The Garden City News (2/13/26)

KLONDIKE DERBY

Congratulations to St. Joseph Troop 243 competing at the Annual Klondike Derby at Muttontown Preserve. These scouts were battle tested all over the harsh snowy Preserve on January 31, really showing off their “particular set of skills” while being judged over eight different events on their own. These brave Scouts are: CJ Peek, Brock Miller, Gavin Fernando, Robert Deierlein, Sebastian White, William Schrafel, William Sievers, Peter McEvoy, Matthew Clemente. Parent leaders: Andrew Schrafel, Antonio Cruz and Cameron Peek.

Student interns help power Chamber of Commerce centennial celebrations

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The quarterly “Garden City Connect” networking and business meet-and-greet was a smashing success, held in the Ruth S. Harley Ballroom at the Adelphi University Student Union Building on Wednesday,

February 4th. The event helped ring in the 100-year anniversary of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce.

With more than 250 attendees, Garden City Chamber President John Wilton noted that in the U.S., 19 Chambers of Commerce have reached 100

years in operation. He thanked the chamber board and all others working behind the scenes to plan and organize Garden City Connect, as such efforts often go unheralded. Wilton also spoke about the contributions and preparations made

See page 40

Village to seek bids on St. Paul’s demolition

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the Garden City Board of Trustees meeting on February 5th, Garden City Mayor Edward Finneran announced that the Board of Trustees has directed Superintendent of Buildings Giuseppe Giovanniello to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) seeking professional estimates for the potential demolition of the St. Paul’s main building on Stewart Avenue.

The mayor said the move is intended to provide factual information requested by residents opposed to efforts to preserve the structure. One of the seven recommendations made by the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee, he noted, is to clarify the costs associated with demolishing the building and constructing a park on its current footprint.

See page 37

Board moves to extend subdivision moratorium

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the Garden City Board of Trustees’ meeting on Thursday night, February 5th, Mayor Ed Finneran announced a plan to extend the current moratorium on residential subdivision applications to the Building Department into the spring. A resolution formally extending the moratorium, which was first put into place with a unanimous Board vote on August 14th, 2025, is set to appear on the Board’s Tuesday, February 17th meeting agenda.

Mayor Finneran announced, “We will be moving to extend the moratorium on subdivisions into its first three-month extension period. We have continued to work very hard with the others on the Committee. Our Deputy Mayor Judy Courtney has been working closely with them, and we moved forward with a number of items to institute.”

First, the Village of Garden City will no longer allow as-of-right

See page 37

The letters to the editor continue this week with 35 of them arriving prior to deadline on Wednesday. We hope you find them informative and as there’s still four more issues before the village election on March 18th no doubt there will be a lot more coming.

As it has been for decades now, the main topic of discussion in the letters has been St. Paul’s, which makes sense because the resolution of that issue may impact the village for generations.

We were glad to hear that the Board of Trustees will be seeking information on the costs of possible demolition of St. Paul’s, because it has been the missing piece of the financial puzzle. You can’t evaluate the plans for the building without understanding the costs for all of the options.

Once that information is in, maybe at last we can finally bring this long ordeal to an end, one way or another.

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

CAP candidates on RETT

To the Editor:

As candidates for Village Trustee running with the Community Agreement Party (CAP), we believe it is important to help clarify several points related to recent commentary following the St. Paul’s Committee presentation.

First, we would like to thank the entire committee, chaired by residents Bob Catell and Frank Tauches for all their work over the past year.  The St. Paul’s Committee is composed of volunteer Garden City residents who were asked by the Board to explore and present a range of possible options concerning the St. Paul’s property, looking at various areas such as financing the  project or covering the potential costs of operating or maintaining a facility. Their role was strictly advisory, and their presentation reflected the limited scope of that request. No recommendations were made.

In the discussion that has followed, significant attention has been placed on one specific concept — the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT). It has been stated that the current Board of Trustees (and the CAP candidates) are “considering” or “discussing” its implementation. This is inaccurate. The Board has publicly stated on multiple occasions that the RETT is not being considered or discussed. Nevertheless, references to it continue to appear in campaign materials and public commentary, by both FABGC candidates and their supporters.

To be clear, as CAP candidates, we do not support a RETT and have never stated that we do. Likewise, the current sitting Board of Trustees has never expressed support for this approach.

As candidates, we believe residents deserve a clear understanding of who they are voting for and what each candidate believes. Toward that end, we would welcome a public debate involving all Village Trustee candidates and invite all residents to attend. This would offer a valuable chance for residents to

hear directly from the candidates about their experience, priorities, and plans for the Village. We invite the FABGC candidates to reach out to us if they are interested in participating.

We hope that by clarifying these points, future discussions about St. Paul’s and other important Village matters can be grounded in fact.

Judy Courtney, Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, Gerard Smith

Let’s talk money

To the Editor:

The St. Pauls Conservancy’s proposed Financial Plan has attracted attention in the Garden City News and on Social Media from some residents.

