The Garden City News (1/30/26)

SNOW DAY!

City students enjoyed a snow day on Monday after a weekend storm. Photo courtesy Garden City PTA

Schools give update on construction projects

BY KASSARA MCELROY

The Garden City Board of Education meeting on January 27 addressed several developments expected to shape the district in the year ahead, including progress on bond-funded construction projects, plans to pilot new literacy resources, and growing concern over a state mandate requiring school

districts to transition to electric buses.

The meeting opened with recognition of Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson, who is retiring after nearly 45 years of service. District leaders thanked him for his long-standing partnership with the school district and his commitment to student safety, highlighting years of col-

laboration between the police department and school administrators.

Administrators also reported on strong interest in early childhood programs. At the time of the meeting, 161 families had registered for the universal pre-kindergarten lottery, exceeding current enrollment numbers.

See page 36

Board approves emergency work at St. Paul’s Cottages

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the Garden City Board of Trustees’ January 22 meeting, Recreation and Parks Department Head Matt Nordt detailed an agenda item for a $33,000 transfer of funds from the Village’s Contingency account into the Maintenance of Plant account to fund emergency boiler repair and installation work at the St. Paul’s Cottages. The Board approved the $33,000 transfer and also formally authorized a proposal from Energy Mechanical of Central Islip to perform the emergency repairs and install two new boilers, along with the necessary equipment, to restore heat to the cottages.

Records and historic materials from the Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters for many years — the small, historic

See page 38

Options to curb Mott cut-through traffic

BY RIKKI MASSAND

On Thursday night, January 22nd, the Garden City Traffic Commission reviewed a study of Mott Section cut-through traffic that residents have raised concerns about for the past several years. Village Trustee Vinny Muldoon, chairman of the Traffic Commission, noted that the village has the majority of the information it needs to begin determining traffic and speed-calming solutions. There are different sets of issues the village has examined, he explained.

“We have talked about this before, and we observe two different things going on in the Mott – you have the perimeters which are neighborhood, residential streets being used as cut-throughs by drivers who do not live in Garden City, both in mornings and evenings going to Franklin Avenue, NYU-Langone, and all the offices

See page 49

Well, we seem to have poked the bear by releasing a copy of the new St. Paul’s report a week before the Board of Trustees’ planned presentation to the public.

Members of the board, posting on social media, were outraged that their plan to release the report during a meeting on January 29th was upended after we posted the report online. (You can see it at www.tinyurl.com/StPaulsReport/)

Much of the criticism centered on how the report was obtained and why we won’t name the source of the leak.

Unlike anonymous letters to the editor, which are the writer’s opinion, the leaked document is an official report by a committee formed by village government. Its recommendations may very

well become official policy, or may at least help form the decisions of the Board of Trustees. It doesn’t matter who the leaker is, it matters what the report says.

To focus on the leaker takes the focus off the contents of the report, but maybe that’s the point.

And for the board to be angry that their “presentation” plans were disrupted begs the question of why the material needed to be presented (spun?) to residents.

Residents of the village are intelligent. By giving them the report in advance of the meeting they had the chance to go and ask questions instead of sitting there just passively listening.

Editorial rebuttal

To the Editor: My apologies, I tried to make this brief. However, the issues concerning St. Paul’s are so important I could not. My reading of the editorial on the St. Paul’s report raises questions which only Ms. Norris can address, which I request she does. In her profession, and mine the choice of words, and phrases within which they are used is quite significant. They can have a meaning far beyond the plain meaning one would glean from reading a dictionary. The St. Paul’s report was not “leaked.” It was provided to her by an unnamed “concerned person.” The person who provided the report to Ms. Norris could have disclosed their identity. In that manner their objective or intentions in releasing the report could be gauged by the reader. My understanding of Ms. Norris’ policy was to reject and not publish anonymous letters to the editor. I question the reason for this diversion in policy by not providing the name of the person who “provided - not leaked” the report to her. The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence understood what could be the tragic and often fatal consequences of their actions. So why is the “deeply concerned” person who provided her the report cowering in the shadows. By the way, who is Jack Oneil? He has never accepted my invitation to meet and discuss his complaints. I am starting to believe his is a nom de plume. A keyboard warrior disinclined to make his persona known. Albeit he is unabashedly against the present members of the Board of Trustees.

As to the criticism and critique of the St. Paul’s draft report, the Editorial does not contain nor provide substantiation,

named experts, reports or financial consideration upon which the Editor bases her statements. Or those other positions the paper has taken, i.e., converting St. Paul’s into a park, saving the clock tower or demolition. I take no position what is the correct decision the Village should take. I have never been privy to nor provided with any plans - engineering nor financial on demolishing the main building and the proposed preserving the clock tower by those who advocate this “solution.”

Thus, while the editorial refers to the efforts of the Conservancy as well meaning, this paper has yet to take the same level of scrutiny to those who claim saving the Clock Tower, or demolition and creating a park can be done in a financially prudent manner. May I note the concept of preserving the clock tower in the FABGC platform has the caveat “if possible?” They too recognize this concept is fraught with issues that may preclude this option.

Who was the author of the “cheap shot” concerning the finances of the Conservancy. There has been no vote, resolution, proposal nor discussion on having the Conservancy being given any role in what is to occur at St. Paul’s. There is no statement about the finances of any other organization or person who advocates a Clock Tower, demolition or park. The paper could ask this same question concerning finances of the 4-5 frequent individual who regularly contribute their opinion but fail put forth specific plans nor costs. What has that not occurred?

To be fair and unbiased one would expect the same standard is used on any proposal put forth by FABGC. If the

See page 45

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

Jo-Ann Frey runs for Village Trustee

SUBMITTED BY THE CANDIDATE

I'm running for a position on the Board of Trustees. I feel compelled to run to address the serious issues facing Garden City. I couldn't do otherwise.

After graduating from law school, I devoted myself to government service. I served as an attorney / supervisor / director engaged in employment litigation, ethics work and enforcing civil rights laws in both education and housing. I worked in government service because of a deep love of, and commitment to, country and community.

I inherited my commitment to country and community from my father, a proud Korean War Veteran, who was very involved in the Garden City community through the American Legion, the Rotary and other activities.

Of the several major issues facing Garden City, the biggest is St. Paul's. Let's be honest: the St. Paul's issue has been kicked around for far, far, too many years. The once beautiful St. Paul's building is now a decomposing carcass of its former glory. It has plagued the Village for the last 33 years and decisions regarding final arrangements of the dearly departed, yet still deteriorating structure, keep getting kicked down the road. The time to decide what to do is now, not later; not with more studies, not

See page 40

Brosnan seeks spot on Board of Trustees

SUBMITTED BY THE CANDIDATE

Let Me Introduce Myself

As I have watched the issue of St Paul’s divide this Village more and more each year, my love of our Village has compelled me to announce I will be running for the position of trustee. I was raised and educated in Garden City.  My son was raised and educated in Garden City.  I have volunteered in the Village over the years for a number of organizations: community, religious and medical. However, this Board’s actions make me wonder if our children’s children will have a Village to raise their children in as we did?

This Board is singularly fixated on a dilapidated edifice to the exclusion of other Village needs.  Their singular focus as to what they want is detrimental to the Village, and does not serve the short or long-term interests of this Village.

I am a lecturer in our wonderful St Joseph’s Church. Integrity and honesty are central to my beliefs. But St Paul’s, sadly, seems to bring out the worst

in people that otherwise lead perfectly honorable lives. Consider what we have seen in the last couple of years: a survey paid by Village funds slanted to support their view, to the exclusion of others;

See page 40

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Jackson bids farewell as Kniesel takes helm of GCPD

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The January 22nd Garden City Board of Trustees meeting marked Police Commissioner Kenneth O. Jackson’s final appearance as the presiding executive of the Garden City Police Department, with his retirement officially set for January 31st. A special Walk-Out Retirement Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, January 30th at noon at Village Hall.

As part of its agenda approvals, the Village Board confirmed the appointment of Commissioner Jackson’s longtime second-in-command, GCPD Inspector Gerard Kniesel, as Garden City’s acting police commissioner. The Board approved two appointments for Kniesel: chairman of the Garden City Board of Police Commissioners and a member of the village’s Traffic Commission. These interim appointments cover the period from Jackson’s retirement on January 31st through the village’s annual reorganization on April 6th.

During last Thursday night’s meeting, several village leaders shared reflections and well-wishes for Commissioner Jackson. Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi, the former mayor of Glen Cove, spoke about the close working relationship he developed with Jackson.

In 2014, Jackson was entering his third year as Garden City’s police commissioner—and his 29th year overall with the GCPD—when Suozzi assumed the village administrator role previously held by Bob Schoelle for nearly four decades. At the meeting, Suozzi recalled frequent phone calls with Jackson during his morning commute, often seeking advice that Jackson readily provided.

“I watched the last Board meeting online (January 8th) and Mayor Finneran gave you the Village Proclamation on behalf of the Board. I wished I could have been there, but tonight I recalled that in my first week of driving from home to work here in 2014, I was getting to Clinton Road and Stewart Avenue. During that call, you called me ‘Sir’ five times. After I got off the phone with him, I called my Glen Cove Police Commissioner and told him that in eight years of working together he had not called me ‘Sir’ one time! That first conversation told me everything I needed to know about you Ken, and for record I was doing 30 mph. You are a true professional, a solid cop, a member of our village’s executive staff who we all respect for your great experience and your day-to-day efforts in helping through every issue. Ken, you will be greatly missed by us all. For myself, I feel like I am losing a partner in crime

but on the good side of the law. It has been an honor and privilege to work with you – Sir!” Suozzi said.

Commissioner Jackson is concluding a 40-and-a-half-year career with the GCPD, following his early service as a New York City Transit Police officer. He reflected on working in some of the city’s most challenging neighborhoods in the early 1980s before arriving in Garden City.

“I remember my first Garden City Christmas, driving up and down and trying to get back home to see my baby, and everyone in the village was polite and saying hello, sharing a hot chocolate. I was shocked that people actually liked me! But here, I found a home and I really have enjoyed being around the people in this town. I am going to miss it much but it’s the right time to go,” Jackson said last week.

Resident Steve Ilardi also shared his appreciation for Commissioner Jackson. About a decade ago, Ilardi worked with Jackson while advising the village Traffic Commission as an Eastern Property Owners Association representative.

“Because of Commissioner Jackson I became familiar with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) which has a lot of information on the proper ways to put up signs on roads/streets. I want to congratulate the commissioner because I will be seeing my own boss who is also leaving after 44 years on January 30th, so unfortunately I will miss the Walk-Out. My thoughts are with you, Commissioner Jackson. Thank you for all you’ve done for the village, and good luck!” he said.

Trustee Bruce Torino, who has served as the Board’s designated police commissioner during his current term, also offered remarks. He thanked Commissioner Jackson and welcomed Acting Commissioner Kniesel, commending the department’s leadership for its role in maintaining the community’s quality of life.

“It is uncontested by anyone who has come across these gentlemen that their understanding and appreciation of what makes the Village of Garden City work is key to how we feel about ourselves. I’ve had the privilege of receiving Commissioner Jackson’s reports each morning at 7:20 a.m., or 7:21 a.m., maybe 7:22 or 7:24 at the latest. It is interesting that the information I’ve received as police commissioner – which I can not share – reflects that in the totality of it, it shows how much goes into the police department from officers to aides, with duties such as opening locked cars for some residents to lift-assists for anyone

See page 38

GC Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce proudly announces its 100th anniversary, marking a century of dedicated service, advocacy, and partnership. Since its incorporation in 1926, the Chamber has served as a cornerstone of the Village, fostering economic growth while preserving the unique character of one of Long Island’s most vibrant communities. The Chamber is excited to spend 2026 honoring its heritage.

To kick off the festivities, the Chamber has unveiled a commemorative Centennial Logo. This special edition branding, will appear on all official communications throughout 2026.

The celebration will also be visible with the installation of commemorative lamp post banners in Garden City's downtown areas. These banners feature the new centennial branding and serve as a tribute to the Chamber and the members that have shaped the Village’s economy over the last 100 years.

The Chamber’s history is one of resilience and dedication to the Village. Following the loss of original records in a 1960s fire, the organization navigated several temporary locations— including several donated spaces from local brokerages and banks. A pivotal moment in this century of service occurred between 1986 and 1992, when the Chamber saved the historic Long Island Motor Parkway Toll Lodge from the “wrecking ball.” Under the leadership of long-time Executive Director Althea Robinson (1977–2015) and dedicated board members, the Chamber raised funds to relocate and restore the Lodge, creating what they hoped would become its permanent home and featuring a museum depicting Vanderbilt’s L.I. Motor Parkway.

“This centennial is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our incredible business community,” said John Wilton, president of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. “Our first cen-

tury built a strong foundation, and as we look to our next 100 years, we continue to hold true to our core mission: to make our town the best place to live, work, and do business.”

Centennial Highlights and 2026 Events:

To honor this milestone, the Chamber has curated a series of signature events throughout 2026:

• Garden City Chamber Connect Events - (The first one scheduled for February 4, 2026): Hosted by Adelphi University, this premier networking event will bring together the region's top professionals to foster new relationships and collaborations.

• The Centennial Pineapple Ball: (Date and venue TBD): The Chamber’s flagship gala will celebrate a century of history and recognize past leaders and community achievers.

• Garden City Pride: A community-wide “Shop Local” campaign highlighting some of the businesses that make the Chamber one of the largest, if not the largest chamber on Long Island.

• Garden City Summer Promenades : The Chamber is responsible for implementing the Summer Promenade Series and covers associated costs, making the program open to all at no charge to the community.

“We’ve grown alongside Garden City and continue to evolve, adapting to change while remaining dedicated to the cooperative efforts of our business and residential neighbors,” added Tara Walsh, 1st vice president.

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce invites all residents and business owners to join the celebration as it embarks on its second century. For more information on events or to become a member, please visit the Garden City Chamber website or view the Events Calendar.

FABGC candidates

hold Meet & Greet

For A Better Garden City Trustee Candidates, Thomas Brosnan, Joann Frey, Thomas Ryan, and Neha Bajaj will be hosting a Meet & Greet, on February 3, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Come speak with the candidates about their position on St. Paul’s and any

other specific issue or question you might have.

For more information about the candidates, their bios and accomplishments, or to contribute to the campaign, please visit www.fabgc.org

Seafood Feast event

rescheduled to March 28

Winter won this time.  “A Seafood Feast On A Winter’s Night,” scheduled for January 31, at the Historical Society, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 28, becoming “A Spring Catch Seafood & Wine Soirée.”

As a consolation, you can enter to win a prize contributed by Les Dames d’Escoffier New York’s Emmy-awardwinning Michael-Ann Rowe, aka, “The Fishionista,” worth up to $500 of lobster, oysters, or smoked salmon,  etc. for the Super Bowl: https://seafoodblitz.com

• If you had already registered to attend the event and if you can make the new date, you need not do anything; we will transfer your ticket(s) to the new date. Please confirm by contacting Francine Ryan, francine.ryan@tgchs. org, and thank you!

If you want to join us for the new date, tickets are limited and $150 pp. Please go to https:// TGCHSSeafoodFeast.eventbrite.com .

“A Spring Catch Seafood & Wine Soirée” is the latest fundraising event in The Historical Society’s partnership with Les Dames d’Escoffer New York, an organization of women at the  top of

the culinary, wine and spirits, hospitality, cookbooks fields and culinary media.  The partnership produces fascinating, delicious wine and food pairing events filled with  the best of everything.

including pillows, runners, ginger jars, candles, tea

TAKEOUT

STEALS & DEALS

Please place your order at least 24 hours prior to pickup time

DEAL #1 ($60 + TAX)

2 16” Regular Pizzas, Mixed Green Salad, and a 2L Bottle of Soda

DEAL #2 ($65 + TAX)

2 18” Regular Pizzas, Choice of Dozen Wings OR Spinach/Artichoke Dip, and a 2L Bottle of Soda

DEAL #3 ($80 + TAX)

2 18” Regular Pizzas, Penne ala Vodka, Choice of Dozen Wings OR Spinach/Artichoke Dip, and a 2L Bottle of Soda

DEAL #4 ($155 + TAX)

2 18” Regular Pizzas,1/2 Tray of Chicken Parmigiana, 1/2 Tray of Caesar Salad, and a 2L Bottle of Soda

Try our

Bar Bites Menu

Mini Calzone Bites

Choose from three available delicious options: Pepperoni, Buffalo Chicken, or Classic Three-Cheese. Served with your choice of dipping sauces on the side. ($7 each or 3 for $18)

Bruschetta Bites

A wonderful mix of tomatoes, herbs, spices, and olive oil with toasted crostini bread. 5 pieces. ($10)

Mini Pizzas

A Grimaldi’s mini pizza small enough to fit on a single plate! ($9) *Toppings on mini pizzas available at an extra cost*

Classic Buffalo Wings

6 bone-in oven fired wings with buffalo sauce. ($10)

Garden City Real Estate Market Information

RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS Nassau County Median Sale Price

136 Locust Street

Date: 01/28/2026

Sold price: $2,200,000

5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half baths

Architectural Style: Colonial Square feet: 3,304

Lot size: .29 acres

Annual taxes: $27,872

MLS number: 934754

The Seller’s Team: Stephen and Laura Baymack, Compass Greater NY

The Buyer’s Team: Jaskaran Singh, Compass Greater NY

Perfectly positioned mid-block on a quiet, tree-lined street in the Eastern Section of Garden City, this stunning Colonial offers the ideal blend of space, elegance, and modern comfort. Set on a generous 100 x 125-foot lot, the home features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and sophisticated entertaining.

A welcoming foyer opens to an elegant formal dining room with a fireplace, seamlessly flowing into a sun-drenched living room and a striking family room featuring a fireplace, wet bar, radiant heated floors, and sliding glass doors leading to the backyard. A stylish powder room and a gourmet kitchen—complete with radiant heat, custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and a spacious dining area—complete the main level.

Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite impresses with radiant heated floors, two walk-in closets, and a beautifully appointed bathroom. Three additional nicely sized bedrooms share an updated hall bath, while the third floor offers a private spacious guest suite with a full bathroom and ample storage. The finished basement expands the living space with a large recreation room and laundry area.

Outdoors, the lush, professionally landscaped property provides a serene, private retreat. A brick paver patio with a built-in barbecue and a deck area with a television and fire pit make entertaining effortless. The young, detached two-car garage includes loft storage for added convenience.

Ideally located near schools, parks, shopping, and transportation, this exceptional home combines a prime location, impressive scale, and impeccable condition—making it the perfect place to call home.

Charming and elegant stone and brick Colonial with modern comforts.

Date: 01/16/2026

Sold price: $1,368,000

3 bedrooms, 1 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Colonial

Square feet: 1,724

Lot size: .14 acres

Annual taxes: $17,500

MLS number: 918154

The Seller’s Team: Arlene Conigliaro and Cheryl Adams McAuliffe, Howard Hanna Coach

The Buyer’s Team: Jenny Chen, Integrity Core Realty

Welcome to this sophisticated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath Colonial, perfectly situated mid-block in the heart of Garden City’s desirable Mott Section. Blending timeless style with today’s conveniences, this home offers gracious, sun-filled spaces throughout.

The first floor features a beautifully renovated kitchen, with white cabinetry, high-end appliances and quartz counters, The open and spacious dining room, highlighted by an oversized south-facing window, is ideal for casual or formal dining. he living room showcases dental molding, built-in cabinetry, and a wood-burning fireplace, and a French door that opens to a charming patio and landscaped and private yard.

Upstairs are three generous bedrooms, including an exceptionally large primary, and a beautifully updated hall bath. The lower level adds wonderful bonus space with a recreation room, laundry area, utilities, and storage.

An attached one-car garage and inviting front porch complete this lovely property.

With its classic layout, inviting flow, and beautifully maintained details, this home perfectly balances character and comfort—ideal for both everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies

We Know and Love Garden City

City Forward.

WPOA Annual Membership Drive

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 Western Property Owners Association is conducting its 2026 Membership Drive. Your annual contribution of $25 helps defray the organizational expenses, which include the high school scholarship awards, Christmas Tree lighting, community engagement activities, insurance, mailing notifications, and meet and greet events to provide updates on current events impacting Garden City.

