19th century that formal tournaments began. The first World Championship was held in 1886 in the U.S. with games played across NYC, St. Louis and New Orleans. It was in 1924 that the World Chess Federation was founded to standardize rules and organize international events.
That’s a little history of chess. When I saw the choices of the book club, the food club and the chess club, I knew the book club appealed the most to me. I just had to hope the day and time worked in my schedule. It did!
As a new member of the book club I started reading books I wouldn’t normally find at the library or anywhere else. One of the first books on the book club’s list for the year was The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. It was published in 2021 but I’d never heard of it. I really liked it.
How this this mystery and thriller book starts: Hannah, a professional woodturner living in California, receives a short cryptic note from her husband
Owen telling her to protect his teenage daughter Bailey. The message puzzles Hannah but she soon learns that Owen has disappeared in the wake of legal raids at the tech company where he works called The Shop.
People often judge a book by its cover. Or by its blurb. You never know. My book club friends and I recently read Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue by Spencer Quinn, published in 2025.
In Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue, 71-yearold Loretta Plansky investigates the suspicious disappearance of her tennis partner, Kev Dinardo, after his yacht explodes following their senior tennis championship victory. Convinced the fire wasn’t lightning, as Kev claimed, Mrs. Plansky breaks into his home and finds it ransacked. At some point Kev goes missing then she discovers that her tennis pro son, Jack, has also.
Loretta goes on a dangerous adventure involving organized crime, deep diving and a huge alligator named Fairbanks. An entertaining character, Mrs. Plansky likes to look deeper than the obvious.
My friend, Dana, in the book club mentioned how she’d read Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge which came before Spencer Quinn’s Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue so she was familiar with some of the characters and was excited to see this second novel in the Mrs. Plansky series.
She added that Spencer Quinn is the pen name for Peter Abrahams who is known for the bestselling Chet and Bernie mystery series narrated by a canine partner named Chet. Abrahams writes under his own name for other suspense novels - he uses the Spencer Quinn pseudonym for his dog-centered detective stories.
Dana likes reading a good mystery but not heavy, detailed mysteries and these two Mrs. Plansky books were really entertaining.
Calling herself a senior citizen amateur sleuth, Dana said, “As a ‘sometime detective’ I look for things that may not seem exactly right. That prompts me to investigate and like Loretta Plansky, sometimes that gets me into trouble. I’m a senior and just like the book’s main character, I’ve never been an assassin or a CIA agent. Still, my antenna goes up. I’m the curious type who wants to try and figure out why things are the way they are.” Dana brings her comments back on topic - to the book - and she says Mrs. Plansky is funny and relatable to many people. She adds that, “For Loretta Plansky, age is just a number and she is a bold and feisty character. Writer Spencer Quinn has a very good imagination and I look forward to reading book 3 in the Mrs. Plansky series.”
Mark in my book club said he enjoyed reading this mystery with some funny twists in it. If he had his choice, if he was choosing a book to put on our reading list, he’d choose The Good Detective by John McMahon.
Mark added that he likes reading mysteries or any type of book really while listening to pop music. “It’s a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours,” Mark said. “After doing chores and watching a little TV I like to read. Any new fiction books on the bestseller list appeal to me but if a friend recommends any page turner, I’m game.”
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Comfort food is often associated with dinner fixtures like meatloaf and baked ziti. But comfort also can be served up at the breakfast table.
Breakfast sandwiches are wildly popular and can act as early morning fuel after a good night’s rest. When the urge strikes to prepare some early morning comfort food, cooks can look to this recipe
4 bread rolls, split in half horizontally and toasted
8 slices thick bacon
4 large eggs Salt, to taste
1) In a skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until nicely browned and crispy. Drain bacon on paper towels.
2) Remove most of the bacon drippings from the pan and fry the eggs to your liking. Season to taste
for “Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheese, and Tomatoes on a Bread Roll” courtesy of Lines+Angles. Makes 4 servings
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 fresh tomato, rinsed and sliced
with salt and pepper.
3) Arrange a slice of cheese and 2 slices of cooked bacon on the bottom half of each roll. Add tomato slices and a fried egg to each. Top with the remaining half of the bread roll. Serve.