If you are a Garden City resident, living in the Western Section (bordered by the LIRR, Tanners Pond and Edgemere Roads, Cambridge Avenue, and Jefferson Street) please consider making your annual donation via the following Payment Options:

• Check: Western Garden City Property Owners Association              P.O. Box 7976, Garden City, New York 11530

John

Michael

• Online: gcwpoa.com/membership or scan the QR code:

If you have any questions please contact our Membership Director, Steve Costello, at scmc66@yahoo.com.

Get results!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 516-294-8900 for more information.

Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D.

Local duo to perform

Local duo Melted Ed and Cousin Dan will perform at Swing the Teapot (6 Verbena Ave, Floral Park) on Friday, January 30, from 8–11 p.m. The pair will play some of their original music as well as new covers. Enjoy food, tea and spirits. Admission is free. To reserve a table, please call 516-488-2180.

NCL Garden City seeks new members

The National Charity League Garden City Chapter is currently holding a membership drive for the Class of 1932. NCL, Inc. Garden City Chapter is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together in a commitment to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences.

Founded in 2016, the NCL Garden City Chapter is 330 members strong and serves over 40 philanthropies in the Garden City community and beyond.

Members currently consist of mother-daughter pairs, with daughters

currently in 7th through 12th grade. Enrollment is now open to rising 7th graders who reside in or attend school in Garden City.

NCL Garden City Chapter provides opportunities to serve and support the community, while fostering mother - daughter relationships, as well as building confidence and social awareness in young women.

The membership drive runs through March 1. For more information and to apply go to https://www. nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/ gardencity/

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

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

6

Cathedral offers sacred pause with Candlemas Evensong

BY DAVID PRESTON

In the midst of our busy, noisy world, the Cathedral of the Incarnation invites the community to Choral Evensong on Sunday, February 1 at 4pm. This first Evensong of 2026 will celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, also known as Candlemas, and will feature the blessing of beeswax candles for home use in a liturgy honoring the infant Christ's presentation at the Temple and the gift of created light.

The service of Evensong offers a sacred pause—a threshold between the demands of the day and the quiet of evening. This service of sung prayer invites participants into a space of beauty, reflection, and peace. Through ancient scripture and glorious choral music, Evensong creates a contemplative atmosphere that prepares both body and spirit for a restful night.

Evensong welcomes everyone, regardless of faith or background. Many attendees describe themselves as spiritual seekers, cultural appreciators of sacred music, devout Christians of all denominations, or simply people looking for a moment of tranquility. The contemplative nature of this service speaks to the universal human need for beauty and reflection—needs that transcend religious boundaries - all amidst the architectural beauty of the Cathedral and accompanied by one of the strongest Anglican sacred music programs in the

Cathedral of the Incarnation will host Choral Evensong on Sunday, February 1.

New York area.

The beauty of Evensong lies in its simplicity and the freedom it offers. The choir sings most of the prayers and responses, allowing participants to follow along in the service booklet, join in spoken prayers if they wish, or simply sit in silence and let the music create a meditative atmosphere. The service typically lasts 45 minutes to an

hour, followed by a light reception offering opportunities to connect with Cathedral staff and congregation members.

Associate Organist David Preston will lead the Cathedral Choirs in the program, featuring musical settings from David Hogan, Kenneth Leighton, and Benjamin Britten. We are also excited to welcome back former Assistant Organist Raphael

N EVENING WITH

Vogl, who will accompany the choir before beginning his international concert tour later this winter.

Evensong is about being—being present, being still, being open to whatever the evening and the music might offer your soul. All are welcome to join this gift of time set apart.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City committed to personalized care

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.

HANK teens shovel out 30 houses

HANK teens were out shoveling after the last snowstorm.

Last snowstorm, HANK Services (Hire A Neighborhood Kid) had 29 teens out shoveling 30 houses. The snow was heavy and everyone worked very hard using the buddy system . There were 11 new shovelers in anticipation of the storm. Those teens thanked HANK for the opportunity! Today’s youth just want a chance to make their mark on the world and they are doing it!

Here are some comments from seniors:

“A and C just left. They did a great job and seem like two fine young men. We tipped them well! They were very

appreciative and very courteous.”

“Once again, thank you for setting up HANK and managing it so well. It is really a great asset to the community.

M and J”

“Hi HANK! it’s Mary R. I wanted to let you know that the 2 young men , R and B, who shoveled my mom’s house were so polite , conscientious and efficient. We can’t thank you enough for sending them to mom’s house. Thank you. They made my mom so happy, gave her peace of mind that she can get out of the house. Thank you so much”

From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture

“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”

“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”

“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”

And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.

“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W. Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.

“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”

While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things

including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown. This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”

Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.

Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the

article claiming a 90% success rate in treating neuropathy! I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”

Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”

To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”

“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then

tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”

Four months after treatment, Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.

If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.

There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.

CAP CANDIDATE

MEET AND GREET

GERARD SMITH, JUDY COURTNEY, JESSICA TAI, VINNY MULDOON GARDEN CITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES CANDIDATES

Garden City PTA News

What happens when you put your pajamas on backwards and place a spoon underneath your pillow? You wake up to a snow day!! Tommy Hopkins, Christopher Sofia and Maximo Virzera, Hemlock students in Mrs. Maher’s first grade class enjoyed the snow day that they hoped for!

PARP: Spotlight on Library Event

The PARP event at the Library was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who joined us.

GC Cares a ThonJanuary 30th at the Garden City Middle School

GC Cares a Thon is almost here!

TUESDAY, FEB. 3RD 7:30 PM SENIOR CENTER

Hosted by the Property Owner’s Associations Joint Conference Committee

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 sign-up link.

Annual Sponsorship Applications Now Available! Email sponsorships@gardencitypta.org.

Other Important Dates

• January 30 - GC Cares a Thon GCMS

• February 10 - All Schools Meeting and general membership vote

• February 11

- Scholastic Book Fair, 4–7 p.m., 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!

Andy Foundation donates $18K to food pantries

Jill Palmeri, trustee for The Andy Foundation has announced a donation of $18,000.00 to local food pantries . The contributions will help the pantries meet increased demand as more families  are facing food insecurity.

The donation was distributed among five Long Island food pantries: Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, Helping Hands Rescue Mission, Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry, St. Hughes of Lincoln Parish Outreach

The Andy Foundation is proud to support the important work these organizations do.

Philip Palmeri Jr., trustee for The Andy Foundation, presents a check to Island Harvest

The funds were raised during our Double Down December campaign, from contributions and sales in our charity shop, The Andy Foundation Yard Sale Shop.  If you would like to support The Andy Foundation please stop by our store at 195 Herricks Rd, Garden City Park, we are open Tuesdays- Saturdays, 10–4.    Donations are always welcome and our volunteers will be happy to help you!

For more information about The Andy Foundation: Contact us at info@theandyfoundation.org. or call 516-739-1717.

You can follow us on Instagram (@andyfoundation_yard_sale_shop) and on Facebook.

GRAND RE-OPENING

The Welcoming Club of Garden City

The Welcoming Club Wants to Thank Our Sponsors!

The Garden City Welcoming Club extends heartfelt thanks to our generous community for your continued support and donations. Your kindness allows us to uplift others and strengthen the bonds that make our town so special. Each contribution, large or small, helps us create meaningful change together. We are truly grateful for your compassion and commitment to giving back Premier Sponsors:

Adelphi University

Applied Aesthetic

Bileddo’s Key Food Marketplace

Compass - Danielle Nero

Denise L. Emma, DDS

Nassau Wellness Marriage and Family Therapy

Revel Restaurant and Bar

Women’s Health Care of Garden City

Title Sponsors:

Ayur Interventional Vascular Care

Ethan Allen

La Bottega

Sponsors:

Calahan Family Dentistry

Edible Arrangements

J. McLaughlin

Lagree NY

Move Play Say

Sam’s Golden Nails

Join the Welcoming Club for Exciting Upcoming Events!

The Garden City Welcoming Club offers rolling membership to women who reside in the village of Garden City. It is a volunteer women’s organization that unites both New & Long-standing members to build friendships, explore new interests, and give back to the community.  Whether you are new to our community or have resided here for an extended period of time and are look -

ing for a new venture, we would love to speak to you. See below for details.

Join the Club

To purchase tickets to events, you must be a member, so join and make a difference! For just $50 a year, you will have access to great events. Complete the online membership form today at www.thegardencitywelcomingclub.org in the “Join” section of the website. Browse the site for great information about the club.

Follow Us!

Facebook: The Welcoming Club of Garden City

Instagram: @gcwelcomingclub

LinkedIn: The Garden City Welcoming Club

Website: www.thegardencitywelcomingclub.org/register

Join a Group Book

Club

Enjoy a good book amongst friends. The book club meets every 6 weeks to discuss the page-turner of choice. For upcoming book club events, please email WelcomingClubBookClub@ gmail.com.

Craft Club

The craft club is a great way to meet with friends and get crafty. No experience necessary. We meet every few months to create a seasonal craft. If you are interested in joining, please email GCCraftClub@ gmail.com.

Toddler Activities

A great way for you and your little ones to make new friends. Activities include stroller walks each week around our beautiful village and a visit to the park. We also set up playgroups with kids of similar age. Please email welcomingclubtoddleractivities@gmail.com for more information.

Supper Club

Bring your significant others out for this one! This is a great way to make new friends as a couple. You will be paired up with 3-4 other couples to set up a rotation of dinner events. Host your new friends at home or head out to try local restaurants. Please email GCSupper@ gmail.com for more information.

Fitness

Different group fitness activities are planned throughout the year.  It’s a great way to stay active and meet new friends. Stay tuned for details on upcoming events, or contact WelcomingClubFitness@gmail. com

www.gardencitycap.org

Suspended driver

Garden City Police arrested a 3rd Street motorist on January 21st for allegedly driving with a DWI-related suspended license, driving with a suspended registration, making an unsafe turn, and uninsured operation.

Burnt food

Garden City Police and Firefighters responded on January 21st to a fire alarm that was activated by burnt food.

Misplaced vehicle

A vehicle reported stolen at a local railroad station on January 21st was found nearby and deemed misplaced.

Unsecured cargo

On January 21st, a Stewart Avenue truck operator was charged with driving with unsecured cargo and defective tires.

Wrong zone

A Clinton Road truck operator was charged on January 21st with driving in a non-commercial zone with a suspended license.

Smoke odor

The GCFD and GCPD responded

THE OFFICE CAT

on January 21st to a home for a reported odor of smoke, which firefighters later determined was caused by a burnt-out light ballast.

Unregistered vehicle

A Clinton Road motor ist was charged on January 21st with driving an unregistered vehi cle and unsafe speed.

Package theft

On January 22nd, a male wearing black clothes and gray sneakers allegedly stole a package from a Franklin Court porch and fled on a red bicycle.

Speed violations

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on January 22nd with driving with a suspended registration and unsafe speed.

Unsafe turn

On January 22nd, a 7th Street motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and making an unsafe U-turn.

Arson investigation

An Old Country Road motorist was charged on January 22nd with unsafe speed, tinted windows, and uninsured operation.

Alarm responses

GCFD and GCPD responded on January 22nd to fire alarms activated by construction work and a cleaning crew.

Suspended registration

On January 23rd, officers assisted firefighters responding to the Nassau County Sump area east of Brompton Road for a report of a fire, where evidence of several small fires that had already been extinguished was found. Firefighters determined gasoline was apparently used to start the fires, and officers from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and the NCPD Arson Squad responded. The investigation remains ongoing.

Water main break

Garden City Police responded on January 23rd to Harrison Street for a water main break, secured the scene, and assisted the Water Department, which rendered the area safe.

Overweight trucks

Two New Hyde Park truck operators were charged on January 23rd with driving overweight vehicles.

False alarm

On January 23rd, Garden City Police officers responded to a panic alarm and determined it had been activated in error.

Faulty detector

GCFD and GCPD responded on January 23rd to a fire alarm activated by a faulty detector.

Unsafe lane usage

A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on January 23rd with multiple unsafe lane usage violations.

Money app scam

A resident reported on January 23rd that she received $2,000 via a money app, followed by a voicemail requesting the funds be returned. She later determined the initial transaction was fraudulent and recognized the incident as a scam.

Multiple alarms

GCFD and GCPD responded on January 23rd to a fire alarm activated in error and another alarm triggered

by construction work.

Identity theft

On January 24th, a person reported that their identity was stolen and used to create a fraudulent social media account.

Hold-up alarm

Garden City Police responded on January 24th to a location for a holdup alarm and determined that all appeared to be in order.

Bank fraud

The Garden City Police Department received a report on January 24th of fraudulent activity involving a victim’s bank account.

Suspended registration

A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on January 24th with driving with a suspended registration.

Multiple alarms

GCFD and GCPD responded on January 24th to fire alarms activated by shower steam, burnt food, and system errors.

Burglary alarm

On January 24th, officers responded to a residential burglary alarm and found an open door, though an investigation showed all appeared to be in order.

Traffic violations

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on January 24th with disregarding a traffic control device and driving on the wrong side of a divided roadway.

Signal issue

Garden City Police responded on January 24th to a traffic light malfunction on Clinton Road.

Water main break

On January 24th, officers responded to a report of a water main break on West Street.

Storm responses

On January 25th and January 26th, Garden City Police responded to twenty-nine storm-related calls, including disabled vehicles, alarms, disputes, police assistance calls, aided reports, fire calls, and a wellness check.

Attempted robbery

Garden City Police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred on January 26th in a rear stairwell of a Stewart Avenue apartment building, where police say a 22-year-old female victim was threatened with a knife

See page 39

Many thanks to Public Works Superintendent John Borroni and his dedicated crews from DPW, Highway, Sanitation and the mechanics that kept our fleet running during last weekend’s significant winter storm. Their hard work and dedication to keeping Village roads safe and passable was terrific under trying circumstances. Follow-up continued through Thursday as snow mounds in some parking lots were removed to open spaces, street corners were given a second cleaning and resident requests were addressed. The larger team is keeping its weather eye squarely on the forecast for this weekend, as it’s hard to believe we may be bracing for another round of heavy snow. Let’s hope Mother Nature gives us a pass… but if not, I can assure you these dedicated crews will be at the ready for whatever gets thrown their way!

P.S. Here’s to a cooling of the rhetoric surrounding the future of St. Paul’s. We are one Village, I believe with one goal…to do what’s in the best interests of all our neighbors and residents. This Board, like the sixteen prior, is doing its best to address the issue globally and will look to you… the Village as a whole…to approve any and all option(s) presented. We appreciate your ideas and suggestions but without rancor and respectfully presented. I have always attempted to

so act…if some believe my recent record is uneven unfortunately even I can be provoked. Nevertheless, I am committed to “steadying the ship” but as they say in these situations: “two is better than one.” And finally, I ask that you first share your frustrations with a loved one… they are always the most caring and insightful of listeners.

Acting Commissioner Gerard Kneisel

efinneran@gardencityny.net

At last Thursday’s meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Inspector Gerard Kneisel as Acting Police Commissioner and a member of the Traffic Commission effective January 31, 2026. The action will be effective for the balance of the current official year ending April 6, 2026. The Inspector, of course, will be replacing Commissioner Kenneth Jackson, who is officially retiring today, January 30, 2026 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. At the meeting, Inspector Kneisel shared his sincere apprecia-

Attempted robbery in apartment stairway

Garden City Police are investigating a report of an attempted robbery that occurred on January 26th in a rear stairwell of a Stewart Avenue apartment building.

Police say that at approximately 11 a.m., a 22-year-old female victim was at the bottom of a stairway to the building, waiting for her mother to open the door. At that time, a male subject grabbed her, threatened her with a knife, and demanded money.

At the same time, the victim’s mother opened the door to let her into the apartment building. The victim was able to break free from the suspect and

enter the building. They then closed the door before the suspect could enter. Police say the suspect then fled westbound direction towards Kellum Lane. The victim suffered no loss or injury.

Garden City and Nassau County Police searched the area with negative results. Evidence was gathered at the scene, and camera footage from the apartments was obtained.

tion for Commissioner Jackson’s leadership and dedication to the community: “The foundation you are leaving is strong. I’m hoping to complete the job the way you did.”

Budget Work Sessions

The Board will conduct work sessions to review the Tentative 2026-27 Operating and Capital Budgets in the Village Hall Board Room and via Zoom beginning March 24, 2026, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Here is the full schedule:

Budget Work Session 1

• Wednesday, March 24, 2026: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Budget Work Session 2

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Budget Work Session 3

• Thursday, April 2, 2026: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Public Hearing & Adoption of Budget

• Monday, April 6, 2026: 7:30 p.m.

The subject is described as a male, dark skin, 5’5”, thin build, wearing all black clothing, a black hood, a red and white camouflage mask, and an Adidas cross-body bag.

North Avenue One-Way Exit

After much study and interaction with residents in the area, the Board approved a capital improvement to convert North Avenue, between Nassau Blvd. and Kilburn Road, from a two-way to a one-way exit onto Nassau Blvd. The work, which has been approved by the Traffic Commission, will be performed by Laser Industries, Inc. These changes are in response to numerous complaints of cut-through traffic and speeding. After brainstorming with the Police Department and the Traffic Commission, the Village did two trial runs: a) the closing of North Avenue permanently; and, b) a one-way out strategy…both were determined to be fairly successful. The Commission and the DPW then conducted a survey of the residents to determine the preferred strategy. The survey results showed all parties felt the latter (b) was the best option. It’s a fantastic example of engaging the impacted residents to determine which option worked best for the neighborhood. We will be undertaking a similar strategy this spring in the Mott section as part of our effort to improve traffic safety in that classic GC geographic location.

Cluttered?

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

Student art show: “A World of Color”

The Leonore Russell Studio is hosting an art show at the Garden City Library that will run from February 1 through February 28, 2026.  The work of young students ranging in ages from four years to 15 (and some adults) will be on display. The show will be open during regular library hours and is located in the basement of the library.

Most of the young folks are beginning painting students who have been exploring watercolor and some work with black and white drawing. They come from towns, including Garden City, here in Nassau County.

Leonore Russell, a long-standing resident of Garden City, opened the painting studio after receiving an M.A. in studio art from Adelphi University, where she subsequently taught watercolor for fourteen years in the Art Department and “Learning Through Movement” in the Ruth Ammon School of Education.

Leonore has found her painting studio in the Barnes Gallery on Nassau Boulevard so enjoyable a place that in 2013 she decided to offer lessons for the young and not so young. Many have come to enjoy and value their work with her. Leonore holds the view that most people need an activity which brings them inspiration and relaxation.

Painting, drawing and conversation find a home in her studio, and all are surprised by how proficient they are even as they begin to work with

watercolor and other media.  Opening reception for this show will be on Sunday February 1, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Garden

City Public Library. For further information, please call (516) 581-5696

Former resident will unveil new CD at Long Island music event

BY GARY SIMEONE

Jack Licitra, a Garden City High School graduate (Class of 1990), will perform music from his newly

released CD “ Blue Light Club ” at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) on February 15th at 3 p.m. The singer/songwriter and music educator will bring his immersive jazz & blues theatrical experience to the stage at the Stony Brook venue.

Licitra got his start early as a musician as a featured member in the Water Street Blues. The band consisted of a group of Garden City High School students who began playing music in the early 1990’s.

“We were a blues band based out of Garden City that took off in the mid nineties, playing the full time club circuit in the area,” said Licitra. “Around that time I also got involved with the Kerry Kearney Band as a guitar player. Through the late nineties into the early 2000’s we toured with the Allman Brothers and Dickey Betts who was the lead guitarist and one of their founding members.”

It’s safe to say that Licitra has a strong history in the music industry

and that his main focus is on the jazz and blues realm.

The fifty-three year old, who now resides in Sayville in Suffolk County, has his own music school, ‘South Bay Arts,’ and is an instructor at a band camp at the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in the summer season.

He also holds opening nights for musically inclined kids in the community at the Five Points Cafe, putting together open mic performances and other musical events and performances.

“It’s important for me, especially with all the technology that kids have nowadays, to teach them the basics of music and the roots of jazz and blues and other types and genres of music,” said Licitra.

The music on display at the February 15th concert will feature tracks from Licitra’s band, “ Jack’s Waterfall, ” and will take the audience on an immersive musical journey through the jazz & blues scene.

“These are songs about the love

that blues and jazz musicians have for the music and the love of playing,” Licitra said. “At the core, most musicians play music because they have a passion for performing, their search for community, for being with one another, and sharing the experience with the audience. We wanted to create a CD that feels like you’re in a nightclub and you’re hearing the stories of these musicians and connecting with their love and passion for the music.”

Licitra is a piano-organ driven singer/songwriter and is a LIMEHOF award winner for his contributions to Long Islands musical heritage. As a music educator, he has been developing young talent and sharing his love of music with kids and students for over twenty-five years.

To find out more information on Jack Licitra and his long history in the music industry, you can visit his websites at jackswaterfall.com and artspharmacy.com.

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Waldorf School named best on Long Island

The Waldorf School of Garden City has been named Best Private School on Long Island in the 2026 FourLeaf Best of Long Island Education category.

After more than 1.3 million votes were cast across the region, the people of Long Island have spoken. According to the competition’s official announcement:

“It was a long, hard-fought battle to the end, but the masses have spoken, and they chose you.”

The announcement will be featured in the FourLeaf Best of Long Island 2026 Winners Guide, a comprehensive publication listing every category winner.

“This honor is because of you,” the School shared in a message to its community. “Thank you to our families, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends for your support, your votes, and your belief in our School.”

Founded on the principles of Waldorf education, the School continues to be

a leader in holistic, developmentally appropriate learning that emphasizes creativity, character, and academic excellence.

“As parents, we see the magic of The Waldorf School of Garden City every day,” said Jeanenne La Bella, WSGC alumna, current parent, and Parent/ Family Association co-chair. “Being named a Best Private School on Long Island is a wonderful celebration of the passion, purpose, and care that define our school community.”

“Having our school win Best Private School of Long Island feels like validation for what our amazing school stands for: educating the whole child through the dedicated care of Waldorf teachers bound together by a love of learning,” said Anthony Yaeger, 6th grade class teacher. “This is another step in our role of making the world a better place, one student at a time.”

Attention students!

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

Hands-on learning through food

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.

Minnesota and Immigration

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

A few thoughts about the situation in Minnesota.

In some ways, President Trump won the 2024 election on the issue of immigration. His predecessor, Joe Biden, permitted millions of illegal immigrants into the country, including establishing a humanitarian parole system that allowed potential migrants to claim asylum, get processed and given a hearing dates, before disappearing into the country. Other migrants ended up bused to cities in the North, many of which had declared themselves to be sanctuary cities.  Most of these cities had trouble dealing with large camps of migrants and there was considerable local opposition.  Of course, the huge number of recent newcomers allowed in  under President Biden joined perhaps 10 million other illegal residents. Only near the end of his presidency did Mr. Biden make serious efforts to restrict immigration.

For his part, Mr. Trump explicitly promised “mass deportations” during his campaign, and generally was applauded, especially in contrast to his opponent, Kamala Harris, who was extremely reluctant to criticize President Biden about much of anything.  After he took office, Mr. Trump was on solid ground with most voters when he basically locked down the southern border. Mr. Trump was also in accord with most voters in kicking out illegal immigrants with violent criminal records or who have ignored deportation orders.

Where the rubber meets the road, however, is what to do with at least 10 million people present in the United States illegally, but who have no history of serious criminal behavior in the United States. Some of them arrived under the loose policies of President Biden, but others have been here for years, have raised families and often perform valuable services providing childcare, landscaping, construction, and restaurant work, among other occupations.

The situation in Minnesota points up this conflict.  The Trump administration has sent officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) to make mass roundups of illegal immi-

grants, which is generally in accordance with the law.  However, there is an organized effort to interfere with these efforts, often by questionable or illegal means, and the conflict between ICE and the activists have now led to two deaths.  The more recent death, the shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by Department of Homeland Security agents, seems, at least based on initial evidence, hard to justify.

There is a case for taking a hard line against illegal immigrants.  These individuals have no legal right to be here, sometimes take advantage of the American welfare state and education entitlements and no doubt undercut wages of American workers in certain occupations. And there is a danger that a lenient policy will encourage new waves of illegal migrants in a world where tens or probably hundreds of millions of people would like to live here.

Nevertheless, on balance the situation in Minnesota and around the country needs to be resolved by compromise. It is extremely unlikely that a mass roundup and deportation of many millions of individuals can be accomplished at all, and certainly not without years of confrontation and unfortunate hardship stories, such as children being separated from their families.  Also, there would likely be a negative effect on the economy caused by the loss of many good workers.

In an appropriate compromise the focus of deportation efforts by ICE and others should be limited to the minority of migrants who have committed crimes.  On the other hand, people who have lived here for a significant period (say five to ten years) probably should be made immune from deportation efforts and  given a path to some form of legal status  (for example, the right to work legally here), assuming of course that they have been law abiding residents.  The right to apply for full citizenship might eventually be made available after 20 years.

Again, these are difficult issues. Our country has a right to enforce its borders and its laws.  But at some point there is a need for harmony, compassion and resolution.

FOR SENIORS fyi

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!

Valentine’s Day Luncheon/ Dance Party

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.

Fall Prevention

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.

Book Club

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.

Bingo

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.

Tai Chi

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.

Open Mah Jongg and Canasta

Every Tuesday we will be offering pickup Mah Jongg and Canasta games, open to all residents from 12:00-2:00. Bring a set and have some fun.

Open Ping Pong

Senior Center Ping Pong on Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00. This is no longer a dropin 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

Chair Yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center.  Thursdays 9:159:45 Meditation, 9:45–10:45 Chair Yoga class.

Open Chess

Join us for Open Chess at Senior Cen ter, 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.

Senior Center Lunch Group

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.

IN MEMORIAM

Nicolle Hall

Nicolle “Ninny” Hall, 96, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026. She lived a life shaped by courage, love, optimism and an unshakable devotion to family.

Born on June 24, 1929, Nicolle grew up in Paris and Lyon, France. She survived the turmoil of World War II, enduring the unimaginable experience of being separated from her family as a child. From those early years came the strength, grace, optimism and resilience that would define her life.

In 1954, she bravely boarded a ship and moved to New York City, beginning a life anew in a country full of promise as a bilingual assistant. A chance encounter on a summer day at Long Beach led to the love of her life. She and the late Bill Hall got married and raised their family in Garden City, where they

built a life centered on family, tradition, and togetherness. Nicolle was a 70 year resident of Garden City. To her friends she was Nicki, to her family she was Ninny - the heart of the family. She and Bill rarely missed a swim meet and were beloved regulars at the Garden City Pool, where Ninny’s presence became part of the fabric of the community. She loved Garden City deeply and took great pride in the life she created there.

She is survived by her children Lynn Finnerty (Mike) and Bill Hall (Kathy), grandchildren Mike (Colette), Brian (Sophie), Julia, Delaney, and four great-grandchildren: Corinne, Bridget, Jack and Conlan.

She woke up every day feeling optimistic and thankful for her life. Ninny’s greatest joy was her family. Her love will continue to ripple through every generation she helped shape.

IN MEMORIAM

Henrietta Labanowski

Henrietta Labanowski, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother entered into the arms of her Savior on January 16, 2026, after a short illness. To know Henrietta was to witness unwavering patience, quiet generosity, and the grace of a woman whose life was shaped by faith, creativity, devotion to others, and love of family.

Born on May 1, 1927, in Krempa, Poland, Henrietta began her journey to the United States in 1929 with her mother, Stella, to join her father, Frank, shortly after the stock market crash of October 1929. Her family settled in Southampton, New York where she enjoyed her youth despite the challenges of the era. Henrietta considered herself to be a tomboy and enjoyed playing sports during her middle and high school years, including baseball and archery. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Southampton with her parents, who, despite the difficult timing of their immigration during the Great Depression, managed to work, save, and flourish in the United States while raising a selfless and talented daughter.

In the 1940’s, Henrietta brought her artistic flair to New York City. Her love for dancing led her to a ballroom in Brooklyn, where she met the love of her life, John Labanowski. They married in 1950, beginning more than 50 years on a journey of partnership, enjoyment, and faith.

Henrietta and John eventually settled in Garden City, New York, raising their four children and being active members in their community. A gifted gourmet cook and marvelous baker, Henrietta shared her talents by teaching cooking classes across Long Island and loved nothing more than brightening someone’s day with her signature cookies and cakes. Henrietta served as president of the Garden City Welcome Wagon and chaired numerous charitable organizations, including the Mercy Hospital Guild. A tireless volunteer, she dedicated her time to service projects for St. Joseph’s Church and School as well as Chaminade High School. Furthermore, she organized and oversaw the publication of two cookbook collections, raising vital funds for the educational and charitable causes she loved. Henrietta was always willing to do the hard work that ensured success of any project in which she was involved, without seeking to claim the credit.

Retirement in 1995 opened a new chapter for Henrietta and John in the

warmth of Marco Island, Florida. There, she continued to fill her days with art, baking, and service to her parish.

Henrietta’s commitment to her Roman Catholic faith shaped every aspect of her life. She attended Daily Mass and felt privileged to open and close the Adoration Chapel at San Marco Catholic Church for many years. Her patience was legendary, most evident in the years she spent as a devoted caregiver for her aging mother and beloved husband in their final years. For her, every act – large or small – was a chance to serve God by serving others.

Henrietta was predeceased by her husband, John, and her parents, Frank and Stella Zaleski. Her spirit lives on through her four children: Paul (Elizabeth), Lawrence (Kelly), Barbara, and Susan Bauch (Billy). She was the proud grandmother of 9 and great-grandmother of 12, all of whom were shaped by her quiet strength and enduring love. An incredible mother, friend, and teacher to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she will be missed dearly but her legacy will live on in those near and dear to her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home 1201 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, New York. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Joseph 130 5 th Street, Garden City, New York, to be followed by burial at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to San Marco Catholic Church in Marco Island, Florida, 851 San Marco Rd., Marco Island, FL 34145.

IN MEMORIAM

Marie M. Yellen

On Friday, January 23rd , Marie Margaret Yellen nee Schmid, passed away at home.

At the time of her death, Marie was 89 years old. Marie leaves behind Gerald (Jerry), her loving husband of 65 years, along with daughters Christine Marie O’Neill (Robert) and Laura Marie Catlan (William) plus grandchildren Emma O’Neill, Saige Catlan and Theodore Catlan. Marie was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Marie Elise Schmid and brother Frederick Schmid.

Marie was born August 1936 in Bronx, New York. As a young girl, Marie’s family moved to Richmond Hill in Queens; where, at the age of 12, she befriended neighbor and future husband Gerald. (In his words she was “the cute little redhead from around the block!”) Marie graduated from Richmond Hill High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz. Upon college graduation, Marie taught at Smith Street School in Merrick, NY for several years and in 1960 married husband Jerry. After raising her daughters, Marie then returned to teaching at the Gotham Avenue School in Elmont, where she taught second grade for 20 years until retirement. While at Gotham Avenue, Marie was instrumental in fundraising for and driving a long-overdue renovation of the school’s playground.

Marie’s main loves were her family, home, reading, needlepoint and her beloved dog Missy. Her favorite thing to do was sit with a cup of tea and a good book. Marie deeply loved her grandchildren and took immense pride in attending their school programs and hearing of their different adventures. When her grandchildren were younger, she enjoyed baking with them or playing Candyland with real candy as the game pieces, so everyone won in the end! Marie enjoyed lunching with friends and was a member of the Garden City Community Club.

Marie attended the Garden City Community Church, volunteering as part of the church’s annual Americana Fair and for a time, assisting the office with distribution of the monthly newsletter. Marie and Jerry were among the founders of the Western Garden City Beautification Committee, which worked to bring

Have you lost someone?

Marie Yellen

the New Hyde Park Road commercial district on par with the aesthetics of Seventh Street. The Yellens were members of the Garden City Country Club; Marie and Jerry spent many wonderful Saturday nights there enjoying dinner and dancing with close friends. While they moved within Garden City after their daughters graduated from the Garden City High School, Marie’s heart always remained on Princeton Street, where so many lifetime friendships were formed among the young families and older neighbors who lived there. Marie’s visitation at Fairchild Funeral Home (Garden City) will be held on Sunday, February 1 st from 1-5PM. Interment will be at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn.

In Marie’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Reading is Fundamental (rif.org) or bring a favorite children’s book to her visitation. Any books collected at her visitation will be donated to the Book Fairies organization which provides books to under-resourced communities on Long Island and in NYC.

Marie was known for her graciousness and incredible kindness. Forever a teacher, interacting with any child delighted her. And regardless of whether it was a bank, a supermarket, a drug store, or a doctor’s office, her daughters could expect someone on staff would pull them aside to share “Your mother is just the cutest, sweetest woman ever!” Her family couldn’t agree more.

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.

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

Monday Movies

Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.:

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

February 2026 Programs

Yoga for Beginners or Yoga for “Not So Beginners”

Tuesday Nights -

• 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,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.

Mah-Jongg Open Session

Thursdays 6–8 p.m.

• 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.

Bingo for Adults

Fridays, February 20, 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, 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.

Italian for Beginners and More with Lia Brunetti

• 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.

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

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

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.

Jim Coll Presents “Forever Free: Lincoln, Civil War and the American March To Emancipation”

Friday, February 20, from 1–2 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Continuing our monthly lecture series in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Jim Coll will discuss Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.

In this lecture, we will discuss the American legal and political struggle towards the abolition of slavery. We will focus on the structure and impact of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation as well as post-war Constitutional developments regarding the 'peculiar institution.'

Please register online at (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com/) or call Adult Services (516)742-8405 x5236.

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.

Check Out A Museum Pass!

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 print-from-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.

Books Before School encourages reading

NEW! Encourage Reading through 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and 500 Books Before Middle School

Our Children’s Department is thrilled to introduce exciting new reading initiatives designed to help young readers discover the joy of books!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

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.

500 Books Before Middle School

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.

Why Join?

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.

NEW! The Grades K-5 After School Hive!

Weekdays after school starting in February, children in Grades K–5 are encouraged to play, build, craft, and work together! Starting at 3 p.m. every weekday after school, children in Grades K–5 can join us in the Children’s Room for a different after school activity!

• Board Game Mondays: Board games will be available in the Children’s Room for kids to play until 8:30 p.m.

• Craft Tuesdays: Craft supplies like beads, yarn, scratch art, and more will be available in the Children’s Room until 8:30 p.m.

• LEGO Wednesdays: Build with LEGO in the Children’s Room until 8:30 p.m.

• Puzzle Thursdays: Work on jigsaw puzzles in the Children’s Room from Thursday through the end of the weekend!

Activities will also be available for kids in the STEAM Workshop if there isn’t a program. No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the Children’s Room and STEAM Workshop.

GC Library Board to meet

There will be a Budget Work Session of the Library Board of Trustees on Monday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library’s large meeting room located on

the lower level.

Further details will be posted when available on the Library’s website, www.gardencitypl.org

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults Through the Library

Volunteer During Teen VolunTuesday!

Teens volunteered by making Perler Bead art for the Library display during Teen VolunTuesday on Tuesday, January 20! The perler bead art the teens made is displayed in the Teen Room as part of the Library’s Teen Perler Bead Display. Teen VolunTuesday is for teens in Grades 6-12 and will be held again on Tuesday, February 24 at 4PM. Registration is required and can be done online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m. Teens can work on a variety of community service projects for the Library during this program, such as the Library ’ s Perler Bead Art Display, Bookmarks, Kindness Cards, Friendship Bracelets, and Kindness Rocks.

Upcoming and Ongoing Library Programs for Tweens and Teens

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/j262hNm4tGsvR -

8wz9. After you register, pick up your 100 Books Before Graduation packet located at the Library to participate!

• 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:

• 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 10AM 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.

Teens Ate Pizza and Chatted About Books During Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club!

Teens enjoyed pizza while talking about books during Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club on Thursday, January 22, at the Library! This month’s theme was Mystery, so mystery books were available before and after the meeting for participants to check out, although teens were not required to read a mystery book to attend. Teens also played Clue as an activity as part of the chat. Pizza and Pages is for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. The next Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club will be held Thursday, February 26, at 4 p.m. The theme will be Romance, although teens are not required to read a romance book to attend. To participate, please register online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m.

News from the Children’s Room

Please join us on Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. for STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten).

Upcoming February Library Programs for Children

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.

New Storytime Registration Rules

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.

• Monday, Feb. 2, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 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

• Friday, Feb. 6, at 11:00 a.m.: Long Island Music for AardvarksBirth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)

• 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

Please join us on Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. for Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten).

10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)

• Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Fun Club - Grades 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 StorytimeBirth 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 StorytimeBirth to 17 Months

• Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:00 a.m.: Chess4Community: Play and LearnGrades K-5

• 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 StorytimeBirth 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 HeART - 2-5 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.

Photos from the Village Archives

LIRR Mineola-Hempstead Branch

A wintry view of the remains of the once-busy LIRR MineolaHempstead branch, facing south from Eleventh St. c1970. When the LIRR was first constructed in 1834, despite the efforts of Hempstead to route the line through that village, the only populated place in the center of the Island, the railroad company decided to route it in a straight line from Jamaica to Hicksville, passing two miles north of Hempstead. In 1839 a track was established from “Hempstead Branch” [now Mineola] to Hempstead. In 1873 Stewart also established a branch from his railroad to Hempstead just east of the LIRR “Hempstead Crossing” east of Franklin Ave. The two lines were later consolidated south of Stewart Ave. The line shown in

the picture north of Stewart Ave. saw passenger service from 1913 until 1935 via the West HempsteadValley Stream branch, and freight service to east of the Village until 1965. The line served the MineolaGarden City Freight Yard between Eleventh and Fourteenth Sts. After it was abandoned, the property north of Eleventh St. became part of the Bloomingdale’s parking garage and the Franklin Avenue Office Center. Although the track has been removed, the MTA still owns the property shown in the picture, not willing to sell it to the Village but it still serving as a buffer strip for residents to its east.

Archives identifier: vm01

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

Schools give update on construction projects

From page 1

“You can see it’s really benefiting our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Kusum Sinha. Parents were encouraged to visit the district website for additional registration information.

The board then received an update on bond-funded construction projects across the district. Officials reported that foundation work has been completed and that several facility and field improvements are finished. While the overall project remains largely on schedule, administrators noted that weather conditions and unforeseen infrastructure issues, most notably the need to replace an electrical transformer that did not pass inspection by PSE&G, have required adjustments to the construction sequence. District leaders emphasized close coordination with the construction manager to keep work moving and minimize disruption. A full presentation outlining the scope of the projects will be made available on the district’s website.

Later in the meeting, the district’s literacy review team announced plans to pilot three literacy programs –Benchmark Advance, Amplify CKLA, and My View Literacy – following several months of evaluation. The review process included data analysis, rubricbased feedback from classroom teachers and administrators, focus groups, and meetings with vendors.

The pilot will take place in both general education and ICT classrooms, beginning with kindergarten through second grade. Upper elementary grades will participate in a later phase to avoid disruption ahead of state testing. District officials said professional development and structured teacher feedback will be central to the pilot before any longterm curriculum decisions are made. All details are available on the district’s website.

During public comment, several parents raised concerns related to special education programming, including classroom placements, continuity of services like music therapy, and access to specialized supports. Board members and administrators acknowledged the concerns and said the district would continue reviewing the issues and following up with families.

Additional reports included a treasurer’s update confirming that the district remains in a strong financial position and continues to hold a AAA bond rating. The audit committee also reported clean audit results and announced that special education will be the focus of its next in-depth review.

A legislative committee update focused on New York State’s zero-emission school bus mandate, which would require districts to transition to an all-electric fleet by 2037. District leaders expressed concern about the cost and feasibility of the mandate without additional flexibility or funding and said feasibility studies will be shared publicly as part of broader advocacy efforts.

The board also formally reaffirmed that the Garden City School District will opt out of any regionalization plans or efforts created under the New York State Education Department’s regionalization regulations.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to recognizing student-athletes and coaches following what administrators described as one of the most successful fall sports seasons in district history, with multiple teams earning county, Long Island, and state championships.

The Board of Education’s next work session is scheduled for February 3, followed by the next regular meeting on February 24. Both meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m. and held at Garden City High School.

Jazz Ensemble learns from guest conductor

On Jan. 16, guest conductor George Andrikokus visited the Garden City High School jazz ensemble for an instructional rehearsal session. During his visit, he worked closely with students to refine their technique, strengthen ensemble performance and deepen their understanding of jazz music.

Andrikokus is an Alfred artist and serves as director of bands and instrumental jazz programs at Hinsdale Middle School in Illinois. He has taught in multiple school districts, directed the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage and received several music education awards. An active clinician, adjudicator and saxophonist, Andrikokus has performed internationally and currently serves as vice president of the Illinois Grade School Music Association.