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From Dec. 4–7, three Garden City High School students participated in the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Festival, a prestigious honor recognizing the top student musicians from across the state. The All-State bands, choirs, orchestras and jazz ensembles are comprised of outstanding performers selected from school music programs statewide.
GCHS students Ava Chen, Sarah
Phinney and Emily Pulver earned this distinction and took part in the festival experience. During the event, they engaged in an intensive three-day rehearsal process held during the New York State Music Educators Association conference in Rochester, N.Y., culminating in a final performance at the Eastman Theatre.

Students performed at the All-State Festival.

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles 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.
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
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of our current Board of Trustees and their new candidate, Gerard Smith.
I’ve had an opportunity to get to know some of these board members over the last few years and have been so impressed with what they’ve done for our village, but also how responsive they are. I’ve lived in the village since 1987 and I think this board has made it a priority to make sure they always respond to our concerns. They have a lot of issues to deal with, but they make sure each one is thoroughly investigated and the decision they make is a sound one. We won’t always agree with what they decide, but they make sure that we are all aware of every decision they make.
I’m sure Mr. Smith will be a wonderful addition to the board.
Faith E. Murphy
New elections and solutions
To the Editor:
With new elections on the horizon I believe it is time to find candidates that are willing to compromise and find a solution to St. Paul’s.
The current Board of Trustees made promises that I believe were not kept. They promised to be the most transparent Board ever. They promised to find a solution to St. Paul’s when no other Board has ever been able to.
Anyone that wishes can google Garden City News, March 27, 2025. Consider the emails. Everyone should decide for themselves if residents were ever going to get a fair and non biased assessment of the costs to renovate St. Pauls.
I believe if we allow the current Board to decide St. Paul’s in 7 to 10 years from now St. Paul’s will be a construction site that ran out of money. Then a new Board will have to go back to the Village and ask for tens of millions of dollars to finish the work.
No solution will give everyone everything they want but we need to put this behind us and find what works best.
I believe candidates Thomas Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey, Thomas Ryan and Neha Bajaj are best positioned to achieve a solution to St. Paul’s. One that will enhance the Village’s prestige while not endangering the Village’s finances.
George Evans
To the Editor:
As we get closer to the next Village election, many of us hope that those organizations that are supposed to be non-partisan, and are legally restricted from holding election events on their premises, will try to follow the spirit and letter of the law.
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
It is particularly disappointing that the library, a place of learning, has on more than one occasion held political events on its premises. Whether at the requests of the Friends of the Library, or just candidates thinking that it was appropriate to politic on their premises, we hope the candidates will refrain from these events this year on the library premises, and let the library be what it was meant for, a place for residents to enjoy and learn in a non-partisan atmosphere.
Donald
MacLeod
FABGC’s excellent candidates
To the Editor:
I recently read in the Garden City News (Jan.16), or know of some of the four candidates, Thomas Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey, Thomas Ryan, Neha Bajaj, who are running to become board members for the Village of Garden City.
I have to admit that I was well pleased and even overwhelmed to read each of their bios pertaining to their education, backgrounds and experiences they have achieved as dedicated members of this community. They’re combined knowledge in community affairs, finance, and public institutions will bring their needed experiences necessary to move this Village forward, and not stuck in the past. It is my aspiration that they will take their fiduciary responsibilities more seriously, and not just when it’s convenient or by using their own personal interest, but by listening to the residents and taking their concerns into all their decision making processes. I am looking forward to this group of trustees who will govern the village by providing the necessary services that we all have come could rely on and doing so without breaking the bank.
It is my hope that with their help that the 30+ year battle and excessive costs over St. Paul’s will soon come to an end leaving us with a cost efficient and beautified Park for all to enjoy.