During his visit, Andrikokus worked closely with students to refine their intonation, projection and style. He emphasized the unique role and strengths of each instrument within the ensemble and shared strategies for producing a fuller, clearer sound. Drawing on his experience as a saxophonist, he offered targeted feedback to the saxophone section and used engaging analogies to inspire students and elevate the ensemble’s overall performance.

“Mr. Andrikokus delivered an outstanding workshop that challenged and motivated our students,” said Mr. Dan DellaMonica, band teacher at Garden City High School. “His energy and expertise truly resonated with the students, and they left the

rehearsal excited to put his feedback into practice.”

The jazz ensemble will continue to display their growth at upcoming performances, including the

Board approves emergency work at St. Paul’s Cottages

From page 1

Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Toll Lodge on East Seventh Street — were moved into the St. Paul’s Cottages about two years ago, along with official village documents and archives.

During public comment, appointed Village Historian William Bellmer said he was hopeful following the boiler replacement approval. “I am appreciative that the heat will hopefully be turned back on and it’s been off for a couple of months. Village archives are located there and it’s hard to work in weather under 40 degrees,” he said.

Chamber celebrating centennial

During his meeting report, John Wilton, President of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce shared an update on a mass-media press release highlighting the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. His remarks reflected his belief that the local business advocacy organization has reached a milestone achieved by few chambers nationwide.

“The press release sent out today went to the New York Times, New York Post, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, New York State and Washington, D.C. The press release covers all the history but a person in the room tonight held the rudder to steady our boat for nearly 40 of 100 years – it’s Althea Robinson (the former executive director of the Chamber). She truly was the rudder and we are WHAT WE THINK is one of just a few chambers in the U.S. that are 100 years old. Some are close, 91 to 94 years old, but we got that information from the federal government. Althea we can not thank you enough for all you’ve done to make this chamber so successful, and I have to tell you that your work for those 40 years is an amazing testament to the heritage of this community,” Wilton shared with the

trustees and audience.

Wilton also announced plans for a “Centennial Pineapple Ball” to be held in fall 2026, noting that the Chamber has already formed a committee to begin working on event details. He added that the Chamber board has undertaken a deep dive into its 100-year history, sharing enthusiasm for the traditions and significance of the milestone.

“When you look at things and study the material, we have an amazing history. Althea Robinson has helped maintain and preserve a treasure trove of information for us to go through,” he noted.

Wilton advised the Board that another Chamber initiative underway is the Garden City Pride campaign, designed to encourage residents and visitors to “Shop Local.” He said he has coordinated with Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni, and together with the Village, the Chamber is organizing a plan to install “sturdy, very optically-pleasing and attractive pole banners” that would remain in place for a one-year period.

Two banners would be installed along Franklin Avenue, with the remainder placed on Seventh Street in the main business and dining district. Depending on the total number produced, additional banners may also be placed along the New Hyde Park Road commercial corridor near St. Anne’s.

Village Historian Bellmer punctuated one of his two public comments at the meeting by asking the trustees, “What’s with the Long Island Motor Parkway Toll Lodge (restored historic building on East Seventh Street)?”

Mayor Ed Finneran said that just hours before the meeting, he had spoken with Village Attorney Gary Fishberg regarding potential uses for the building. “We talked about what kinds of businesses, and/or the Village of Garden City, have to utilize that space – we mentioned potential as a small office for the

Board members and myself to use. We’ve been to the Garden City Chamber about it as well and no decisions have been made, but we are picking that up as one of the items to be handled ASAP,” the mayor said.

Bellmer responded by noting that the building has remained vacant for an extended period and that renovation work was completed months ago.

“After listening to Mr. Wilton’s report, and the notes on the longevity and importance of the Chamber, I feel that they should be going back to the Toll Lodge again,” he said.

In other approvals at the January 22 meeting, the Board authorized the attendance of Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi, Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni, and Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Stanley Carey at the 2026 American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition, to be held in Washington, D.C., from June 21 through June 24. The estimated cost of attendance for each official is $3,400, with funding drawn from various Travel and Training operating budget accounts.

“Our attendance will provide us with professional development, exposure to new water system management technologies and regulatory updates to enhance the village’s water operations,” DPW Superintendent Borroni shared.

The Board also approved attendance and fees for two Water and Sewer Department leaders to attend the American Water Works Association New York Section Spring Meeting in Saratoga Springs, scheduled for April 14 through April 16, at an approximate cost of $2,200. The Village will be represented by Supervisor of Water and Sewer Daniel C. Simone Jr. and Chief Water Plant Operator Philip J. Jermain. Funding will come from the Water Administration Travel and Training operating budget.

Borroni noted that attendance is required to maintain Water Plant Operator licenses through the earning of Continuing Education Units. “Additionally, new vendors are introduced for competitive bidding purposes,” he said.

Election dates, facilities use

Village Clerk Kelly Galanek reported on the approval of polling place agreements with the Nassau County Board of Elections for the use of Village Hall and the St. Paul’s Field House during the primary election on Tuesday, June 23, and the general election on Tuesday, November 3.

“Election facilities’ doors will be open from 5 a.m. until at least 9:30 p.m. in the evenings,” she said. The County Board of Elections will reimburse the Village $350 per facility for each Election Day. Village Attorney Fishberg reviewed and approved the agreement with the County Board of Elections “as to form.”

In his report, Village Administrator Suozzi also discussed a fire department grant currently in progress. He reported that Garden City Fire Department Chief James Taunton is assisting with a grant application to place equipment atop the Fire Department Headquarters building, which is adjacent to Village Hall and owned by the Village.

Suozzi also shared that Garden City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha contacted the Village regarding a proposed donation of portable bleachers. He said that Recreation Superintendent Nordt and Garden City Union Free School District Buildings and Grounds Director Robert Foley will review the bleachers, and if they are in good condition, the Village plans to use them at the new synthetic turf playing field under construction at St. Paul’s. Suozzi added that the Village will publicly thank the school district once the donation is finalized.

Jackson bids farewell as Kniesel takes helm of GCPD

From page 6

who fell from a bed overnight. Then you can have the situation of a wellness check by the GCPD. The reliance of this village on our police department is EVER-ACTIVE and it’s about as important as one can see,” Torino said.

Jackson thanked Trustee Torino during his remarks, noting their frequent communication and Torino’s technological expertise.

“Let me tell you, he always answers the phone – at any hour – and we have had two years of great work together.

Trustee Torino also knows a lot about technology and a lot about cameras,” Jackson said.

Jackson also expressed gratitude to

Administrator Suozzi and told the Board that serving as police commissioner had always been a pleasure, particularly having the opportunity for the village’s executive leadership to observe police work firsthand.

Torino further praised Kniesel for rising through the ranks of the GCPD and for his deep institutional knowledge of the department and the village.

“Inspector (Kniesel) – you know the people, you know the sensitivities, you know who you have to call and who you need to get to before anything happens. So I welcome you as the next police commissioner and please know, you can call on me at any time,” Torino said.

Acting Commissioner Kniesel also

shared his appreciation for Jackson during the meeting.

“I have only known Commissioner Jackson as a supervisor, and I want to extend my sincere appreciation for his outstanding leadership and dedication to our department and the community. You deserve all the accolades you’re

receiving, and we are going to miss you. The foundation he has created is strong, and I am honored to build on it. I am looking forward to taking on the role of Police Commissioner and I’m hoping to complete the job the way you did, Sir! Thank you,” he said.

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

From page 24

before escaping unharmed.

Garden City officers and NCPD Canine Officers searched the area with negative results, and evidence and video footage were collected as the investigation continues.

Stolen vehicle

Following a January 26th crash into a snowbank on Clinton Road, police say officers determined the vehicle had been stolen in Queens and arrested the 26-year-old male driver for allegedly possessing

stolen property, unauthorized use of an auto, and driving with a suspended license.

Gas odor

Officers assisted firefighters on January 26th during an investigation of a reported natural gas odor on Spruce Street, and the area was deemed safe.

CO alarm

On January 26th, officers assisted firefighters responding to a residence for a carbon monoxide alarm, which was traced to a snow blower operating near an open door.

Utility damage

On January 27th, officers and DPW personnel responded to Hemlock Park to safeguard a damaged utility box.

Traffic enforcement

Motorists on Clinton Road and Washington Avenue were charged on January 27th with driving with suspended registrations and additional traffic violations.

Missing plates

Two license plates were reported lost or stolen on

January 27th.

Railroad gates Garden City Police responded on January 27th to Nassau Boulevard for malfunctioning railroad gates.

False alarm

On January 27th, officers

responded to a business for a fire alarm that was activated in error.

Fraud report

A victim reported on January 27th that he received a bill for services he did not receive.

Get Results!

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

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY

NOTICE OF FILING OF 2026 VILLAGE ASSESSMENT

ROLL AND OF MEETING OF BOARD OF REVIEW FOR THE PURPOSE OF HEARING COMPLAINTS IN RELATION TO ASSESSMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2026

Pursuant to Section 1406 of the Real Property Tax Law, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Assessor has completed the Assessment Roll of the Incorporated Village of Garden City, New York, for the year 2026, and filed the same with the Village Clerk of said Village at her office in the Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York, where it may be seen and examined by any person during business hours, until the 17th day of February, 2026. Please be advised that all complaints/grievances must be filed by 9:30 p.m. at the adjournment of the meeting on 17th day of February, 2026. Please be further advised that on the 17th day of February, 2026, between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. the Assessor and at least a majority of the Members of the Board of Trustees, constituting the Board of Review, will meet in person at 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York and via Zoom, for the purpose of hearing complaints in relation to assessments. If you have a complaint/grievance, and you are not able to appear in person, please email Village Clerk Kelly Galanek at kgalanek@gardencityny.net by 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 17th and you will be sent the Zoom link. Others are welcome to appear in person on February 17th anytime from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Kelly Galanek CLERK OF THE INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK

Dated: Garden City, New York

January 30, 2026

The Incorporated Village of Garden City does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission to, access to, or participation in its programs, activities or public meetings, and has designated Kelly Galanek, Village Clerk, as Disability Compliance Coordinator. Persons with a disability who wish to attend a meeting should contact Kelly Galanek at least 24 hours in advance of meeting at: 351 Stewart Avenue

Garden City, New York 11530 (516) 465-4051

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.

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.

NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: NORTHERN CF101 LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY)was 01/22/2026.Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is NORTHERN CF101 LLC 3808 UNION ST STE 9A-101, FLUSHING, NY, 11354. Purpose/character of LLC: Any Lawful Purpose.

Subscribe to our newspaper by calling 516-294-8900, or visit issuu.com and search for Litmor Publishing to find digital editions of each issue.

Jo-Ann Frey runs for Trustee

From page 3

with more slanted surveys, not with more proposals, but with a park. Let me be crystal clear: I support creating a St. Paul's Park and honoring the history of St. Paul's by retaining the clock tower and other salvageable elements of the building.

The legacy of A.T. Stewart and the St. Paul's School can be honored through a St. Paul's Park that everyone can use and enjoy. While not without some costs, this is the least expensive option and is a project our Village can actually accomplish and provides finality to the issue of what to do with the St. Paul’s building.

In contrast, the current Board of Trustees is bound and determined to keep the St. Paul's building despite the mounting cost or community sentiment. The two proposals supported by this Board are "Adaptive Reuse" and a "Public Private Partnership". Adaptive Reuse is a fancy term for rehabilitation of the building and will be exceptionally expensive. It will cost each household thousands of dollars in additional property taxes each year for a generation. This is not counting the ongoing operation and maintenance for the facility that this Board repeatedly refuses to estimate, which will involve additional property tax increases.

A Public Private Partnership is really just a means of surrendering public Garden City land to private hands for their profit. It will require develop-

Brosnan

From page 3

telling Seniors there were tax credits available to them under their plan; proposing Adaptive Reuse at what they allege will cost $70 million compare to a more realistic, and supported, figure of $150 million, and recently proposing a Public Private Partnership which comes with a raft of legal, practical and financial issues and which the Village soundly rejected years ago.

I could go on with further examples of their misstatements, but the point is we have been ill served by this Board.  Delay after delay on their part

ment -- likely high density housing -- at the St. Paul's site. It would also result in the loss of acres of our community's existing parkland at the site. I am 100% against any housing at the St Paul's Field, and so are the three other candidates running with me. A Public Private Partnership is not free. If the developer defaults, the Village is on the hook financially. To alienate the parkland, which would almost certainly be required for such an arrangement, the Village must procure like parkland or set aside funds to do so in the future. A Public Private Partnership will negatively impact the character of the Village in what should be a bucolic park. The residents soundly rejected a Public Private Partnership years ago, yet this Board now wants to resurrect that.

The Village has been shoveling money for its projects through the use of bond financing. This does not mean the Village has money to back those expenditures. It means the Village takes on significant debt, which must be repaid with interest. It is akin to buying things with a credit card knowing you don't have the cash to cover the purchases and then hoping -- fingers crossed -- that when the bills come due there will magically be money to pay the bills. This is what Garden City has been doing for years. It is not sensible. It is not sustainable. The debt is rising exponentially. A massive expenditure like Adaptive Reuse at St. Paul's would create astronomical

debt, as would a Public Private Partnership. We, the residents, will have to foot that bill. Debt is not a development plan.

To help offset the costs of Adaptive Reuse, there has been a proposal to impose a 1 - 3% tax that Garden City homebuyers would pay to the Village. This is a bad idea and will likely result in lowering property values in the Village making the Village a less desirable place to live.

I grew up in Garden City and had a wonderful childhood here. Garden City gave me a wonderful foundation for my life. My mother, Anita Frey, has been here for 61 years; my father, Joseph Frey, sadly passed away four years ago after 57 years of residence. I have been back in Garden City a little over 10 years. My son went to, and graduated from, Garden City High School. Returning to Garden City has been the best decision for my family.

My commitment to you is that as a Trustee I will be truthful, transparent, and always put the needs and financial well-being of Garden City and its residents first. I want Garden City to be a financially sound, robust community for decades to come. I want Garden City to remain the special place that it is. We must fund our future, not our past.

Please vote on March 18th for me and and my fellow candidates for Trustee-- Thomas Ryan, Neha Bajaj, and Thomas Brosnan. Together we can make a difference.

seeks spot on BOT

have left us no further along than we were two years ago, and yet, they ask for further delays while they “pause” and “study the problem!”  They won’t even mention St. Paul’s in their candidacy announcements. Nor take any questions at any public events. The size of the building, and the outsized costs, make St Paul’s an issue that can no longer be ignored.

The cornerstone of our FABGC campaign is the replacement of St. Paul’s with an affordable St. Paul’s Park, retaining as many of the historic elements of St. Paul’s as we can.  Let us fund our Village’s future needs, rather than the

wants of well-intentioned, but very misguided preservationists that have kept the Village from moving forward. Together let us work to preserve a Village our children’s children can pass on with pride to their children.

Join us at www.FABGC.org with your friends and neighbors to make a real difference for your children and their children.  We can definitely use your support mounting a campaign against this entrenched obstacle to progress.  Let’s fund the future, not the past. With your support, we ALL can succeed!

January 30, 2026

New York State Celebrates America’s 250th

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Most Americans might not think of New York State first in context of the American Revolution and Independence – Boston, Philadelphia are more top of mind. But it will surprise virtually everyone to know that more battles – and pivotal ones - of the Revolution were fought in New York State than any other. In fact one-third of the battles and incursions were fought in New York, which the British considered vital to conquering the continent. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening:

Fort Ticonderoga Real Time Revolution™ Event Series (Adirondacks): The iconic historic site continues to honor its role with the Real Time Revolution™ event series, designed to bring the Revolutionary War to life on the very grounds it took place with key event reenactments, including during Independence Day Weekend, with a signature reenactment event: “Return of an Army.” This will depict the Northern Continental Army’s retreat to Ticonderoga during the same period that the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia. (102 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, 518-585-2821).

Saratoga National Historical Park (Saratoga Battlefield): Two hotly contested Revolutionary War battles ended in an American victory which some proclaim as one of the most important in world history. Visit the visitor center; tour the scenic 10-mile auto and bike road, hike historic paths (648 Rte 32, Stillwater, NY 12170, 518-664-9821, x 2980, www.nps. gov/sara to plan your visit).

Fort Stanwix National Monument, a full-scale reconstruction of the original fort built in 1758

At Fort Stanwix National Monument, engage with costumed Revolutionary War-era interpreters © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

by the British during the French and Indian War, was occupied by Americans during the Revolutionary War. After the successful defense of the fort against the British in August 1777, Fort Stanwix became the only American post never to surrender to the enemy throughout the war. Engage with costumed interpreters and visit Marinus Willett Center (100 N James St, Rome, NY 13440, (315) 338-7730, https://www.nps.gov/fost/ index.htm)See America’s Story on Display in New York City: New York City will also have its share of blockbuster events celebrating America’s 250th. One of the most sensational is “Sail 4th 250”, taking place July 3-9, 2026, with 30 Tall ships and 30 Grey Hull ships from 32 nations bringing 10,000 officers, cadets, crew and diplomats to parade down the East River on July 3rd up the Hudson River on July 4. Open to free public visits through July 9 (www.sail4th.org). Macy’s 50th anniversary fireworks on July 4th will be especially spectacular, with an International Aerial Review, head-

lined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The Blue Angels will then headline the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Bach State Park (date change from Memorial Day Weekend to July 5 – 6) to celebrate America’s 250th. Follow Washington’s Culper Spy Ring Trail on Long Island: The Culper Spy Ring was an intelligence network crucial to the American victory (recently depicted in an AMC series, “Turn.”). Largely following Route 25A (Long Island Heritage Trail), President George Washington traveled this route in 1790 by horse-drawn carriage on a mission to thank his Long Island supporters and the ‘Culper Spy Ring’ for their help in winning the American Revolution. Among the Revolutionary War sites:  Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay; the Arsenal in Huntington; the Conklin House’ Joseph Lloyd Manor, the Brewster House in Stony Brook; and Sherwood-Jayne Farm, home of Loyalist William Jayne aka “Big Bill the Tory”. See where the Battle of Setauket was fought near the Setauket Presbyterian Church on

Caroline Ave.; Strongs Neck Road, where Anna Smith Strong and Abraham Woodhull lived, a key location for the spies; Thompson House where spies’ names are in the doctor’s book. On the South Shore, Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore is where President George Washington stayed here during his Long Island tour in 1790. See: https://www.discoverlongisland.com/plan-your-trip/famous-longisland/george-washingtons-spy-trail/; find more Long Island 250 events: https://www.discoverlongisland.com/ longisland250/.

Westchester’s American Revolutionary Trail: invites travelers to walk through compelling historic sites: Jacob Purdy House (White Plains), Washington’s wartime headquarters; John Jay Homestead (Katonah) tracing early American politics, antislavery roots; Philipsburg Manor (Sleepy Hollow), examines slavery in the Colonial North; St. Paul’s Church (Mt. Vernon), a field hospital after the Battle of Pell’s Point; Square House Museum (Rye), historic tavern where John Adams, Samuel Adams and George Washington once stayed; Thomas Paine Cottage (New Rochelle), last home of the legendary pamphleteer, filled with rare artifacts; Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton-onHudson), a patriot family’s post-war home reveals the challenges of building a new nation. Visit https://www. visitwestchesterny.com/things-to-do/ history/american-revolutionary-trail/

See a full calendar of New York State’s America 250 events: https:// www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/ path-through-history/america-250/)

© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of February 1-7, 2026

Watch a Star Disappear!

The moon is our nearest neighbor in space, at an average distance of about 238,000 miles. As it orbits our Earth every month or so, it appears to pass by stars and planets in our night sky ... or, at least, so it seems. This is only an illusion, however, since the planets and stars are considerably farther away.

On occasion, however, the moon drifts in front of one of these more distant celestial bodies, blocking it from view for an hour or so. Such an “occultation” is important because it allows us to refine our knowledge of the moon’s orbit, and even to discover companion objects orbiting distant stars. In fact, it was a faint companion star orbiting the red supergiant Antares that first showed up during a lunar occultation in the early 19th century.

These lunar occultations are not uncommon, but for the moon to occult a bright star is. That’s why on Monday night, Feb. 2, stargazers throughout much of North America should plan to watch as the moon passes in front of the bright star Regulus.

On that night, the moon will approach the star from its upper right. Keep a watchful eye on Regulus until it winks out instantly behind the moon’s bright edge. This quick disappearance occurs for two reasons. The first is that the star is so distant that it appears as only a point of light in our sky. The second is because the moon has no atmosphere to dim the star’s light before blocking it completely.