Please remember March 18th and vote for all the FABGC candidates, for it is only by voting can we be assured that our trustees will have our best intentions at heart.
Bob Orosz
To the Editor:
The future is now. Time to move forward with St. Paul’s Park. Time to vote for new trustees, who will move us into that future. In the upcoming election, vote for Tom Ryan, Joanne Frey, Neha Bejaj and Tom Brosnan.
Jane and Walter Horn
To the Editor:
This letter is an endorsement for Tom Ryan as Village Trustee. I have had the pleasure to know Tom and his lovely wife Kathy for many years. He truly cares about our village and what
is best for our community. I too believe that a park on the property that is currently St. Paul’s, would benefit all demographics of this wonderful village. The children, seniors and everyone in between would make wonderful use of this acreage. I am voting for Tom Ryan as Village Trustee.
Pat Galligan
To the Editor:
I was pleased to see that FABGC is sponsoring trustee candidates for the upcoming March 18 elections. Reference to the FABGC’s website (fabgc.org) shows the organization’s, and its candidates, backing for a St. Paul’s park and for much needed fiscal responsibility.
George Kane
To the Editor:
I am pleased to support Thomas Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey, Thomas Ryan, and Neha Bajaj as candidates for the Garden City Board of Trustees. My support primarily stems from their common sense solution to the St Paul’s nightmare. St. Paul’s is the most important and divisive issue in the Village for the past 30 years. It’s about time to put this issue behind us and have our BOT focus on maintaining the quality of life that’s the defining attribute of living in GC.
If you have any common sense then it’s a no-brainer to vote for these candidates. Moving forward on any St. Paul’s rehabilitation plan will bankrupt the Village. A terrible idea.
Tim Deignan
Great candidate
To the Editor:
Tom Brosnan for Village Trustee. What a great candidate. I have known Tom for over 50 years and often see him as a Lector at St. Joseph Church. Tom’s finance work on large construction projects will be particularly helpful in addressing the St. Pauls building issue. Having served as a village Trustee, I am well aware of Tom’s constant involvement in village issues. His deeper involvement as a Village Trustee will be a great benefit to all residents. Please vote for Tom Brosnan, a great candidate for Village Trustee.
Charles P. Kelly
To the Editor:
I have known Tom Ryan for years and he has always been involved in the community and is not afraid to make a decision.
I support building a Park at St. Paul’s and for saving the Clock Tower.
Barbara Cashin
Time has come today
To the Editor:
Good news for residents! On page 3 of
last week’s GCN there was an important announcement. The article set forth the names of four candidates, Tom Brosnan, Neha Bajaj, Jo Ann Frye and Tom Ryan, who are seeking to become Trustees. Their impressive biographies and photo are part of the GCN article.
The upcoming election on March 18 comes not a moment too soon. The current Board is oblivious- lock step mired in a trip to nowhere PPP/ Adaptive reuse muddled journey fraught with financial risk and repeatedly offering unfeasible no go solutions to the St. Paul’s problem, instead letting it fester and blocking forward thinking. The current Board lacks fiscal responsibility and vision which prevents the Village from moving positively and acting in the best interests of the residents they are supposed to serve. The current Board is enslaved by unfounded beliefs which supplant facts and diminish transparency.
The election of these four new Board members would provide competency as well revitalize a real voice for residents whose very right to even express their opinions has been suppressed by this Board and its biased survey--and don’t forget the unreliable cost estimates made by a Trustee placing his own preferences above objectively informing residents.
Clearly rebalance of the Board of eight where now one Trustee does 80% (well ok maybe just 66.8%?? with a 15-25% contingency) of the talking must be changed by election of four new Trustees with fresh perspectives who are not imprisoned by their own desires and beliefs. Shouldn’t Trustees rely on facts and sound judgment not ambitious personal beliefs? The four newly announced candidates have diverse backgrounds with the capability to understand the breadth of all issues confronting our Village. These well rounded, serious candidates collectively possess the strengths necessary to truly appreciate that good governance matters and address any financial and other challenges that confront our Village. Your vote for each and everyone of the candidate is a step towards transparency, fiscal responsibility and the determination to solve St. Paul’s now by creating a wonderful park at the site. (see www.fabgc.org website for candidates’ platforms).
S. G. Gorray
To the Editor:
I applaud Patrick O’Rourke’s letter which appeared on page 49 of the January 16 issue of the Garden City News.
With numerous examples, he points out what a lying imbecile Donald Trump is. He is truly an embarrassment to this country.
Robert B. McKay


On Jan. 15, Garden City High School Latin teacher Magistra Durkin and several Latin IV students traveled to New York City for an educational visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students participated in a guided tour of the Greek and Roman art collection led by a skilled museum docent, furthering their understanding of classical history, art and culture.
Following the tour, students explored the collection and selected works of art to analyze and write about for a project to be featured in the Latin section of the school’s World Languages Literary Magazine, which will be published later this year. Students also viewed and discussed artwork from other historical periods.
The visit marked a first-time Met experience for many students, leaving them inspired and eager to explore more.
Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District



A 1926 aerial photo showing the beginning of the new Country Club Estates development. At far left is Tanners Pond Rd., at top right is Newmarket Rd., at right is Nassau Blvd. with the station at lower right corner, and at bottom is the LIRR. In center are the ten first houses constructed on Sackville Rd., with three more on Weyford Terrace and another three on Meadbrook Rd. The well-developed Garden City Estates with trees is east of Roxbury Rd. Below Stewart Ave. is the Garden City Country Club, started in 1916. Stratford Ave. extends west as far as the intersection of just-layed-out Kildare Rd. and the diagonal Butler Ave. Butler Ave. originally extended from the LIRR bridge at lower left corner of the photo to Nassau Blvd. at the Merillon Ave. station. It and Clinch Ave, just visible, converged at a proposed station just east of the LIRR bridge shown on a 1904 map of the area that pre-dated the establishment of Garden City Estates in 1906. The road was removed when the other new Country Club Estates streets were installed. As can be seen, the development area had no trees, indeed no shrubbery of any sort –the true Hempstead Plains grassland. The thought process for the street naming is obscure – especially for Weyford Terrace. Wickham was initially Fairmount, and Meadbrook was two words.
Archives identifier: aer40

A selection from the extensive Village Archives. Others can be seen at www.NYHeritage.org - click on Organizations, G, and Garden City Public Library. Comments/questions: email Historian@gardencityny.net - Wm. Bellmer
18th for a fire alarm activated by cooking smoke.
Headlight violation
On January 18th, a Nassau Boulevard motorist was charged with driving with non-activated headlights and disregarding one-way signs.
School alarm
Garden City Police responded to a school alarm on January 18th and determined that all appeared to be in order.
Unregistered auto
A Clinton Road motorist was charged on January 18th with driving with a suspended registration and operating an unregistered vehicle.
Porch theft
On January 19th, a male subject reportedly stole a package from the front porch of a Magnolia Avenue residence and fled the scene on a bicycle.
Aggressive driving
A motorist on Brook Street and nearby streets was charged on January 19th with multiple aggressive driving violations, including unsafe speed, passing Stop signs, passing traffic lights, unsafe lane changes, and unsafe turns.
Gate malfunction
Garden City Police responded on January 19th to a railroad gate malfunction on New Hyde Park Road.
Multiple charges
A Washington Avenue motorist was charged on January 19th with driving
with a suspended license and suspended registration, as well as uninsured operation.
Gas check
GCFD and GCPD responded to a home on January 19th for a report of a natural gas odor and determined all was in order.
Candle smoke
On January 19th, GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a fire alarm activated by candle smoke.
System malfunctions
On January 20th, GCFD and GCPD responded to four fire alarms that were determined to be system malfunctions.
Truck violations
A Clinton Road truck operator was