Watching the star disappear and reappear might

be a challenge, however, since the moon will be so bright. You will find that binoculars will help you see Regulus wink out, and a small telescope will give you the best view of all.

Skywatchers around the country will view the

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Whenever my husband goes out of town, I cheat. I figure what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, and since there’s no way for him to find out that I cheated, why not have some fun while he’s out of town?

Do I feel guilty about this? Maybe a bit. But only because I know that my indiscretions may eventually catch up with me in the end. You see, I don’t just have one lover. I have two.

Ben AND Jerry.

It’s true, I’m supposed to be dairyfree. Wheat-free too. It’s not that I’m allergic to wheat and dairy. It’s more of an intolerance. And by intolerance, I mean that when I eat anything with wheat or dairy in it ...

I snore. Yes, I snore. And it’s loud. Like, rocket-engine loud. Someone once measured it in decibels, and it was somewhere between a heavy metal rock concert and a baby crying on a plane, both of which are annoying but apparently not as annoying as an extremely loud wife snoring in the bed next to you.

event from different angles, so the times will differ from place to place. From the U.S. East Coast, for example, Regulus will disappear (its ingress) at around 8:52 p.m. EST and reappear (its egress) at around 9:52 a.m. EST.

In the Midwest, the occultation will occur with the moon much lower in the eastern sky. The moon covers Regulus around 7:44 p.m. CST and uncovers it around 8:41 p.m. CST.

Farther to the west, in the Mountain time zone, the moon will appear quite low in the east. Regulus will disappear before it and the moon rise over the horizon, but the pair will lie about 10 degrees above the landscape by the time Regulus reappears from behind the moon around 7:31 p.m. MST.

Viewers on the West Coast, I’m afraid, will have to sit this one out. The entire event occurs while the moon and Regulus are still below the horizon.

Wherever you’re located, make sure you begin your watch at least 10 or 15 minutes early, and don’t turn away as the star appears to close in on the moon. To get more precise timings, call your local planetarium, science museum or observatory.

If the weather should interfere, or if you miss the star’s split-second disappearance or reappearance, don’t worry. There will be other occultations during the coming months.

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

Sleeping With the Enemy

Or so I’ve been told.

While my husband is out of town, I don’t care if I snore. I don’t wake myself up snoring, and I don’t keep anyone else awake either. Yeah, sometimes the dog gets annoyed, but then again, sometimes he snores too. When he snores, he gets thrown out of the room. My husband doesn’t do that with me because it would make me mad, and he knows which side his bread is buttered on.

Wheat-free bread, that is.

It was a tough decision, but for the sake of my marriage, I chose domestic bliss over fresh bread. But when the cat is away, the mouse will play ... and also eat a lot of cheese, pizza and ice cream.

I thought I was in the clear, but the problem with wheat and dairy is that they always come back to bite you in the butt, or at least make your butt bigger. After several months, it was becoming clear that I definitely had a little something going down on the side, and I knew I was going to have to come clean.

But then I found a guy who makes really good gluten-free cakes and bread.

And my favorite ice cream dudes, bless their hearts, started a line of dairy-free ice cream. Was it possible I could have my wheat-free chocolate lava cake and eat it too?

I made the switch while my husband was away. And then when he came home, we went to sleep, and I assumed all went well.

But alas, I was wrong.

“You snored last night,” he said accusingly the next day. “Did you eat wheat or dairy yesterday?”

“I did not,” I replied honestly.

“Well, you must have had something. What did you have?” he asked.

“The only thing I had that I didn’t make was a piece of wheat-free chocolate cake.”

“Maybe you are chocolate-intolerant now too,” he said.

I glared at him. “So you’re saying that now you think I should give up chocolate?”

“Maybe. If it makes you snore.”

“Actually, I think you should give up something now too,” I replied.

“What?” he wondered aloud.

I shrugged. “Sleeping in the bedroom.”

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

Pros & Cons of Outsourcing Jobs and Its Effect on Real Estate

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

If you think our costs of goods are high now, can you imagine what they would have been if we had kept our jobs in the U.S.? However, the middle class would have been much improved, but the lower income waged families and individuals would have actually continued to suffer affordability, as explained and shown in my research and analysis below:

If the U.S. had not outsourced jobs or moved manufacturing offshore, the cost of goods and merchandise would almost certainly be higher, but with important trade-offs that are often overlooked.

Estimated Price Impact

Most economists agree that everyday consumer goods would cost 15% to 40% more on average, depending on the product category:

Category: Estimated Price Increase:

Clothing & footwear +25% to +40%

Electronics & appliances +15% to +30%

Furniture & home goods +20% to +35%

Toys & consumer products +20% to +40%

Automobiles +10% to +20%

Example:

A $25 T-shirt: $32–$35

A $1,200 TV: $1,400–$1,550

A $30,000 car: $33,000–$36,000

Why Costs Would Be Higher

U.S. production generally means:

Higher wages

Stronger labor protections

Higher regulatory compliance

Higher healthcare and benefit costs

These get passed through the supply chain into retail pricing.

But… What Would We Gain?

Higher prices would be offset in several ways:

1. Higher Domestic Wages

Millions more Americans would be employed in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chains—raising household incomes.

2. Stronger Middle Class

Manufacturing historically supported stable, unionized, middle-income jobs, especially in housing and consumer markets.

3. Greater Economic Resilience

Less exposure to global disruptions (pandemics, wars, shipping crises, tariffs).

4. Improved Trade Balance

Less reliance on imports, lower trade deficits, stronger dollar stability over time.

Real Estate Connection

If manufacturing had stayed domestic: More regional economic stability, especially in Midwest and industrial towns, Stronger housing demand in secondary markets, not just coastal cities, core consistent wage growth, supporting homeownership.

Bottom Line

Yes, goods would likely cost 20–30% more, but many Americans would also earn 20–40% more in real wages—creating a very different economic balance than today’s lower prices but higher inequality.

Building a localized housing affordability model for Long Island, and then contrast that with how consumer budgets would look across income brackets if the U.S. had higher domestic wages (from more on-shore manufacturing and less outsourcing).

Long Island Housing Affordability Today

Current Snapshot (2024–2025)

Nass Cty Suff Cty LI Overall

Median Home Price

~$720,000 ~$550,000 ~$635,000

Est. Monthly Total Housing Cost*

~$5,970 ~$4,675

Median Household Income

~$143,000 ~$128,000

*Assumes 20% down, 30-yr mortgage at current rates + taxes/insurance.

Affordability Ratio

(Housing Cost / Income)

Nassau County: ~50% of income

Suffolk County: ~44% of income

Affordable Benchmark: <30% of income

So most Long Islanders are spending far more than the affordable threshold, with many cost-burdened households spending >35% of income on housing.

Median Income vs. What’s “Affordable”

According to polling and housing data:

Typical homes now require ~$240,000+ annual income to meet traditional affordability metrics — far above local median households.

Primary drivers:

Stagnant wage growth vs. housing price surges

Limited housing supply, especially for starter homes

High property taxes

2. If U.S. Wages Were Higher (Hypothetical On-shore Wage Scenario)

Here we model how housing affordability would change if manufacturing jobs stayed in the U.S. and raised wages across income brackets, without changing housing supply.

Key Assumptions

U.S. average wages +15–30% due to domestic manufacturing wages lifting average pay.

Consumer goods ~20–30% higher cost — as estimated earlier.

Housing prices initially unchanged but purchasing power increases due to higher incomes.

3. Affordability by Income Bracket

Let’s use three example households: Household Type Income Housing Budget @30%Typical LI Home Payment

Lower-income (20th pct)~ $50,000~$1,250/mo housing cost ~$4,500/mo*

Middle (50th pct)* ~$130,000 ~$3,250/ mo housing cost ~$4,675–$5,970/mo Upper (80th pct)~$220,000~$5,500/mo housing cost closer to affordable

*Median LI incomes vary widely depending on county.

*“Typical LI Home Payment” uses combined mortgage + tax estimate.

Current Reality

Lower-income houses are priced out of homeownership entirely — spending large shares of income on rent and barely any on savings.

Middle earners are struggling: even a household at ~130k must spend 40–50%+ of income on housing — much above the 30% guideline.

High earners can approach affordability, but local prices still strain budgets since houses often exceed 9× income with high taxes and cost burdens.

4. Hypothetical: Wages +25% (No Outsourcing)

Let’s model how that changes affordability.

New Income Estimates

Income Bracket Today Hypothetical

Lower $50,000 $62,500

Middle $130,000 $162,500

Upper $220,000 $275,000

Housing Budget @30% Rule

Scenario 30% of Income (Monthly)

Lower $1,563

Middle $4,063

Upper $6,875 Impact

Lower household: Still unable to afford median Long Island housing, but can better cover rent and necessities — and might buy in more affordable suburbs outside LI.

Middle household: Moves from severely cost-burdened (~40–50% of income) closer to borderline (~30–35%) on typical LI payments.

Upper household: Gets comfortably within traditional affordability range.

Overall — higher wages improve purchasing power even though goods cost more. The housing portion of budget eases because income growth outpaces the percentage increase in housing costs.

5. Consumer Budget Impacts

Without Outsourcing (Higher Wages)

More disposable income

Better housing affordability ratios

Stronger local economies

Less pressure on rentals

Trade-off

Consumer goods cost 20–30% more (e.g., electronics, clothing).

But income gains generally outweigh these raised prices for middle and upper income brackets.

6. Local Takeaways for Long Island Current Situation

Many households are cost-burdened (spending >30–35% on housing).

Root causes include wage stagnation, high taxes, supply constraints, and demand pressure.

With Hypothetical Higher Wages

Middle incomes would approach affordability thresholds.

Lower incomes would still struggle — highlighting need for more housing supply and targeted subsidies.

Local economic growth (e.g., more manufacturing jobs) could reduce the need for long commuting patterns and increase disposable spending.

Bottom Line

If wages were generally 25% higher due to more domestic jobs, housing affordability on Long Island would improve significantly, particularly for middle-income families. However: It wouldn’t solve the crisis for the lowest-income households without supply and policy changes.

Local budgets would adjust to higher consumer prices — but the net purchasing power would still be stronger for many.

Key Insights

Lower-income households remain severely priced out, even with wage gains.

Continued on page 5

BY TOM MARGENAU

This is going to be a column about the infamous “notch babies.” I thought this issue had died, because frankly, almost everyone affected by this glitch in Social Security law has died. (The few still alive would be over 100 years old.) But amazingly, I am now hearing from the babies of notch babies! In other words, people now in their 70s are writing to me about an issue that affected their parents. Here is a typical example.

“I’ve always been curious about something. My mom, who would have turned 100 today if she were still alive, always complained that she was being cheated out of Social Security benefits because of something called “the notch.” In fact, she called herself a “notch baby.” I know it’s too late to do anything about it, but can you explain what that was all about?”

Yes, I can explain. This cohort of now mostly deceased Social Security beneficiaries are generally people born between 1917 and about 1926. And their false claims about getting financially fleeced by Uncle Sam were fueled by a rather sophisticated, albeit deceitful and shameful lobbying campaign, sponsored by greedy gadflies out to make a quick buck.

The infamous “notch” refers to a time period when corrections were made to the Social Security benefit formula -- corrections that were necessary to ensure that all Social Security recipients were paid properly, but corrections that were misconstrued by many to be a way of cheating them out of benefits they felt they were due. Here’s the story.

In 1972, Congress passed a law mandating automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments -- or COLAs -- to Social Security checks. Those COLAs were to be based on increases in the government’s official inflation measuring stick: the consumer price index. (Before 1972, COLAs were not automatic. They were sporadic and happened only if Congress specifically authorized a yearly increase.)

As part of the new process, the Social Security Administration had to come up with a formula for calculating increases to people’s Social Security checks -which they did. But after COLAs were paid for a couple of years, someone noticed the formula was wrong. Social Security beneficiaries were getting cost-ofliving increases that were slightly higher than intended.

Once the mistake was discovered and SSA notified Congress, several decisions had to be made. For one, they had to figure out what to do about all of the Social Security beneficiaries who received the overly generous COLA adjustments. Congress decided to let them keep the money. (It would have been political suicide to send “overpayment” letters to every senior citizen in the country de-

Babies of “Notch Babies”

manding repayment of the incorrectly paid funds.)

The second choice Congress had to make was to decide where to draw the line -- to figure out which people would have their benefits figured using the proper COLA formula. And they drew that line at 1917. In other words, they said everyone born in 1917 and later would have their Social Security benefit figured using the corrected formula.

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? But sometimes Congress can’t leave well enough alone. In this case, they bowed to pressure from senior citizen groups who demanded a transition period from the old (incorrect) formula to the new (proper) formula. After lots of haggling, what they eventually decided was that everyone born between 1917 and 1921 would have their benefit figured using a special formula.

So, we ended up with the following scenarios. People born after 1921 had their benefits figured using the lower, but proper, COLA formula. People born before 1917 had their benefits figured using the higher, but incorrect, formula. And people born between 1917 and 1921 had their benefits figured with a special formula that was not quite as generous as the one used for the pre-1917 crowd but more generous than the one used for the post-1921 crowd.

You’d think everyone would be happy, right? Well, what happened next was pretty bizarre. Social Security recipients born between 1917 and 1921 started to complain that they weren’t getting quite as generous a COLA as folks born in 1916 and earlier. Someone should have pointed out to them that they were indeed being paid at a special rate that was lower than the incorrect benefits paid to the pre-1917 crowd, but at a higher rate than anyone born from 1922 on.

Instead of listening to reason, mobs of angry senior citizens around the country started to form into groups demanding justice. Even advice columnist Ann Landers got into the fray. She’s the one who came up with the moniker: “notch babies.” And all these folks mistakenly thought they were singled out for lower benefit adjustments than everyone else.

Then those greedy lobbying groups I mentioned earlier got into the mix and really muddied things. They sent letters to folks born in the so-called “notch years” telling them they were being cheated out of Social Security benefits and asking for donations to “fight this injustice.” And to help fill their coffers even more, the lobbyists deceitfully expanded the definition of those notch years to include everyone born through 1926. Some inexplicably even pushed the notch cutoff into 1930s dates of birth! So senior citizens of all ages started sending in tens of millions of dollars -- money that paid for many overpriced lobbyists and some pretty nice office space in Washing-

ton, D.C. -- but money that accomplished nothing else. After all, there was no “injustice” to fight.

Sadly, millions of seniors born between 1917 and 1926 or even later went to their graves bitter and disappointed -- including my own mother, by the way! Those very few still alive believe to this day that they are being cheated out of Social Security benefits. If you know one of these people, please tell them to enjoy what time they have left on earth and stop fretting about an alleged injustice that never happened. Or if you are the child of a deceased “notch baby,” please

rest assured that your parent wasn’t cheated out of anything.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

BY THOMAS F. SCHENKEL

My father, a mechanical engineer, would occasionally end our family dinner by reciting to us a poem from memory. His library of technical textbooks was interspersed with volumes of poetry. I never quite understood the connection between the two, but I found it very intriguing.

When the shocking news came that dad had suddenly passed away from a heart attack, we were all devastated and were all left to grieve in our own personal way. I, as a young English teacher, found it difficult to accept that I would never see my father again. Fighting back my tears, I realized that life, despite my grief, must go on and that I must provide a living for my growing family. Fortunately for me, I found my livelihood to be, not an obstacle, but a source of solace.

One day I came up with an idea. Why not share my father’s love for poetry with my students? I started to gather together my thoughts and recollections and compiled a list of poems that I could recall. I selected “The Daffodils” by William Wordsworth and proceeded to commit the poem to memory.

As I learned Wordsworth’s classic poem line by line and stanza by stanza, I felt a surge of my father’s words dancing in my mind. There was a certain feeling of fulfillment and pride when I had accomplished the task. Now it was my job to share this joy with my students. To my great satisfaction, they embraced the assignment whole-heartedly. We made our project fun and enhanced it with various projects and posters. The culmination, of course, was each student’s recitation of the

A Father’s Lasting Gift

poem. Even the most timid of my students were nurtured and given lavish praise for their efforts and accomplishments.

The assignment was a resounding success. My father’s love of poetry was still alive despite his passing. As the year progressed, I continued to incorporate other poems recited by my father and to add favorites of my own. It became a joyous and memorable part of our academic year. Little did I know then the impact that this poetry would have on my students. As the year progressed, I would introduce various poems that would tie in with our novels, the seasons, holidays and other topics of interest. It became a huge success with the students and parents alike.

“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe was a favorite. I would douse the lights and close the blinds before reenacting Poe’s macabre masterpiece. After studying the poem, we watched a film version and created various props to enhance our sense of drama: “the purple curtain”, “the bust above my chamber door” and , of course “the stately Raven”. It was the perfect poem to set the mood for the Halloween season. Students rose to the occasion far beyond my expectations. As always, I would do my own dramatic recitation before the students did theirs. I think it made the class more at ease to realize, “well, if he can do it, so can I”.

As the year progressed, we studied “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. Frost has long been a personal favorite of mine. For this poem our major prop was a set of “harness bells” to shake at the

appropriate time. They loved the bells, and I also gave them additional motivation. I told the class that if everyone learned the poem I would take them outside to do a class recitation on the day of the first snow. Let me just say, they held me to my word. It was exhilarating and joyous! You don’t forget a moment like that, ever.

To tie in with our study of the American Revolution we read the novel Johnny Tremain. When we came to the battles of Lexington and Concord we studied Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem “The Concord Hymn”. You perhaps recall the memorable line, “and fired the shot heard round the world”. To add to the drama I wore a tri-cornered hat, a tan vest and held a replica musket from Williamsburg, Virginia. Need I say more? You see, it’s all about the props. I was delighted when a student of mine visited the site of Emmerson’s “rude bridge” with his family and recited the poem. His photos and stories only added to our appreciation. Our memorization would sometimes include a classic piece of prose like The Gettysburg Address. This outstanding speech has been hailed as one of the greatest public addresses of our time. I started our lesson by showing the movie The Perfect Tribute. This story portrayed Lincoln’s words and the impact that they had on our nation. “That this government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth”. To allay students’ fears, I told them that I would leave a copy of the speech on the podium if they needed to refer to it. I then proceeded to deliver the Address dramatically with a top-hat on my head

(only kidding). I also shared with the class that I had personally recited this speech on the very spot where Lincoln had spoken. It is marked by a star on the ground. Since our study, two former students, both sisters, recited the Gettysburg Address together while standing on the very same star.

One summer’s day my wife and I were dining outdoors at a local eatery. We encountered two married couples that I had taught years before. One former student said “Do you remember when you had us recite the poem “Richard Cory” by E.A. Robinson? Sure enough, the five of us did a recital of the poem together, right there on the busy street.

On a January day several years ago, I received a letter from the mother of a former student. She wrote to me of her son’s love of poetry stemming from my class. They were out to dinner as a family when her son realized that it was December 21st, “the darkest evening of the year”. He spontaneously started to recite a Robert Frost poem. She shared with me that her son “has a degree in engineering, but his true loves are poetry and writing, thanks to you”. I wrote a letter back to her and assured her that all the credit belonged to a fellow engineer. “Thanks, dad. Despite the fact that Carl Sandburg told us that ‘the grass will cover all’, your love of poetry lives on in the minds and hearts of many.”

Thomas F. Schenkel is a lifelong Garden City resident and former educator in the Garden City Middle School.

Pros & Cons of Outsourcing Jobs and Its Effect on Real Estate

Continued from page 3

Middle-income households move closer to affordability but still face strain.

Upper-income households move comfortably into affordable territory.

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

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Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and

completing international transactions.

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

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Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications

516-248-9323

www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

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

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A great game day treat

Football Cake Pops

Football is a wildly popular sport throughout much of North America. That popularity kicks up a notch come January, when collegiate and professional players are battling it out in their respective playoffs with an end goal of winning a championship.

Watch parties have become a game day tradition for millions of football fans, and it’s customary to provide some delicious food when hosting such get-togethers. Chicken wings and nachos might be must-have foods for adults come game day, but it’s import-

3 1⁄2 cups cake flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1) Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly butter and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans.

2) In the bowl of your stand mixer, sift or whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and half the buttermilk. Beat with the paddle attachment on a medium-low speed until combined and smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.

3) In a medium sized bowl, with a fork, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, the rest of the buttermilk, and the vanilla to combine, just until eggs are broken up. Add the egg mixture to the batter in 3 additions, mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes after each addition, being sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.

4) Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans until they are cool to the touch, then turn out of pans and cool completely on wire racks.