charged on January 20th with driving in a prohibited zone and multiple safety violations.
School zone speed
On January 20th, a Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with unsafe speed in a school zone and passing a Stop sign.
Suspended license
A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on January 20th with driving with a suspended license and uninsured operation.
Multiple offenses
Also on January 20th, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration, unsafe speed, and uninsured operation.
Three simple steps to create a CommunityPass account:
• Create an account through this link: https://register.capturepoint. com/GCRecandParks
• Verify your residency with 2 proofs of residency (ID and utility bill) by email (gcrec@gardencityny.net) or stop by the Cottages (108 Rockaway Avenue)
• Log in to your new account and hit the “Click Here To Register” button to find the type of Membership or Class you want to sign up for.
Follow our new Instagram and Facebook “GardenCityRecreation” for all Recreation content! Any questions regarding programs or facilities can be directed to our new Recreation email, GCRec@gardencityny.net .
This program introduces the Olympic sport of fencing to children in grades K-8 in a safe, structured, and engaging environment. Fencing fosters discipline, focus, agility, and sportsmanship, making it an excellent complement to youth development. Coach will provide all equipment for class. $375 per child.
Tennis instructors are needed for the instructional tennis program at the Community Park Tennis Center. Tennis assistants are also needed. For more information, please call the Recreation Office at 516 465-4075.
St. Paul’s Family Fun Time (for all residents,
elementary aged children must be accompanied by an adult) - Sundays, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
On Sunday afternoons beginning December 7, St. Paul’s Field House will be open for “Family Fun” for Village of Garden City families. This open time provides the opportunity for families to enjoy various gym activities in an indoor environment. The gym will be available for use from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each Sunday until March 10.
This time is designated for family time only. No organized practices or workouts will be allowed. Although there will be staff to monitor activity, this is not a drop off program. We ask that all elementary and middle school aged children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. For the safety of our users, sports involving paddle, stick, or bat equipment will not be allowed.
Winter Youth Tennis Lesson registration began on Monday, December 15.
Our next session of Youth Tennis lessons begins in mid-January and the registration began on Monday, December 15. For more information, go to gardencityrecreation.org
Registration may be done through your Community Pass account or in person at the Recreation Office.
The Garden City’s Department of Recreation and Parks will offer an adult art class this winter. This ten-week (2/6–4/24, no class 3/13 and 4/3) program will teach the beginner as well as the advanced student the art of painting portraits and landscapes/still-life in pastel from photographs. Arleen Rueth Urban, the instructor for this program, is a signature member of the Pastel
Society of America. Classes will be held Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The cost of this program will be $150. This class is open to adult residents who reside in the Village of Garden City and will take place in Room 110 located at 110 Rockaway Avenue. The first lesson includes a portrait and landscape demonstration. At that time, a supply list is provided. Demonstrations will be available as needed throughout the program. Each student will receive the individual attention required as they move at their own pace and level of expertise. Please use Community Pass to sign up for the class.
Offers Music/Movement Classes, Multisport Tots, and Soccer Tots for children ages 2–5 years old at St. Paul’s Fieldhouse or Cluett Hall. Tuesday dates 3/3–4/28 from 12–3 p.m. (35-min sessions). The Music/Movement class uses music and songs while focusing on fun activities, based on functional movements, exploring imagination and creativity. The Multisport class gives your little superstar an awesome first step into sports, using age appropriate games and activities across multiple sports to explore balance, hand/ eye coordination, fitness, sport skills, and child development. Please call (516) 422-2872 for registration and more information.
The Sunrise Theatre Company’s Production of “The Rainbow Fish Musical”
On Saturday, February 21, at 11 a.m. at Cluett Hall, join us for “The Rainbow Fish Musical”! Story: Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in all of the ocean, and the only one of his kind. When Rainbow Fish refuses to share his vibrant, shimmering scales, the whole

ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus, who helps him learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful. There will also be a “meet and Greet” with the cast after the performance! Please use Community Pass to make a reservations starting January 26.
Fashion Stars:
Fashion Class – All things fashion like vision boards, fashion figures, design on mini mannequins, upcycling, basic sewing, styling, trendspotting and more! You will be able to showcase your designs in a very special fashion show for friends and family. Keep the designs you create. All apparel and upcycle material provided. Behind the Seams Saturdays 2/28 – 3/28 11a-12:15pm grades K-5 for $195 and Future Fashion Star full day workshop Friday, March 6, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., grades K–5 for $195. Sign up at signup@futurefashionstars.com
February Break- for grades K–5 on February 16–20, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. $70 per session or $325 for all five days. Held at St. Paul’s Fieldhouse, kids will play multiple sports such as dodgeball, wiffleball, kickball, gaga ball, and many more. Contact at www.playpioneersports.com or call at (516)470-8343.
Pioneer – Flag Football- starting Fridays 3/20 – 5/8 at 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. Girls Volleyball- starting Mondays 3/16 – 4/27 at 3:30 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. Each is $160 per child, contact at www.playpioneersports.com or call at (516) 470-8343.
Who’s the best free throw shooter in Garden City? The St. Joseph-Bishop Baldwin Council aims to find out. The Council will once again be hosting a Free Throw Championship for all boys and girls ages 9 to 14 as of January 1, 2026. This free event will be held on Friday January 30, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph School Gym, comer of Fourth St. and Franklin Ave. Contestants will have the opportunity to shoot 15 free throws. For participants aged 9–11, the foul line will be set at 12 feet, while all others will shoot from the 15-foot charity stripe. All girls and boys aged 9-11 will use a 28.5” basketball, while boys aged 12–14 will use a standard men’s size basketball. Basketballs will be awarded to the player who hits the most buckets in each category. The winners advance to the next competition round with the final state championship round taking place at the US Military Academy West Point. The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Challenge has been sponsored annually since 1972, with winners progressing through council, district, county, and state competitions. All contestants on the council level are recognized for their participation in the event.
For more information and to RSVP, email Tony Bennett at telux@gmail.com




The Garden City boys swim team finished its dual meet season on a high note, pulling off a tight and nail biting win over Herricks. It was the kind of meet that showed just how much this group has grown over the season, led by senior captains Liam Harty, John Crouchley, and Julien Crampe.
One of the standout moments of the meet came from the West Point commit Julien Crampe, who broke his own team record in the 6‑dive event with a score of 353. That mark puts him first in Nassau County and second in New York State.
In the pool, Liam Harty punched his ticket back to the State Championships, qualifying in the 500‑yard freestyle with a time of 4:50.45.
Also securing spots at the County Championships, are seniors Jack Ahearn (100 Breaststroke, 100 Freestyle), John Crouchley (100 Butterfly, 200 Individual Medley), Thomas Santucci (100 Breaststroke), and Leo Straus (200 IM, 100 Backstroke, 500 Freestyle).
Success takes a team, and these top swimmers have been instrumental in the Trojans’ success against the best teams in the County and State. Juniors Ethan Lee (50 Free, 100 Free) and Ethan Wu (200 IM, 100 Fly, 100 Back) both qualified for coun ties, along with freshmen Kevin McMaster (50 Free, 100 Free) and rising eighth‑grade

standout Christian Pellicone (200 IM, 500 Free).
The Trojans head into the postseason with 21 county‑qualifying swims and two state‑qualifying events, setting them up for an exciting championship stretch.
The team will be back in action this Tuesday, January 27. at the Nassau County Aquatic Center, where they’ll look to keep the momentum going and make some noise in the postseason. Come watch and sup port!

Garden City Boys Varsity Basketball has achieved significant success this season, winning 11 of their first 13 games and currently holding a 6-0 league record.


They are in first place in league play, showcasing strong performance and hard work throughout the season.














Quinn Dell’Olio applies pressure from the top!
Starting the long holiday weekend in style, 17 brave GC Grapplers competed in the highly competitive Green Machine Youth Wrestling Tournament in Lindenhurst, NY. Led by coaches Ron Serrano, Jay Rivera, and Shawn Mosca, the team amassed 17 total wins on the day and earned an impressive 5th place team finish out of 31 competing teams.
The Grapplers were represented across multiple weight classes in the 10U, 12U, and 14U divisions, facing tough competition throughout the day. The action began with one of the youngest and toughest competitors, Reed Daly, who set the tone early. Luca Erigo, Dylan Serrano, Caleb Howald, Carter Dalessio, and Colin Smith battled hard and proved to be key contributors to the team’s successful afternoon. Some of the loudest cheers of the day came when Colin Smith stepped onto the mat. After several years contemplating wrestling, Smith decided to join the Grapplers program this season, making the Green Machine Tournament his first competitive wrestling experience. His courage and performance left both teammates and coaches extremely impressed.
Eli Kong, Powers Dell’Olio, Bert

McCooey, Nate Kong, and Charlie Linchitz delivered standout performances in hardfought matches. Eli Kong battled until the final whistle, securing a thrilling 7–6 victory with a clutch takedown late in the match.
Powers Dell’Olio and Charlie Linchitz each muscled their opponents to decisive wins by pin, while Bert McCooey pulled off a dramatic 8–6 win, igniting the crowd and his

Teammates Caleb Howald and Nate Kong embark on a battle.
teammates. Nate Kong earned a tight victory over a teammate, and Luke Linchitz capped off the winning ways with a dominant 13–4 win.
The group of Gianiel Galarza, Quinn Dell’Olio, John LoPiccolo, Keegan Fitzpatrick, Owen Sampson, and Luke Linchitz truly shined throughout the day. Each finished with multiple victories, com-

bining for 12 total wins. Even more impressive, those wins included 7 Pins, 2 Technical Falls (a victory by 15 or more points), and 3 decision wins against top competition from programs such asMassapequa, Long Beach, Bayport/Blue Point, Lindenhurst, Wildcat WC (Huntington), and SOG (School of Grappling, Franklin Square).
The GC Grapplers program continues to serve as a vital feeder to the Garden City Trojans wrestling program. As the youth wrestlers wrapped up their matches and enjoyed some well-earned rest, they received news that their Garden City High School mentors had also excelled, finishing 2nd out of 14 teams with four individual champions. It was an outstanding Saturday for Garden City Wrestling and a promising glimpse into the program’s future.
Next week, the GC Grapplers head toBethpage to compete in the Golden Eagles Youth Wrestling Tournament, the final tune-up before the “majors” begin with the NY-USA Nassau and Long Island Championships on February 1st in Bayshore, NY. Be sure to come out and support these young warriors as they continue to make Garden City wrestling fans proud!