5) Make sure the cakes are completely cool before you attempt the cake pops, otherwise your frosting will melt and you may have some trouble rolling intact balls.

and

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Email editor@ gcnews.com to put your engagement or wedding announcement in the papoer.

6) Put your baked cake in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to crumble the entire cake. Add about half of the chocolate frosting to the crumbled cake. The frosting is what acts as a glue to hold the cake balls together. Use your hands to mix the frosting evenly throughout the crumbled cake mix until the cake mix is well moistened. Your cake mix should

2 large egg whites, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1⁄2 cup prepared chocolate frosting

2 to 21⁄4 lbs. milk chocolate

3 tablespoons shortening 40 candy sticks White icing, for decorating

be moist enough to shape into a large mound and keep its shape.

7) Roll your cake mix into 11⁄2inch, football-shaped cake balls using the palms of your hands. You should be able to get 30 to 35 football-shaped balls from a single batch of cake mix.

8) To prepare the chocolate shell, pour milk chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and melt on 50 percent power for 4 minutes, or more time if necessary.

9) Pull out your melted milk chocolate and stir thoroughly with a spoon until completely smooth. Once smooth, add shortening to the chocolate to thin out the consistency a bit. Stir thoroughly again.

10) Take a candy stick and dip into the chocolate about 1 inch and place it into the center of your cake ball on the top. This will act as a glue keeping your cake pop and stick attached. Continue for all cake pops. Wait 10 minutes for the chocolate to harden on the stick and on the cake pop.

ant to provide something special for young fans as well. This year, playoff party hosts can whip up these tasty “Football Cake Pops” from Lines+Angles for young fans. Makes 30 servings Our Service

11) Now you are ready to coat your cake pops in the chocolate. Place the pop in the chocolate at a sideways angle with one hand. Using the other hand, spoon the chocolate mixture all around the pop. Try to do this as quickly as possible before the chocolate begins to harden and get lumpy. Once you have evenly coated the pop, gently tap the stick on the side of the bowl to get off any excess chocolate that would drip. Once the chocolate shell hardens, decorate the football pops with grip marks using the white icing. Let the icing dry and serve at room temperature.

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y. 516-538-4503 www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com

IN MEMORIAM

Veronica Killcommons

Veronica Killcommons, lovingly referred to as Ronnie, Mom, Aunt Ronnie, Grandma, and GiGi, was an especially kind, loving, intelligent, and energetic woman whose magnetic personality and example inspired many to exude kindness, and excel in their chosen fields. She gave of her time and energy selflessly.

Her wish to us all would be to remember to cherish life as she did, and appreciate that her life continues to bless us all through the laughter, humor, strength, courage, gentleness, and resilience of everyone she has touched throughout her life.

Her spirit will continue to be felt through her five beloved children: Peter Michael (Elvira Zaytseva), Pattie Ann (Michael Balcanoff), Jeanne Margaret (William Konz), John Cullen (Kathleen Cummings), and Theresa Marie (William Pallas), and her 13 grandchildren and one great grandson: Haley, Cullen, Laurel, Dawn, Katie, Sean, John, Fiona, Gavin, Sarah, Morgan, Joseph, Emily Grace, and Asa.

She is survived by her sisters: Theresa Hetherington (Jim), Ann O’Sullivan (Jim), Colleen Brown (Rollie), Kathy Neubauer (Joe), Dorothy Coaker (Jeff), and Bernadette Klein (James), and her brother-in-law, Eugene F. Murphy (Mary), and sistersin-law Florence Albrecht (Karl), Elizabeth Killcommons (John), and Christina “Teenie” Rodridguez (Terry Cullen), and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She will be with us in every celebration, adventure, and moment of joy as she beams with pride from heaven with her husband, Peter Killcommons, her parents Theresa and Terrance Cullen, and her siblings Mary, Caron, Terry, and Thomas.

Veronica Killcommons was born on January 7th, 1938 in New York City. She was the eldest of 11 siblings, 2 brothers and 8 sisters, and flourished in that role.

She married her beloved, Peter Killcommons on October 18th, 1958. Veronica was a life-long learner and while raising her children, she received her Bachelors in 1971 from Queens College, her Masters in 1980 from Adelphi University and her Professional Degree from Saint John’s University. She continued her commitment to education with over 20 years teaching as a Supervisor of Special Education for the New York City Board of Education in several Districts in Queens County as a beacon and an advocate for children’s education, especially for children with special needs.

Veronica was a proud mother of five, loving each of her children fiercely, cherishing every moment and as their families grew, she stepped into the role of “Grandma” with great joy.

She is known as being the steady and strong pillar in everyone’s life; always the one to turn to for advice, for a laugh, or for a lesson. She filled every room with laughter and anyone in her presence felt like they were the only person in the world for that moment with her.

Veronica is also known for her adventurous spirit, having traveled all over the world including Virgin Islands, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Spain, Austria, Germany, Russia, Ireland, France, Morocco, Egypt, Galapagos Islands, etc. With her fondest adventures always being on a sailboat, where she felt closest to her husband, Peter.

She was an active participant in all of her communities, having spent over 45 years in Garden City where she volunteered for Saint Joseph’s Church and school, and with her passion in education, she volunteered as an organizer of the annual NYS Special Olympics and Games for the Physically Challenged.

After Garden City, Veronica spent over 14 years in Port Washington as one of the original residents at “The Amsterdam” (now known as The Sinclair) where she continued to foster community and make friends with everyone who crossed her path.

Finally, her family sends much love and appreciation to all who have provided care and kindness to Ronnie over the years. As Ronnie would say, Be Good!.

Funeral Arrangements made by Fairchild Funeral at 1201 Franklin Ave, Garden City, NY 11530.

Viewings: Tuesday, January 27th from 7-9 pm; Wednesday, January 28th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, January 29th at 11am at St. Joseph's Church, 135 5th Street, Garden City Interment: Calvary Cemetery

IN MEMORIAM

James Edward Fitzgerald

October 15, 1932 – January 18, 2026

James Edward Fitzgerald, formerly of Garden City, passed away quietly on January 18, 2026, near Boynton Beach, Florida, with his son and daughter at his side. He was 93.

Known to friends as “Jim Fitz” or “Fitz,” Jim was born on October 15, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, where he spent his childhood and graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Pace College while working full-time on Wall Street—an early reflection of the discipline and perseverance that defined his life.

In 1953, Jim joined the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Training Program. The week after graduating from Pace College in 1954, he married Lillian Patricia Walsh at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Brooklyn.

Jim and Lillian relocated to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military service, they returned to New York, where Jim worked as a CPA. The couple initially settled in Queens Village and were proud parents to four children—Cathy, James Jr., Theresa, and Patrick—whom they raised in Floral Park.

They later moved to Garden City, where they became longtime members of Cherry Valley Golf Club and lovingly renovated their Victorian home.

In 1966, Jim joined Newsday as a staff accountant, a move that would define his professional legacy. He quickly assumed broader administrative responsibilities and played a pivotal role in developing the paper’s early data processing systems—critical infrastructure that supported Newsday ’s growth, including the launch of its Sunday edition. Following Times Mirror’s acquisition of Newsday, Jim’s responsibilities expanded further, and in 1982 he was named Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations. He retired in 1996 after 30 years with the company. Jim firmly believed that people are an organization’s greatest asset and treasured the lasting friendships he formed with colleagues.

Jim was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He was a loyal friend, a true gentleman, and a gifted storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. An avid golfer, he spent many happy hours at Cherry Valley Golf Club and later at Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach,

James E. Fitzgerald

Florida. Inspired by his exposure to aviation during his time in the Marines, Jim earned his pilot’s license and flew a Piper aircraft throughout the 1990s. He was also an enthusiastic traveler who enjoyed exploring destinations across the United States and abroad.

Jim had a lifelong love of learning and a deep fascination with new innovations and how things worked—so much so that he was still mastering new technology, including his Tesla, at age 93.

Jim will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, dedication, stories, and humor.

Jim was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Lillian, and his daughter, Theresa. He is survived by his children Cathy Morrissey (Brian), James Fitzgerald Jr. (Joanne), and Patrick Fitzgerald; his eight grandchildren, Brian Morrissey (Tara), Lisa Fitzgerald-Sgro (Michael), Erin McNamara (Brian), Meghan Greenberg (Evan), Laura Fitzgerald (Michael), James McCormack, Caitlyn Iannarone (Sean), and Kevin Morrissey; and his six great-grandchildren, Saoirse McNamara, Daniel, Sean, and Brendan Morrissey, and Julianna and Sienna Sgro.

A wake will be held at Fairchild and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, New York, on Wednesday, January 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Garden City at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 29. Interment will follow immediately at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Jim with a donation to Semper Fi and America’s Fund. https://thefund.org/donate/

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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.

Charles W. Lake

F riday, January 30, 2026

Charles William “Bill” Lake, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 19, 1933, Bill was raised with a deep sense of faith, discipline, and service to community that shaped every chapter of his life. He attended Brooklyn Preparatory School, earned his undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross, and received his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Following graduation, Bill served in the Army National Guard at Fort Dix from 1958 to 1961 and continued his military service in the Army Reserves through 1964.

Some of Bill’s most formative and cherished years were spent in Breezy Point, where he passed his childhood and adolescent summers. There, he worked as a “soda jerk”, built lifelong friendships, and became legendary among his crew for organizing beach softball tournaments that were equal parts competition and hilarity. Breezy Point was also where fate intervened through a pivotal friendship with Don Hodgens, who would later introduce Bill to Don’s cousin, Elizabeth “Betty” Lake at the Gallery in Bay Ridge. Bill always said it was “love at first sight”—at least for him. Their partnership became the anchor of his life.

Through Betty, Bill gained not only a beloved wife but an expansive family. He adored his “second mother,” Grandma K, and was warmly absorbed into the Cooney Clan, where shenanigans were inevitable and laughter abundant. Among this spirited group, in addition to Grandma, Bill formed especially close bonds with his sisters-in-law, Marie Cooney and Janet Cooney, who treated him like a brother. His friendship with Marie endured for decades, remaining particularly strong as her family followed the Lakes to Garden City.

A lifelong Catholic, Bill served as an altar boy in his youth and went on to teach CCD for an extraordinary 55 years. His favorite assignment for his ten-year-old students was a multi-page essay on the identity of the Beloved Disciple—essentially a doctoral thesis. The students were, naturally, thrilled. Bill poured his energy into his family, coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams, and even surviving one fateful year coaching soccer. After years of urging by Betty, he finally relented and agreed to join the Casino Tennis Club, where he developed friendships that lasted decades. True to form, Bill went all in—learning to play tennis,joining the Men’s Tennis Group for weekend camaraderie, and eventually running tournaments.

Professionally, Bill specialized in Admiralty and Maritime Law. He began

IN MEMORIAM

his career at Purrington & McConnell before being recruited (poached) by Phil Weinstein to join Bernstein Weiss Coplan Weinstein & Lake. Phil and his wife became family, attending countless Lake gatherings, including what Bill’s daughter later described as the annual “United Nations/Island of Misfit Toys” Christmas dinner. Unusual for Garden City in the 1970s and 1980s, these gatherings brought together Bill’s Roman Catholic family, the Jewish Weinsteins (Uncle Phil fought in Europe with the Allies during WW II), Betty’s Germanborn friend Lori Florio (whose brother fought for Nazi Germany in World War II), and the Muslim Khonsaris, whom the Lakes befriended after they moved to Garden City from Iran. Bill and Betty likely did not realize it at the time, but this extraordinary mix of cultures helped shape the open and progressive worldview their children would later embrace.

Bill led by example. He was known professionally and personally for being utterly reliable and honest to a fault. Meticulous in his preparation and fair in his conclusions, he earned the respect of judges and opposing counsel alike, often resolving matters quickly and seamlessly. He befriended former adversaries—becoming godfather to one opponent’s child and sharing family vacations together.

Among what he called “one of the best decisions” he and Betty ever made was sending their children to Camps Bernadette and Fatima in New Hampshire, where lifelong friendships were formed and shenanigans began that continue to this day.

After Betty’s passing, Bill’s daughter enrolled him in English literature courses at Adelphi University, hoping to ease his grief. As with everything else, Bill fully committed—always prepared, always engaged, and often one of the only “students” who had completed the day’s reading. Over the course of ten years, he completed twenty-three classes, leaving lasting impressions on faculty and students alike. Bill had the distinct honor of taking a course with his beloved grandson, Brendan, during the latter’s first semester at Adelphi. They would drive to class together, discussing the reading for the day, and then sit next to each other in the classroom. It meant so much to Bill to share his love of literature with Brendy Lou. The family is deeply grateful to Adelphi’s Department of English, especially Susan Weisser, Kelly Swartz, Louise Geddes, Craig Carson, Igor Webb, and Lahney Preston-Matto, for welcoming Bill and giving him a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

Even after retiring from legal practice at age 86, Bill continued taking courses, participated in Faith Formation Scripture classes, attended lectures at St. Joseph’s and joined a Catholic Book Club with his crew,

including dear friends Joan Kane and Pierre Helou. Joan and George Kane, Pierre and Nadia Helou, Marie Cooney, and Betty’s closest friend Claire Burns were regular companions at Adelphi’s Best of Broadway, and at lunches and dinners throughout Garden City. These friendships sustained Bill in his later years, along with weekly calls with his “favorite” niece, Kathy, in Virginia and visits with Kathy and her husband Tom, with whom Bill could discuss politics for hours.

College and Casino friends regularly stopped by to share stories and photos from the old days—and to challenge Bill on baseball rankings. Known affectionately as the Rain Man of baseball, Bill possessed a freakish command of facts and statistics. A lifelong Yankees fan— considered blasphemous in Brooklyn at the time—he attended games faithfully with his father and kept meticulous records. Among his favorites were Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Don Mattingly, and Thurman Munson, after whom one of his grand-cats was named. (There was also a Tino and Bernie, for good measure)

Bill lived a long and consequential life, spreading joy and offering comfort and legal advice/help to family, friends, and strangers alike. He looked forward to being reunited with Betty, and his family takes comfort in believing they are now watching over them.

Bill is survived by his sons William and David (Joanne), daughter Stephanie, grandchildren Tristan, Brendan, Cassidy, and Camdan, granddog Winston Chewbaca (whom he loved

dearly—well, not exactly), his beloved sister-in-law Marie Cooney, and more friends and extended family than could possibly be named here. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and his sister, Jean Carr and her husband, Robert.

The family would also like to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, the tireless work of those friends who helped take care of Bill after his stroke. Anya Flannery, Marsha Parisi, Kalu Odim, Renee Oconner, Pat Jute, Antonio Jute, Emily Fiala and Vern Thurmond, we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and compassion over the past year and a half. It meant the world to Bill, and to us!

Bill will be remembered for his kindness and integrity, his storytelling, his devotion to family, and his ability to turn ordinary moments into enduring traditions. He lived a life rich in relationships, marked by love, humor, and a deep sense of service and belonging.

The following arrangements have been made:

Visitation: Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, 1201 Franklin Ave., Garden City, Thursday, January 29, 4 - 8 PM

Funeral Mass: Church of Saint Joseph, 130 Fifth Street, Garden City, Friday, January 30, 9:45 AM

Lunch Reception to follow mass at 11am at Revel, 835 Franklin Ave, Garden City.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Immigration Project, the Southern Poverty Law Center and/or Catholic Charities.

Have you lost someone?

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.

From page 2

residents are to be made aware of any plan for St. Paul’s, this paper should similarly publish it. If there is no plan by FABGC or others who claim to have a “solution” this paper should so state. If the paper was provided or knows that FABGC or others similarly inclined claim there are engineering reports that support the feasibility of demolition and retaining the Clock Tower that information should be made public and published. If none exists, the paper should acknowledge that none exists. No matter the Paper’s position on the St. Paul’s report, one cannot dispute that a proposed plan does exist. That a presentation will be made on January 29th.

One cannot dispute that no report nor presentation by FABGC or those similarly inclined on their “concept or proposal” for St. Paul’s exists. If one is available, it should be made.

As a Village Trustee for 8 years from 1997-2001 and again from 2022-2026 I have a unique perspective on efforts to resolve St. Paul’s. The length of term of a trustee is not an issue in resolving St, Paul’s. Nor the existence of the Conservancy which has been around by my understanding 30 years. The issue on what to do with St. Paul’s is complex and cannot be addressed in a sound byte. Prior FABGC boards tried but failed. There is no statement by the present FABGC candidates on how they could succeed when their prior boards could not. Resolution of St. Paul’s is a long complex process that needs to move forward and not be foreclosed by impatience.

As I end my tenure as Trustee I thank the residents for their patience and ask they support the process as it moves forward. See you on the 29th.

Bruce A. Torino, Esq.

Board in spin mode

To the Editor:

Have you attended the Town Hall and read the Board of Trustees’ Advisory Committee report? The link to the report (www.tinyurl.com/ StPaulsReport) is contained within last week’s edition of the GCN, the editorial comments on page 2. The presentation by the Committee is scheduled to occur 1/29/26, 2 days after this letter was posted.

Just as happened last March when 6 Trustees (one now Mayor) objected to the disclosure of 25 emails damning to several prominent preservationists involved with the Mayor Veneziale Committee, Mayor Finneran now has objected to the publisher’s disclosure of the report. But at the last BOT meeting Trustee Muldoon said he had read the report and repeatedly touted the report as “fantastic” (meeting at min.49-51). So we were in “spin it mode” before residents read it territory. Why else would the Mayor and other Board members

To the Editor:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

The St. Paul’s Park group has made every effort to provide the residents with fair, honest and unbiased costs for demo/abatement and the building of a St. Paul’s Park.  As it is for a future BOT to decide on the final design of a park, we have attempted to give residents rough, but honest, costs of a park. There are no gimmicks, no fake Senior Tax Exemptions, no “a Conservancy can do it cheaper”, no planning dependent upon large grants, contributions, philanthropy or “naming rights.”  As to whether this will be financed over 10, 15 or 30 years, we are not going to claim that the Village will go to Albany and extend the repayment period to 30 years or have an interest only bond for the first 10 years. It is an option, but extending debt to have lower yearly payments to shift the burden to our children and grandchildren is horrible public policy.  We have a competent Treasurer in this Village.  Irene Woo can decide, based on timing, interest rates, etc., what is the best repayment period, or combination of repayment periods, and recommend that to a future Board of Trustees (BOT)

As we have argued, whatever happens to St. Paul’s will be paid for predominately by the taxpayers.  St. Paul’s has in effect been an unfunded liability for decades.  We do not want to pretend there are any free lunches.  Obviously, a St. Paul’s Park can have a “Conservancy” run by respected residents should the village feel it is warranted; a St Paul’s Park can set up a 501(c)3 run by skilled finance people selected by the next BOT, if desired; benches and trees can have “sponsorships” as most of the benches in front of the library have been purchased as memorials to loved ones;  brick “naming” can be organized and sponsorships of gazebos and a bandshell can be marketed.   Grants and federal programs for parks can be applied for.  The village, to support a park, could apply to Albany for the ability

object to allowing residents to wise up before the meeting? Why any fuss about disclosing a non BOT report approved vigorously by Trustee Muldoon who has thereby taken ownership of a truly ridiculous 3% contingency for a mammoth project on a dilapidated structure?

The GCN editorial made several concise points. Ms. Norris noted that the actual cost estimate for adaptive reuse was $80.3M, and such was provided by an anonymous contractor (who was not even part of the Committee!!!). A read of the report discloses there are no

Park pricing

to issue extended debt just as easy as “Adaptive Reuse” or bonds with principal deferred. However, these should be viewed as possibilities, but they should not be the main driver of the cost-benefit analysis, nor should they be marketed as gimmicks to make a particular scenario more attractive.

A St. Paul’s Park can be implemented over years, both to spread out the expense, as well as to make the building of the Park more manageable for the Village staff.  Again, we are not attempting to design a final park, that is for a new BOT.  We are attempting to start a conversation around an economically viable solution that will have high resident use, low yearly operations and maintenance (especially compared to Adaptive Reuse), where residents can come together to unite in enjoying the space, rather than the 33 years of division that the building has unfortunately brought to the village. To that end, we list each component, and potential component of a park, and links to the Westerman Report, D & B Engineers and Architect Report, etc., and links to provide more information on the “Additions” and pricing of potential future features that could be part of St Paul’s Park.