Check out those smiles!
Mark your calendars! Hoops for Hope is coming in March! Come cheer the Challengers on Monday, March 2, at Garden City High School. Doors open at 3 and tip off is at 3:30. The game is being played in memory of Bobby Menges, a GCHS alum who lost his battle with cancer. All proceeds from the game will be donated to the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation. INDY’s mission is to help adolescent and young adult patients who are fighting cancer and other serious, chronic and long-term illnesses.
Teamwork is what makes this event so great. Students and faculty, along with members of the community all come to cheer on the Challengers. Let’s all do it again!
A suggested donation of $5 includes a coupon for some free 7th Street Tenders from Seventh Street Gourmet, 100 Seventh Street, GC. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win great prizes. Family and business sponsorships are available. If interested please contact Liz Menges at efmeng-

es131@gmail.com. Quesions? Contact Katherine O’Hanlon at 516-760-7868. You won't want to miss this special afternoon!

Is your Garden City kindergarten or 1st grade daughter interested in exploring the sport of lacrosse? Tradition Lacrosse, a GC non-profit, will again be hosting weekly Sunday morning onehour clinics at St. Pauls fields beginning in April, led by varsity players and parent volunteers. In addition to games and drills aimed at introducing basic stick skills, clinics will include introduction to small-sided games, specialized clinics, continued skill development and
introductory rules/positional coaching. The total registration cost is $200 and will include a Garden City Tradition t-shirt, giveaway and all fees for fields and equipment. Families registering multiple daughters can use discount “multi” for a discount. All participants will need a stick, mouthguard and goggles and are required to have a U.S. Lacrosse membership valid through 5/28/26. Please visit traditionlax.org/ pal for more info.
Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

Garden City’s Senior Center is open. Please visit the Senior Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further information on activities and events!
Please join us on Friday, February 13, at noon for a Valentine’s Day Luncheon/Dance Party with live music by El Kabong. We will have delicious sandwiches, with macaroni and potato salad from the 7th Street Gourmet Deli, soda, tea and coffee, with special desserts, sponsored by the Sinclair at Port Washington. Cost $15.00 cash only. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk.
Join us at the Senior Center on Tuesday, February 24, at 11:30 a.m., Darlie Abdallah Hilaire, director of PT at Parker Jewish Institute, will speak on fall precautions. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Join us for a trip to see Shen Yun at the Koch Theatre in Lincoln Center, Saturday, April 11, with One if By Land Tours. Board a charter bus, have lunch in the city, then the performance is at
1:00. Space is limited, registration is open to the first 35 people. Register at the Senior Center front desk. $250 checks Made payable to “One If By Land Tours”. Limited seats available.
The next book club meeting will be on Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. The book is titled, “Theo of Golden”. All are welcome. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Join us for an Identity Theft Workshop, Wednesday, January 28, at 12:15. Learn about potential risks and how to protect yourself and your family. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Join us for BINGO with Erin Fleischmann from Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Wednesday, February 11, at 12:15. Space is limited, to register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Beginning January 20, Andrea will begin a new 8-week Zumba Gold Session. Tuesdays at 10:30–11:15. Register on

36 Hamilton Place, Unit #3-J, Garden City, NY
Open House: Friday, January 23rd | 5:00pm - 7:00pm Saturday, January 24th | 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Community Pass or see Felicia at the Senior Center.
NYU EMS will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:30 a.m., presenting, “Understanding Advanced Directives.”. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Beginning December 12, join us at noon for Tai Chi on the second Friday of each month, sponsored by the Bristal at Garden City. For the month of February, Tai Chi will take place on Friday the 27th.
Beginning on Tuesday, 9/23, we will be offering pickup Mah Jongg games, open to all residents on Tuesdays from 12:00–2:00. Bring your lunch and a set.
Senior Center Ping Pong on Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00. This is no longer a drop-in program, If you are interested in playing,
please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006 to have your name put on an interest list.
Chair Yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center. Thursdays 9:15-9:45 Meditation, 9:45–10:45 Chair Yoga class.
Join us for Open Chess at Senior Center, every Friday at 2:00–3:30. Beginning December 5. No registration is required, just stop by and play! Amanat from Chess4Community will be here on Fridays beginning 12/19 if you need assistance, or have any questions.
Join our Senior Center Lunch Group at 12:30–3:30 on Wednesdays, or, if you miss your pool friends, join the Garden City Pool Chat Group at the center, on Thursdays beginning at 1:00-3:30. For both groups, coffee and tea will be served, just bring your lunch and chat!! Also, call to inquire about our two book clubs, one meets on Thursdays during the day and the other on Wednesday evenings.
Email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement or wedding announcement in this paper.

Charming and bright studio in a classic pre-war building offering timeless character throughout. Features include a bright white kitchen with glass-front cabinets, elegant arched doorways, an updated bath, and a cozy sleeping area, all move-in ready. Enjoy a lovely shared yard with Adirondack chairs, along with common laundry, bike room, and storage. Ideally located close to shopping, dining, transportation, and all conveniences. MLS# 952650. $259,000.
Diane Piscopo
Real Estate Salesperson
Certified Buyer Representative 516.248.6655 ext.2235, c.516.610.8853
dianepiscopo@danielgale.com


7 Yale Street, Garden City, NY
Open House: Saturday, January 24th | 12:00pm - 2:00pm






Luxury meets craftsmanship in this brand-new, custom-built Center Hall Colonial, thoughtfully designed with exceptional quality and refined detail throughout. The main level features elegant crown molding, a formal living room, and a warm family room with a gas fireplace, while the designer eat-in kitchen shines with a leathered Quartzite island and countertops, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf stove and double oven, a large hidden pantry, and flowing into a butler’s pantry with wine fridge and a formal dining room; an oversized mudroom and powder room with radiant heat add everyday ease. Upstairs offers 4 spacious bedrooms, including a stunning primary en suite with vaulted ceiling, sitting area, custom walk-in closet, and spa-like bath with radiant heat, soaking tub, and separate shower, plus a second en suite and 2 additional bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath. The finished basement provides versatile living space with recreation areas, office, bedroom with egress, and full bath, while outdoors, professionally landscaped grounds feature a Bluestone covered front porch, covered paver back porch with built-in speakers, additional patio space, and lush green lawn—schedule your private showing today. MLS# 951849. $2,699,000.

danielgale.com
Matthew Minardi
Real Estate Salesperson
Gold Circle of Excellence
516.248.6655 ext.2231, c.516.456.3091
matthewminardi@danielgale.com
matthewminardi.danielgale.com
Claudia Galvin
Associate Real Estate Broker
516.248.6655 ext.2201, c.516.972.8389
claudiagalvin@danielgale.com claudiagalvin.danielgale.com


Friday, 1/23 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday, 1/24 | 12:30pm - 2:00pm
36 Hamilton Pl, #3J, Garden City, NY Studio, 1-bath. MLS# 952650. $259,000.

Old Brookville, NY
9-bedroom, 7.5-bath. MLS# 925629. $40,000/mo.

Wyndham East, #M32
Garden City, NY
2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 928262. $1,229,000.

Doubleday Court, Unit 213
City, NY 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 922853. $1,895,000.







1/24 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm 7 Yale Street, Garden City, NY 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath. MLS# 951849. $2,699,000.


Doubleday Court, Unit 114
Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2-bath. MLS# 935953. $1,200,000.

City, NY 3-bedroom, 2.55-bath. MLS# 922455.




Flushing, NY
3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 950993. $1,058,888.

Garden City, NY
1-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 939371. $365,000.

Wyndham East, #411
Garden City, NY
2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 933005. $1,275,000.








Wyndham East, #M4
Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 939532. $1,100,000.

Garden City, NY
2-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 940550. $485,000.

Wyndham East, #M11
Garden City, NY
2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 915553. $925,000.






Garden City, NY
1-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 929000. $525,000.

West, #505
Garden City, NY
2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 922619. $949,000.