PS We have made every attempt

specifics about the nature or extent of communication with this contractor or any hint as to what information the contractor received or reviewed! Read the report for yourself. The breakdown of the estimate does not mention anything about abatement or soft costs, only stating insurance cost is $3m (aren’t soft costs in the 15% of project costs?). Noteworthy is the absurd 3% contingency cost. But the Edgemere firehouse carries a realistic 20% contingency to which Trustee Muldoon raised no objection. Obviously any preservation proj-

to be unbiased and honest with these costs. We, and professionals from New York City have been denied access to the building, which has hindered our process. (Based on the hundreds of videos Mayor Finneran has allowed to be filmed in the building, and the fact that former Mayor Flanagan allowed then Candidate Muldoon access to the building, we find this unnecessarily obstructionist).  Still, if there are any mistakes, numbers or facts that seem incorrect, please bring to our attention.   If there is a mistake, we will correct, admit our mistakes with no spin, and continue to strive to give the residents accurate costs to the best of our abilities.

For the full report and additional costs please see link: bit.ly/ stpaulsparkcosts

St Paul’s Park Pricing Group:

Walter Beal

Thomas Brosnan

Nick Campbell

Stephen Fereance

Steve Gorray

Donald MacLeod

Larry Marciano

John Sullivan

Micheal Tiedemann

Bob Orosz

ect for St. Paul’s would be even higher. This blizzard of failures and flaws qualify the report for the race to the bottom contest- competing with the Trustee Muldoon Mar. 6 Town Hall when he spouted that he had contacted so many companies to support his cost estimates to be used for the survey and listed over 40 names and yet only posted a few obvious reports from those he had listed and then only posted them at end of March when the coast was clear of Mayor

Friday, January 30, 2026

From page 45

Flanagan offering any scrutiny. And who can forget the Frank McDonough’s and others including some current Committee members race to the bottom, interfering with Westerman cost estimate process and Mr. McDonough’s claims of having supporting reports about the conservancy from a host of virtually intergalactic experts while failing to identify even one of them. The GCN piece questions the credibility of the St. Paul’s Conservancy to effectively accomplish anything. (The large multispecialty Ruskin, Moscou, Faltischek law firm hired by the Village opined the Conservancy concept was not feasible for St. Paul’s). There is a pattern here, cost estimates based upon corrupted data Westerman cost estimates, then the basis upon analysis by a biased and unqualified Trustee of the corrupted data and finally culminating with an anonymous estimate, none being credible yet embraced by this BOT!

The report’s authors refer to the St. Paul’s survey as a “BCI” survey. Incorrect, the survey #27 was a 4 month in the making contrivance of the BOT which disregarded BCI’s advice to include demolition and facade as legitimate options. The report suggests 30 year debt term financing with interest only payments for the first 10 yearsa clear deviation from CMA expert approved level-(roughly equal payments every year). This results in future long term residents having an even greater tax burden and the overall total cost of debt increases by many millions. To future complicate financing the report’s authors have the temerity to suggest a possible 2.5% real estate transfer broker tax to partially fund St. Paul’s. Of course this will adversely impact home values perhaps particularly affecting seniors who need to sell quickly.

In sum the report contains a bunch of tried and failed ideas and concepts and offers no solution whatsoever despite their purported hours and hours of effort. But of course striving for an impossible, an unwanted, an unfeasible result will never yield a true solution. Trustee Muldoon did have a point when he called the report “fantastic” because fantastic can mean “imaginative or fanciful”. And it is fanciful to be sure. Fantastic can also mean “extraordinarily good” and yes because it is an excellent reason to vote every Trustee on the Board out of office ( presently running are Deputy Mayor Courtney, Trustees Muldoon and Tai) and not allow one of the report’s authors, G. Smith. on the Board because they wasted nearly 2 years of residents’ time as well as Village resources and money. To the contrary candidates Brosnan, Frye, Bajaj and Ryan have each stated they have a true, relatively simple and achievable solution>> to create a won-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

derful, cost effective, commemorative Park at St. Paul’s. Elect them all and let’s move forward from there. (see p. 17 ad in last week’s GCN).

S. G. Gorray

Conservancy’s financial plan

To the Editor:

The report of the Board of Trustees St. Paul’s Advisory Committee chaired by Bob Catell and Frank Tauches (“CT Report”) presented to Village residents last evening contains well researched information and reasoned conclusions.

The proposed Financial Plan of St Paul’s Conservancy received considerable scrutiny in the Report. It appears that the CT Report has evaluated the Financial Plan’s critical components. Yet it is clear that The Garden City News (“GCN”), which reported last week on a leaked copy of the Report, does not not fully appreciate nor understand the Plan’s impact on the Village’s finances and the residents’ pocketbooks.

Consistent with the expressed goal of GCN to provide residents with full and fair news coverage, the St Paul’s Conservancy is requesting a meeting with the GCN to help GCN better understand our Financial Plan.

The Conservancy is open and available to meet at a time and place of the GCN’s choosing. We are also available to meet if requested with any Village resident, especially those residents who have taken the time to raise thoughtful concerns in letters to GCN.

The Conservancy’s Financial Plan has been offered to the public for many years. It is time for GCN and its readers to have a better understanding of the Plan’s various components and advantages.

The St Pauls Conservancy looks forward to a productive meeting with GCN.

Frank McDonough, Peter Coll, Co-Chairs St. Paul’s Conservancy

Government is the problem

To the Editor:

In his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1981, President Ronald Reagan famously noted: “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem”. He reflected that limited government was at the heart of the Founding Fathers’ vision, embracing the dignity and freedom of the individual. He warned that government may have “grown beyond the consent of the governed”. Reagan further noted that with any solution, “no one group (should be) singled out to pay a higher price”.

These are useful reminders in the context of our 35-year St. Paul’s conundrum. The current Board of Trustees spent the better part of two years iter-

ating through 27 versions of a Villagewide Survey that ultimately removed demolition as an explicit choice.

Any of the three options presented— Adaptive Reuse, Partial Renovation, and Mothballing—would dramatically expand Village debt beyond the $35 million in net debt (2025). Adaptive Reuse would require significantly higher annual operating and maintenance expenses (perhaps $500-$800/household), triggering meaningful tax increases above and beyond the necessary tax increases to cover project financing costs. In other words, these proposals were the antithesis of limited government.

Despite this BOT’s goal of results that would ratify their Adaptive Reuse preference, the Survey results were clear, consistent, and contrary to their intent. Each of the three options presented were opposed by the majority of residents: 53%-40% against Adaptive Reuse, 59%-31% against Partial Renovation, and 77%-14% against Mothballing. The majority opposed any new taxes to fund their proposed preservation plans. None-of-the-above was the first choice of respondents (50%), nearly doubling that of adaptive reuse (27%).

Any attempt by this BOT to ignore these results and plow ahead with an Adaptive Reuse program would certainly represent an overreach “beyond the consent of the governed”. Moreover, such an effort would violate their public promises to follow the residents’ will.

The St. Paul’s Advisory Committee Report to the BOT invites Garden City to consider a New York City-style Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) of 1-3% on all real estate sales that would be used to partially offset the increased debt-service associated with an Adaptive Reuse project. This would represent the most intrusive of taxes on the single largest asset for most Garden City residents, potentially confiscating $15,000-$45,000 from an average $1.5 million house sale. It would also make Garden City uniquely less appealing to potential new home buyers, or to families considering up-sizing within the Village. Clearly, RETT would violate the Reagan standard that “no one group (should be) singled out to pay a higher price”.

Reagan eloquently spoke of a government that would “work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back”. You can judge whether this BOT conforms to this standard or is, instead, pursuing a dramatic expansion in government spending and intrusion into private real estate transactions just to Save Every Brick.

On March 18, 2026, please vote for Neha Bajaj, Tom Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey, and Tom Ryan, for the Board of Trustees to bring limited government that stands by our side.

James Kumpel

Character, leadership, experience

To the Editor:

I wholeheartedly endorse Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, and Judy Courtney for re-election to the Board of Trustees, along with fellow CAP candidate Gerard Smith. Our current Trustees have successfully replaced past divisiveness with true professionalism and a deep respect for all neighbors. Their consistent availability and high level of responsiveness have set a new standard for our community. This slate of dedicated residents possesses the character, leadership, and professional experience essential to keep moving Garden City forward, not back.

John Reilly

Expanding vision of Library

To the Editor:

There is something about walking into a library that is uniquely peaceful. The immediate hush when you enter feels like an escape from today’s world of constant notifications and demands on our attention. Libraries are one of the few public spaces left, open to everybody. In a digital world ruled by social media apps, modern libraries provide more than just books. They are a gathering space for workshops, classes and events, providing much needed social interaction, connection and companionship for children and adults alike. Our own public library here in Garden City gets more than 15,000 visitors each month, up from a monthly average of 6,000 visitors just two years ago. With a newly renovated children’s space, the library is hosting more and more programming including last week when the library partnered with our school district PTA to hold a Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) event for elementary school children to experience writing and illustrating their own hardcover books. Teen programming has also been slowly expanding. The past few years, the library has hosted successful teen events including a popular Halloween party attended by over 100 teens last year.

With libraries across the country increasingly becoming hubs within their community, it is time that we expand our vision of the Garden City Public Library. In a survey conducted by the library last year, residents expressed a clear desire for more diverse and expanded programming for both children and adults. Residents also noted a strong need for meeting spaces for outside groups and large events, as well as improved program space. The Library Board and Administration has outlined a reasonable plan to renovate the lower level to provide a more modernized space to accommodate residents’ needs and feedback.

Our village debt is projected to increase significantly this year, and it

is already at levels higher than many of our neighboring and peer towns on a per capita basis. We cannot have everything that we want, but we can do more with what we have by investing in existing resources, including our public library. Let’s invest for the future, not the past.

Neha Bajaj

Integrity

To the Editor:

I am honored to write this letter for my friend of 51 years, Gerard Smith, who is seeking election to the Board of Trustees for the Village of Garden City. I served with Gerard on the Board of Governors at the Cherry Valley Club and was consistently impressed by his integrity, work ethic and dedication. He approaches responsibilities with enthusiasm and diligence. I am confident that Gerard would serve our Village as a Trustee with the same integrity that he has shown Garden City in the past.

James Healy

In support of Neha Bajaj

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Neha Bajaj of the FABGC slate for the Village Board. Personally, I have known Neha for roughly ten years. We worked closely together as Co-Presidents of Garden City’s Special Education Parent Teacher Association (GCSEPTA) and served as fellow Board Members for nine of those years.

Neha is an involved mother, a disability advocate and a leader in our school community. I have witnessed her composure and intellect during meetings with our school district. I am in awe of her determination in reaching goals, such as authoring her first children’s book, or going back to school to earn her master’s degree. Her background, both within and outside of our village, will make her an ideal trustee. Neha is smart, tenacious, honest and kind, and would be a tremendous asset to our village government.

Cristina Dickey

Let the goodness go on!

To the Editor:

From the all the work at Cleutt Hall to the beautiful turf fields at Saint Paul’s and the beautiful plantings everywhere and all the fabulous road repair, I want to take the time to thank Mayor Finneran and Trustee Muldoon and all our wonderful Board of Trustees for making Garden City the place to be and also all the repairs to our Senior Center too.

From the sparkling Toll House to the architectural wonder of the Water Works, I wish everyone a great 2026. May we all have the best year of our lives. May we thrive and stay on the positive side. May we look forward to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

all the good things to come and take the time to hug our loved ones. Happy 2026 to everyone!

And please vote for Trustee Muldoon, Trustee Courtney, Trustee Tai and our new guy… the fabulous Gerard Smith. Vote for our POA slate on March 18, 2026! Let the goodness go on!

Karen Reiter

Willing to make hard decisions

To the Editor:

I want to share my thoughts on why Neha will make an excellent trustee for our village.

I’ve known Neha for almost 10 years. My wife and I met her when she was part of SEPTA. Her kindness and the knowledge she shared helped us effectively advocate for our older son in the Garden City School District.

Neha’s empathy allows her to see different perspectives on issues without judgment. This ability helps her form evidence-based assessments of various options, and her background allows her to explain her rationale in clear, accessible language. She has a strong grasp of our village’s history and what it means to re.

We need someone who is organized, thoughtful, and professional — someone willing to make decisions that benefit all of us, even when those decisions might conflict with personal preferences. I believe Neha is that person.

Niten Jaiswal

Muldoon helps every corner of GC

To the Editor:

I support the reelection of Trustee Vinny Muldoon for one simple reason: he’s a fearless leader who’s focussed on improving the quality of life for everyone in the village and all four neighborhoods.

The list is long and everything is something which urgently needed to be done: from fire/traffic safety and flow, to the restoration of Edgemere Firehouse and the renovation of Cluett Hall/the Fieldhouse, to pool upgrades and tennis/pickleball courts at Grove Street Park, to Meadow Street drainage project, lead water pipe replacement, sewer lift station projects.

When you’re on Seventh Street, or Franklin Avenue, or New Hyde Park Road business districts, the repairs, cleaning, and beautification were vigorously driven (and happily displayed on social media) by Vinny.

The Casino? Vinny is one of the loudest, most visible opponents.

And yet, if you’re a resident or a village organization and have a problem or a question, he listens and shows up to help correct it. What more could we want?

Francine Ryan

Supports FAB candidates

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Jo-Ann Frey, Thomas Ryan, Thomas Brosnan and Neha Bajaj, candidates for Board of Trustees for the Village of Garden City. I have known Jo-Ann Frey since we attended Stewart School together many years ago. I have known her all through her school years, college and law school, and for all the years she practiced law. Ms Frey has always been devoted to serving people. She spent many years defending the civil rights of people suffering housing discrimination, and she has always cared deeply about her community. She moved back to Garden City about ten years ago and, having retired from law, is prepared to devote herself to furthering the best interests of Garden City Residents.

Lisa Norton

CAP has proven track record

To the Editor:

Running a village effectively for the benefit of its residents requires relevant knowledge and  experience. The Community Agreement Party candidates—Deputy Mayor Judy Courtney, Trustees Vinny Muldoon and Jessica Tai, and lifelong resident Gerard Smith—have the demonstrated ability to successfully address the myriad issues that a village of 23,000 residents and an annual budget of $80 million encounters.

Among their accomplishments over the past two years: approved a new turf field at St. Paul’s that will open this Spring; approved the renovation of the Edgemere fire house while reducing the initial renovation cost estimates by millions; obtained a $450,000 grant from NYS to improve crime prevention technology;  worked with the water department to complete a lead service line inventory, while educating residents on the issues associated with lead lines; approved the installation of a new slide at the GC pool for the coming season; engaged consultants to design a plan for reducing traffic in the Mott section and implemented techniques at North Avenue to reduce cut through traffic; worked with residents to revise the sidewalk replacement policy to save residents thousands of dollars; led efforts, including two lawsuits, opposing the mega casino at the Nassau Hub.

These are only a few examples of the many ways that these Trustees’ actions have worked for the benefit of all residents, all the while improving communication with the BOT through social media and the Village app, and between Village departments.

In no way do these other issues diminish the importance of St. Paul’s for both its historical value and the costs associated with its ultimate disposition. Whatever your position, the

Mayor and the Trustees have pledged not to undertake any significant action and associated taxpayer expense without the support of a majority of residents.

The CAP candidates have a proven track record, in both Village government and the private sector, that the residents can rely upon to maintain Garden City as one of the most desirable communities on Long Island.

Christine Mullaney

What’s best for GC

To the Editor:

Having worked as a professor at Adelphi University for almost two decades and being in my second year living in Garden City, I support JoAnn Frey’s candidacy for Trustee of our village. I’ve known JoAnn for over a decade and know that her decisions will be guided by what is best for Garden City.

Stephen Shore, Ed.D. Associate Clinical Professor of Special Education

Accomplishments!

To the Editor:

Vote for the team that has a proven record of getting things done! Support the group of volunteers that has worked tirelessly to improve the village for the residents. Accomplishments-that is what I want to know when I cast my vote. What have these candidates accomplished and what will they continue to do to make Garden City a better place for residents?

I am writing to express my strong endorsement of Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, Judy Courtney, and Gerard Smith for the position of Village Trustee. What this BOT has accomplished in just one year is unprecedented and I am proud to be part of this board. It is about working together. We don’t always agree, and we have had some heated debates, but it is this dialog that pushes us to think beyond our own thoughts, open our minds to different ideas and it consistently ends up bringing us to an action that the majority of residents support and feel is best for the village. This is how government is supposed to work.

The result is what our residents are seeing. After years of turmoil and little action we are playing catch-up. This year has had many notable accomplishments: approval to move forward with the Edgemere Firehouse renovation, a turf fielding going in at St. Paul’s, the waterslide at the pool being replaced, the Cedar Valley lift station being renovated (no one wants sewage backing up into their homes), a new head of the Recreation Department hired, implementation of traffic calming measures in several places throughout the village,

From page 47

The

Friday, January 30, 2026

the beautification of 7th street, updates to Cluett Hall, and modernization of the bathroom facilities for our police officers as more women join the force, just to name a few of the many achievements.

There is more to do and voting for Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, Judy Courtney and Gerard Smith is the way to keep the village moving forward in a positive way. This is a group of volunteers that will leave no stone unturned in finding solutions to difficult problems that the village faces. To give more detail on one example, for eight years the Edgemere Firehouse has been in discussion; now it is moving forward at a cost $3 million less than other boards had put forth.

Talk is Easy. Action Delivers. I am confident that electing this group of candidates will result in balanced, effective leadership and a Village Board which will benefit from both experience and new ideas. I encourage residents to join me in supporting Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, Judy Courtney and Gerard Smith in the upcoming election on Wednesday March 18th, St. Paul’s Gym from 12:00pm-9:00pm

Yvonne Varano

A tremendous asset to board

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Neha Bajaj as she runs for the Board of Trustees. Neha is one of the most dedicated and thoughtful people I know, and those qualities consistently show in her work and leadership.

Neha has always been a leader and a passionate advocate in our community. Within our school district, Neha has been an active leader on the PTA, SEPTA, and various committees, raising critical issues, bringing forward practical ideas, and working collaboratively to improve outcomes for students and families. She doesn’t just identify problems—she follows through with care and purpose to drive solutions.

Within our broader community, Neha is constantly volunteering, actively engaging in civic issues, and helping wherever she can. Her commitment to service is genuine and ongoing, not limited to any single role or title. She listens carefully to all views, values diverse perspectives, and leads with courage, integrity, and honesty.

There is no doubt in my mind that Neha Bajaj will be a tremendous asset to the Board of Trustees and will serve our community with dedication and fairness. I strongly encourage others to support her candidacy and to vote for her as well as Thomas Ryan, Jo-Ann Frey, and Thomas Brosnan on March 18th.

Melissa Boccia

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Long history of service

To the Editor:

I am so pleased to hear that Neha Bajaj is running for a position on the Board of Trustees. Neha has a long history of service to our community, including leadership roles within SEPTA and the PTA. I am confident she will take this new opportunity seriously and work tirelessly on behalf of the town. She is brilliant, organized, compassionate, and deeply committed to Garden City.

Leigh Dowden

Depth of knowledge

To the Editor:

I am proud to share my enthusiastic support for Thomas Brosnan as Trustee of Garden City in the upcoming village election on March 18, 2026.

Having known Tom for over 14 years—as a fellow commuter, friend, and mentor—I have seen firsthand his depth of knowledge and expertise in finance and fiduciary matters. Tom truly listens to residents’ concerns, values diverse viewpoints, and consistently acts with integrity in every decision he makes.

Tom’s dedication to our village is reflected in his ongoing community service, including his involvement in events like the cherished Turkey Trot. His unwavering commitment and ability to thoughtfully anticipate the longterm needs of Garden City make him an exceptional asset to our community. With his heart and soul devoted to the betterment of our village, I am confident that Tom will help guide Garden City into a bright future.

I strongly urge everyone to support his candidacy when voting on village election day.

Bella Kang

Has the music stopped?

To the Editor:

So many readers couldn’t agree more with the January 16th  “The View From Here” in regards to the current “sour nature of our politics” and for that matter the dire state of our union. At times, many of us believe we are either on a bus to an unfathomable never-never land or worse - going you know where in a bucket! How else should one feel when we witness restless Gestapo-like riot squads silence and in some cases murder protesters on the streets of Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C. New York and Portland. Protesters, who as Mr. Morgan correctly reports are justly opposing “...sweeps of all unauthorized persons living here, many who make contributions to our society.” Lest not forget some of these contributions are being accomplished in our own community. The protesters are not criminals -

they’re victims - merely expressing their First Amendment rights

And what about our President preaching “America First” and against foreign entanglements while dropping bombs on Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yeman, Nigeria and Venezuela the latter of which he’s only in because he wants to steal and grab their liquid gold. It’s as if he’s playing the game of Risk and thinks he’s the only one who can shake and cast the die and thus has no chance of losing. Even the staunchest MAGA disciples are not jumping for joy over the president’s betrayal in such matters with most shaking their heads in disbelief. For sure, our president is overly inclined to use his “big stick.”

And there is the economy where prices have skyrocketed (could it be it’s just dawning on Americans we pay for the tariffs) while countless citizens who have been forced to relinquish their healthcare join the tired and broken worried about their next meal on desolation rows all over America. All while the administration spends a half billion dollars to build a golden ballroom. How wonderful will it be to see over one thousand of the President’s comrades dance around and around, possibly doing a half-step or two....not!

Last but not least are his pardons of career criminals and how the wheels of his justice department grind indictments to threaten those who have wronged or opposed him - the most recent of which was filed against Fed Chairman Powell - a man many cite as saving America’s economy during Covid. Mr. Morgan is correct to petition for an independent Federal Reserve.

These “ indictments ” of the President’s first term can go on and on, but in the cause of requested brevity, I’m done with my words. We can conclude by reporting last week we bid a fond fare thee well to one of America’s greatest musicians whose life was spent trying to ensure the music never stopped. Yes, we survive while the band plays on but are we listening to our country’s swan song?

Joe Cauchi

A hero, not an embarrassment

To the Editor:

I was somewhat taken aback that the GC News is publishing letters to the editor concerning national (divisive) politics when we here in GC have enough of our own issues to deal with.

Having said that, I am responding to two separate letters printed in the

GC News over the past two weeks. President Trump has accomplished several things that directly impact GC taxpayers/residents. Almost every GC property owner will now be able to deduct up to $40,000 in state/property taxes. Furthermore, if the Democrats had their way (as they all voted no on the Great Beautiful Bill), every taxpayer in GC would have seen an increase in their federal tax rate. Lastly, next time you go to the gas station in and around GC, you are now saving around $1 per gallon. And as a majority of voters decided last year, he is not an embarrassment but a national hero. Everyone is entitled to an opinion in which they can freely express every 2-4 years. Excluding GC News column writers, it is my sincere hope that future “Letters to the Editor” will keep politics local. Remember, there is a village election in March, with more than enough issues to discuss/resolve.

Gordon Keit

Keep village issues local To the Editor:

I was disappointed to see recent letters printed in the last two editions of this paper devoted almost entirely to on-sided liberal national ideology and labeling national political figures as “embarrassments.” A more immediate concern is the use of the village newspaper as the vehicle for this partisan rhetoric rather than the concerns and issues of the village. No village resident should have to read this type of venting. Garden City is a uniquely insulated community with private services, low crime and amenities many surrounding areas do not enjoy. That reality deserves acknowledgement before pretending to know the lived experiences for millions of Americans.

Just beyond our borders, communities struggle with violent crime, strained public services and the real consequences of the unchecked illegal immigration and failed policies of the previous administration that did not put America first!

A village paper should focus on local governance, accountability and issues that directly affect its residents and not to serve as a platform for partisan advocacy. What is truly embarrassing is not disagreement over politics but the decision to inject divisive national ideology into a publication meant to serve a local civic purpose.

Jerry J. Dellacorte

Options to curb Mott cut-through traffic

From page 1

as well as the Nassau County Courts. There is an enormous amount of people who do not live in the village that are generally buzzing through these areas, coming from either the north or the east and some from the south. Depending on how the traffic is backed up, WAZE tells them to cut through Kingsbury, Wyatt, Huntington Road, and other directions to make the left-turns from Old Country Road. We need to figure out the perimeter and reduce this cut-through traffic as much as the village can,” he said.

Another goal is to review Mott Section strategies with the Department of Public Works and GCPD in order to “think outside the box.”

“We would try to do some test-things or pilot program attempts just like what we did for North Avenue. Two of the key streets of the Mott section where traffic comes out of and pours from are Transverse Road and Wetherill Road. They branch off those streets to jump back onto Old Country Road (averting stretches of heavy traffic). I think how we treat those two affects all the other blocks. Today we talked about picking those two and a couple of other streets to possibly conduct a survey – similar to what we did around North Avenue,” Trustee Muldoon said.

He spoke about the need for residents’ support to complete a survey, and whether that approach would suit the situation. After a special public meeting on the Mott Section, he said many residents were opposed to the installation of speed bumps on Transverse Road, expressing that they do not want to be inconvenienced.

A major consideration for the Village of Garden City involves reducing or stopping traffic generated by the closing times and end-of-day activity at the Nassau County Courts. This would not involve road closures, but Trustee Muldoon advised that the potential for a one-way street could be evaluated.

“The good news is that we have a couple of months to get prepared for the spring, and we should not be doing something with this frigid weather and frozen ground with snow. We have a lot of options and a ton of information on the Mott section to work with. We will have meetings over the next six weeks, put a group together and reach out again for certain groups of residents to provide input,” he commented.

Trustee Rich Catalano questioned whether shifting court-related traffic

away from the Mott Section through a one-way street would simply move the problem elsewhere.

“Will there be a way for us to monitor it and see if traffic is just shifting over by a block? Or do we wait until we can do a survey to figure out that trend? Is there a way of being more proactive?” he asked.

Chairman Muldoon said that regardless of what the village decides regarding control of local streets, the key issue is how each decision affects surrounding traffic patterns.

“There is no perfect scenario here, and we’ve said this from day one. We have to weigh it all out and give it thought, but I like for us to do things on a trial basis, see how that might work and get our residents’ feedback – and there is always the possibility of a reversal. That way when we decide we are going to move forward and do some things permanently we know that we’re good,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Judy Courtney punctuated the Traffic Commission’s discussion of the Mott Section.

“Once we figure out which things we are going to try first, the pre- and post- of those surrounding the changes won’t be needed. (Consulting engineers) Creighton Manning did recommend that the village decide this during mid-winter and start something in the spring, as you’ve mentioned,” she told Muldoon.

Trustee Catalano agreed, adding that he did not want Garden City to have to wait longer for another traffic survey to be completed.

Trustee Muldoon said the Traffic Commission is deferring plans for a trial traffic-calming effort in the Mott Section for now, but that he and Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni would meet to carefully review the options.

“We have time but we certainly have a lot to think about so I’d like to get together as soon as we can,” he said.

Eleventh Street turn signal

During the public comment period of the January 22nd Village Board meeting, resident Noreen Norcini asked about the Mott Section traffic study and also commented on the left-turn signal heading northbound on Washington Avenue to Eleventh Street.

Superintendent Borroni shared, “In our very limited updates we receive from Nassau County, we’ve finally received something good regarding our (village) request to activate the left turn signal northbound 24/7. They have approved the request and it would be implemented in approximately two weeks,” he said.

Trustee Muldoon then updated attendees, “Word on the street is that the signal went on today. People in our meeting audience tonight were there and they noticed it, so that left-turn signal is back in action.”

Norcini said she was pleased to hear the update, noting that in the 42 years she has lived in Garden City, the leftturn signal from Washington Avenue represents a “major improvement.” She recalled being involved in a serious accident at the intersection while making a left turn years ago.

She also shared her observations about traffic at Eleventh Street.

“If you are heading east on Eleventh and you wish to make a right onto Washington Avenue, you can make a right on a red light. It becomes a lit-

tle confusing when the turning light is on, so people can make that left from Washington Avenue onto Eleventh Street. For drivers doing the right on red there it would be nice if there was a turn signal (right) that was in sync with the left turn signal for the oncoming traffic – sometimes you would not know if their signal will turn off,” she said.

Mayor Ed Finneran responded that the matter would be handled by Nassau County, which controls the signal sequencing.

“We will be meeting with Nassau County in short order and we will bring this to their attention,” he said.

Trustee Muldoon added that residents with similar concerns or other traffic matters are welcome to contact him via email.

Environmental Tip of the Week

“Don’t Be Salty”

Winter isn’t over yet – and neither are icy sidewalks, steps and driveways. Rock salt can damage porous surfaces (bricks, concrete) by creating freeze/thaw cycles which increase cracks and damage. It also can harm plants /lawns, as well as your pets’ paws. Salt in water runoff is detrimental to local waterways. Further, rock salt doesn’t melt ice/ snow below 15 degrees and shouldn’t be used on concrete less than one year old.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is promoting their “Don’t be Salty, New York” campaign with useful ideas on using less rock salt while maintaining safety. See decny.gov

By choosing alternatives to salt for deicing, you can protect yourself, your pets, the exterior walkways of your home and the environment with fewer negative impacts:

• CMA (calcium magnesium chlorate) isn’t a salt, it’s made of dolomitic limestone and acetic acid (the main compound in vinegar). It prevents snowflakes from sticking together and on other surfaces. Pet safe, but recommend wiping paws.

• Calcium chloride is safe for asphalt and concrete (older than one year) but not bricks or stone; pet safe

Are you a professional?

but recommend wiping paws; works to -25 degrees.

• Rubbing alcohol can be combined with water and a little dish soap, and kept in a spray bottle. Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water so it melts ice and prevents re-freezing.

• Epsom salt melts ice, albeit slowly, at temperatures above 20 degrees.

• Sand, sawdust, kitty litter or coffee grounds can be used to increase traction (but not melt ice).

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

What No One Tells You About Losing Your Balance

Most people believe losing your balance is a part of aging…

Poor vision, inner ear issues, and disease can contribute to it feeling like it’s in decline…

But if you are experiencing a loss of confidence on your feet, what no one tells you is this:

The real reason you’re feeling that way is often muscle weakness.

Let me explain by starting with what muscles actually do…

They have three main jobs:

Strength: muscles create force so you can pick something up.

Speed: muscles create force quickly so you can turn your head to check traffic.

Endurance: muscles create force over time so you can walk through the

entire mall.

Becoming sure-footed is about having all three…

Because if your muscles aren’t strong enough, fast enough, or able to work over time…

Balance breaks down.

Now, muscle weakness doesn’t happen out of nowhere…

It comes down to factors such as:

Injuries: if you’ve ever stubbed your toe, you know how it feels to change how you walk…

this new normal and keeps muscles on that side from doing their job.

Surgeries: even when a procedure is successful, strength doesn’t just come back automatically.

If your muscles aren’t retrained, they don’t work the same way.

Aging: muscle mass naturally decreases over time unless it’s challenged.

happens.

Disuse: when you avoid taking the stairs, or stop walking regularly, your muscles shrink…

And with that, your strength, speed, and endurance fade as well.

The good news?

Balance doesn’t disappear because of your age…

It fades when muscles stop being asked to do their job…

And that’s something you still have control over.

You naturally shift your weight and move differently.

Over time, your body gets used to

Varsity Wrestling team hosts Bobby Menges Trojan War

The Garden City Varsity Wrestling Team hosted the 2nd Annual Bobby Menges Trojan War December 12 & 13, 2025. The tournament honors former Garden City wrestler Bobby Menges, who was taken from us far too soon after a courageous battle with cancer. Bobby credited much of his strength and resilience to the lessons he learned on the wrestling mat.

The varsity squad did not disappoint–they came ready to compete. Our Trojans captured the team title, defeating perennial powerhouses from both

Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as teams from upstate.

Thank you to all of the local businesses for their generous donations to the tournament: Garden Gourmet Deli and Caterers,

My 3 Sons, Garden City Pizza, Pantanos Doz Bagels, Bileddo’s Key Food, Garden City Pizza, 7th Street Gourmet, Prime Market and Catering, Pizza G, Tony’s Tacos, Stewart Manor Deli, Dunkin Donuts, American Beauty Restaurant, Smoke Haus.

Muscle is horsepower…

Less muscle mass means less ability to react when something unexpected

Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646) 415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

Islanders owner to speak at Adelphi

Adelphi University will host New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky for a discussion on “ Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Corporate Responsibility in the Sports Industry”on Thursday, February 5, at 4:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Concert Hall on Adelphi’s Garden City campus. The conversation will be moderated by former ASICS Americas President and CEO Gene McCarthy.

The sports executives will explore how all leaders can authentically integrate social impact into their organizations, moving beyond superficial efforts to embed responsibility into their core values. They will share insights from their extensive management experience, examining the intersection of profitability and purpose, the imperative of ethical leadership and the expectations of the next generation of consumers and workers.

Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders and the Bridgeport Islanders, has a history of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. He founded U.S. Office Products in 1994, which, by 1998, became the fastest entrant in the history of the Fortune 500. Ledecky has been involved in more than 20 companies that eventually became publicly traded. His first foray into professional sports ownership came in 1999, when he acquired an interest in the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards. He continues his philanthropic work through the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation.

Gene McCarthy, who has held executive roles at ASICS, Under Armour, Nike and Reebok, brings a wealth of experience in brand transformation

Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky

and leadership. McCarthy is currently the founder and CEO of Top League Advisory and author of “Chasing Four: A Personal History of Work and Play”. A former All-American athlete, he credits his leadership philosophy to lessons learned during his early days of elite competition.

Registration is required for this free event, sponsored by Adelphi's Robert B. Willumstad School of Business Hagedorn Lectureship on Corporate and Social Responsibility. All attendees are invited to a reception following the discussion. For more information, please contact events@adelphi.edu.

How to Create a CommunityPass Account!

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.

Stay Up to Date On All Things Recreation!

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 . Fencing Program

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 Needed

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.

Family Fun Time Hours at St. Paul’s

Family Fun Time Hours at St. Paul’s

Family Fun Time (for all residents, elementary aged children must be accompanied by an adult) - Sundays 3pm-5pm

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 Lessons

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.

Adult Pastel Class

The Garden City’s Department of Recreation and Parks will offer an adult art class this winter.  This tenweek (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.

SuperTots Sports Academy

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.

Future 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

Pioneer Sports 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.

Sports & Recreation Network: Hockey Clinic which will Emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship.  The clinic will help in growing skills, capturing smiles, and making memories.  There will be highlight moments and interviews put on video.  Will be held at roller rink in Community Park on Saturday, April 18.  Ages 4–6 at 9 a.m., ages 7–11 at 10:15 a.m., and ages 12–14 at 11:30 a.m.  More information at www.sportsrecnet.com

Yoga in Cluett Hall

Yoga at Cluett Hall on Feb: 28, Mar: 7, 14, April: 4, 18, 25, and May: 2, 9, 16, 23.  For 10 classes it will be $100, $15 drop in.

There is also a Valentines Day Special!  Try it for just 3 classes for $35, or 4 classes for $50!   Contact Amanda at amandaadamo123@gmail. com for more information.

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

Former Penn State wrestler visits Garden City

On Tuesday, January 19, Garden City had the honor of hosting Rohan Murphy, a former Penn State Division I wrestler and nationally recognized motivational speaker, for a wrestling technique clinic and youth inspirational session with both the Garden City High School varsity wrestling team and the Garden City Grapplers youth wrestlers.

Murphy, who was born without legs, forged a remarkable athletic career despite adversity — walking on to the Penn State wrestling team, earning three varsity letters, and later becoming an accomplished Paralympian and speaker on resilience and determination. His story has been featured in Sports Illustrated, ABC News, and Nike’s “No Excuses” campaign, and he now travels the country sharing his message of courage, perseverance, self-belief and gratitude.

Clinic with Garden City Wrestlers

The day began with an intensive technique session for the varsity squad, during which Murphy worked one-onone with athletes to refine their stance, hand-fighting, and takedown entries. His hands-on coaching and personal insights resonated with wrestlers of all ages.

“Rohan’s visit was incredibly powerful for our program. Our athletes learned far more than just technique today — they learned about self-belief, overcoming adversity, and what it truly means to compete with a no-excuses mentality. This is a message every student should hear, not just wrestlers,” said Stephen Jones, Garden City High School varsity wrestling coach.

Following the varsity clinic, Murphy engaged with the Garden City Grapplers, a community youth wrestling program. Over 60 of the young wrestlers in attendance were encouraged to try drills at their own pace, ask questions, and learn from someone who has turned perceived limitations into strengths.

“One of the most powerful lessons Rohan shared was how the ‘ands’ and the ‘buts’ define who you are and the impact

you leave behind. You want to be remembered as a great athlete and a great teammate, and a respected leader — not someone who was talented but didn’t work hard or but wasn’t good to others. That message really resonated with me and hopefully the kids.,” said Matt Rich, Head Coach of the Garden City Grapplers. Matt Rich was responsible for coordinating the event and extending it to multiple age levels, “We’re extremely grateful to the GC Grapplers Board for supporting this idea and making this event possible. Their commitment to bringing positive role models like Rohan to our program shows how much they care about developing not only strong athletes, but strong young people.”

Murphy’s Message: No Limits, No Excuses

In a talk with both varsity and youth athletes, Murphy shared his personal journey — from being introduced to wrestling as a freshman at East Islip High School to competing at the collegiate level and beyond.

“You have a choice in life to be average, good, or great,” Murphy often says, a line he shared with Garden City athletes, emphasizing that effort and mindset are key predictors of success. “There are no excuses.”

He encouraged wrestlers to push past obstacles, embrace hard work, and commit to their goals — both on and off the mat.

Community Impact

The event was not just about wrestling technique; it was about inspiring the next generation of athletes to face challenges with confidence and grit. Parents, coaches, and athletes alike left energized by Murphy’s authenticity and relatable message.

Jaguars capture title at Winter Kickfest

Sienna Lattuca, Dianna Impennato

Second row: Cara Corrigan, Ashley Swanson, Caroline Lentini, Grace Gough, Gemma Kelly, Garrett Hannan

Not pictured: Abby Eng, Louise Prager

The U-12 Jaguars won the first winter season over at Globall Sports beating a very strong Rough Riders team in the championship game. Competing in a fast-paced 5v5 format on a condensed field, the Jaguars had to adapt quickly –

focusing on crisp passing, tight control and smart movement to outplay their opponents. These improvements in ball movement and team communication should serve the Jags well as they gear up for the spring season!

Varsity Cheer seniors honored on Senior Night

On Wednesday, January 14, Garden City High School celebrated the dedication and leadership of Ellie Brantuk, Addison Bushart and Anna Nappi on Senior Night!

The varsity cheerleaders play a vital role in creating an exciting game-day atmosphere, energizing the crowd, and cheering courtside at every home game each winter season. Beyond the sidelines, the team also competes in competitive cheer, demonstrating athleticism, teamwork and school pride throughout the winter season.

Ellie, Addison and Anna took on the

added responsibility of choreographing the Senior Night halftime routine, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and leadership. Their choreography brought excitement to the court and highlighted the talent and unity of the entire cheer squad.

Congratulations to them for their years of dedication, hard work, and passion for Garden City High School. Their contributions have strengthened the cheer program and inspired younger athletes to lead with confidence and pride. G-O- Let’s Go Trojans!

GC Tradition K & 1st grade spring lax clinics

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 one hour 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.

GC Booster Club recognizes Trojans Fall Championships

Varsity Boys Soccer with plaques honoring their second consecutive New York State Class AA Championship.

In celebration of a remarkable fall sports season, the Garden City Booster Club introduced a championship recognition program to honor GCHS teams that captured titles. Custom photo plaques, made possible through the generosity of Booster Club donors, were created as keepsakes for players and coaches to commemorate their historic achievements.

Varsity Field Hockey, Boys Soccer, Football, and Girls Volleyball teams were recognized during halftime ceremonies at girls and boys basketball games this winter. Booster Club President Drew Carey reflected on each team’s road to a championship as play-

ers and coaches were invited onto the court to receive their plaques in front of family, friends, and supporters.

The plaques and ceremonies were enthusiastically received, signaling the beginning of what many hope will become a Garden City Booster Club tradition.

If you are interested in donating to the GC Booster Club (501 c3 organization) please visit our web site: http:// www.gardencityboosterclub.org/ Membership starts as low as $25 and your donations provide vital resources to our children, supplementing areas not covered by the school budget.

Hoops for Hope on March 2

An excited player makes a shot!

Want a great way to spend an afternoon? Come to Hoops for Hope! Come cheer the Challengers on Monday, March 2, 2026 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 longterm illnesses.

Teamwork is what makes this event so great. Students and faculty from all of the GC Schools, 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

Bobby Menges

to win great prizes. Family and business sponsorships are available. If interested please contact Liz Menges at efmenges131@gmail.com. Quesions? Contact Katherine O’Hanlon at 516-760-7868.

It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

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