The Conservancy suggests that the Garden City News moderate a public conversation between the Conservancy and representatives of the Plan’s critics during the week of March 2, 2026 in the evening.

Representatives of the Conservancy and the Plan’s critics can engage and discuss the specifics of the Financial Plan. Both the Conservancy and the Plan’s critics would be available for questions from the audience after the conversation.

The St Pauls Conservancy supports the Garden City News’ effort to provide accurate and transparent information to Village residents. The proposed public conversation will further those efforts.

Peter Coll & Frank McDonough, Co-Chairs

Financial Whack-a-Mole

To the Editor:

This Board of Trustees is playing Whack A Mole with the St. Paul’s issue. When one tactic fails, they duck down, out of view, then pop up with another, pretending that was their idea all along. This is the least transparent thing they could do.

In January, the Mayor indicated See page 44

GCHS students excel at Science Olympiad

Garden City High School students demonstrated their dedication and skill at the Science Olympiad Nassau East Regional Competition, held Jan. 31 at Division Avenue High School. This year, the club welcomed many new members, while returning students worked diligently to improve their performance in events they had previously competed in.

A total of 40 Garden City students competed across three teams, preparing throughout the year for both testbased and hands-on build events. The Garden City A team placed 16th overall out of 44 teams, with students earning medals in nine different events across multiple disciplines. Congratulations to the following students who earned medals:

Second place: Taylor Maguire and Sarah Phinney (Chemistry Lab)

Fifth place: Laila Rajpal and Kaitlyn McDonald (Designer Genes)

Sixth place: Liz Sanchez and Maddy Healey (Ping Pong Parachute)

Sixth place: Brandon Lam and Eric Lam (Write It Do It)

Seventh place: Fallon Grant and Claire Wu (Dynamic Planet)

Seventh place: Sarah Phinney (Remote Sensing)

Eighth place: Mindy Huang and

Morgan Stanley Advice Matters.

Raymond George CRPC ® Managing Director, Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Letao Tao (Entomology)

Ninth place: Grace Kumpel and Brandon Lam (Forensics)

Ninth place: Letao Tao and Marcus Lam (Anatomy and Physiology)

“We are so excited to continue growing this club and supporting our students who have a passion for science,” said Tori Flaherty and Charles

Hager, advisers of the GCHS Science Olympiad. “They are all incredible and we can't wait for our next regional competition in February 2027!”

Cody George CDFA® Vice President L-R: Cody, Raymond, Taylor

Financial Advisor

Taylor George The George Group at Morgan Stanley 1200 Franklin Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 516-683-3282

Associate Vice President

Financial Advisor raymond.george@ morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/the-george-group

Team: Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2022-2026 Raymond: Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for 2019-2025

The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney

Source: Forbes.com (2023-2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC. based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Source: Forbes.com (2019-2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. For more information on award methodology and criteria, scan QR code.

Built in 1930, this classic brick colonial is located midblock in the heart of the estates section. Situated on 80x100 property, this spacious home features 3,475 square feet of interior space. All common rooms are very generously sized with high ceilings. There are 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a 2 car detached garage. Near to schools, parks and LIRR.

Offered at $1,999,000

Garden City PTA News

PTA Dinner on March 31

We know it doesn't seem that way, but the annual PTA dinner is right around the corner! This year’s theme is “I belong just as I am.” YOU belong at the PTA’s biggest fundraiser of the year - we hope to see you all there! There will be assigned tables again this year, so start creating your table of 10 now. Tickets will go on sale just after February break. Emails regarding monetary donations for grade level raffle baskets have begun to be distributed. It is never too late to donate your time or empty baskets to the dinner committee. If you have any donations of goods or services, please contact dinnerdonations@gardencitypta.org

Career Resources CommitteeVolunteers Wanted!

We’re excited to announce the return of our interview skills practice opportunity for high school students March 20 and 27, 3–4:30 p.m. at GCHS, and we need your help! Experienced parent volunteers are wanted to guide students through mock interviews, offering constructive feedback and support. If interested, please email careerresources@ gardencitypta.org to request the form.

PTA Nominations Open For 2026–27

It’s never too early to nominate

GREAT candidates for our 26–27 PTA Executive Committee.

Open positions this year: President-Elect, Executive VP, VP of Curriculum, VP of Legislation, VP of Communications, Middle School Director, Homestead Director, Locust Director.

Nominate yourself or someone you know TODAY at gardencitypta.org Deadline to submit is March 11, 2026.

Annual Sponsorship Applications Now Available!

Email sponsorships@gardencitypta.org.

Other Important Dates

• March 2 - PARP Virtual

Author Visit  with Susan B. Katz

• March 3 - Joint Primary Meeting

• March 10 - Joint MS/HS Meeting

• 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!

your Neighborhood

FABGC candidates meet with residents

Tom Ryan, FABGC candidate for Village Board of Trustees, discusses issues with residents during a meet and greet event.

STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY FOR A BETTER GARDEN CITY CANDIDATES

Village Trustee candidates Tom Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey, Neha Bajaj and Tom Ryan, held their second meet and greet Tuesday evening at the Senior Center. The candidates introduced themselves and discussed their platform. Residents had questions for the candidates about their support of the St. Paul’s Park. Those in attendance expressed support for a park, but also had questions. In particular, they asked about whether the candidate's proposal included retention of the field house and Cluett Hall and what would happen to the existing playing fields. The candidates assured those in attendance that the park proposal would retain the field house and Cluett Hall as those are being used by Village residents. Further, the existing playing fields would remain. Other questions centered on costs for a park and the candidates explained

that the landscaping for a park with trees and flowers is estimated to cost $4 million. Once there is a park, additional elements could be decided if, and when, residents decided to do so

Residents also asked the candidates where they stood on other Village issues, and the candidates spoke about their opposition to a casino or slots parlor at the HUB. They spoke about the danger to the aquifer from a casino or slots parlor. They would prioritize addressing Village wide traffic calming and work to add further zoning restrictions to address lot splits. They also spoke about the importance of strict approval procedures on home construction projects to maintain the character of the Village.

The event lasted over an hour and a half, and the candidates look forward to meeting more residents at their next scheduled Meet and Greet on Tuesday, March 24, at the Senior Center from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Call us at 294-8900 to place an ad in our classifieds. We’ll help you be seen by thousands of local readers!

Proudly

Christina Giannone

Born and raised in Garden City, Christina Giannone brings genuine local insight and a deep connection to the community. Raised in a family rmly rooted in the real estate industry, she has absorbed valuable knowledge about property values, negotiations, and client advocacy that informs every transaction she handles.

Christina pairs that hometown perspective with a strong nancial toolkit — a B.S. in Finance from Providence College and analytical experience at Fitch Ratings — giving her a data-driven, detail-focused approach to pricing, market analysis, and transaction management.

Known for clear communication, organization, and integrity, Cristina delivers attentive, personalized service built on trust. Whether you’re buying or selling in Garden City or greater Long Island, she blends neighborhood intuition and nancial expertise to move deals forward decisively — turning local knowledge and smart strategy into your best possible outcome.

CAP candidates host Town Hall

On Tuesday, February 3, at 7:30 p.m., the four Community Agreement Party candidates met with residents at the Town Hall for an engaging and well-attended public forum. Residents had the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and to engage with them on a wide range of subjects and community concerns. The discussion was thoughtful, respectful, and informative, reflecting the candidates’ commitment to listening to residents and addressing priorities. The candidates— Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, Judy Courtney, and Gerard Smith—demonstrated strong preparation, collaboration, and dedication to the community they seek to serve. Voters are encouraged to participate in the upcoming election and cast their ballots on March 18. Photo and caption submitted by the Community Agreement Party candidates

Sanitation schedule for holiday week

There will be no garbage pickup on Monday, February 16. The Holiday Week Collection Schedule will be as follows: Western half of the village (west of Rockaway Avenue): Garbage - Tuesday and Thursday; Rubbish - Wednesday, February 25 Eastern half of the village (east of Rockaway Avenue): Garbage - Wednesday and Friday; Rubbish - Wednesday, February 25

Residents scheduled for recycling on Monday, February 16, are asked to put their recyclables out on President’s Day.

POAs to hold 250th anniversary celebration event

The four Garden City Property Owners’ Associations (POAs) invite you to the fifth event in their annual Historical Series on Tuesday, February 24. The “American Revolution from Boston to Long Island” will feature two short plays by a local playwright, plus local actors and musicians! It will be held at the Senior Center at 7:00 p.m. on February 24.

Have you ever wondered how American colonists felt about the Boston Tea Party? A Garden City resident and playwright takes us back to 1773 and creates a possible discussion of events by a group of Bostonian women. The British government passed legislative acts--1765 The Stamp Act, 1767 The Townshend Act, and 1773 The Tea Act—that  strained relations between the colonies and Britain. In response to those seminal events, the Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773, when 92,000 pounds of English tea were dumped into Boston Harbor.

Have you ever wondered how the colonists won the Revolutionary War against the British? In a short interactive play, you will learn about the Culper Spy Ring through the eyes of Spy Ring Agent 355. The Culper Spy Ring operated on Long Island and was commissioned by General

George Washington. It provided him with invaluable intelligence that helped his military efforts. The spy ring operated from 1778 – 1783.

Historic music of the period will be played by local musicians.

Space is limited, so please register using this QR code.

The Garden City Property Owners Associations are 501(c)4 civic organizations.  See www.gccoa.org (Central), www.gcepoa.org (East), www.gcestates. org (Estates) or www.gcwpoa.org (West) for more information.

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

A LA CARTE ITEMS

1/2 Tray of Assorted Pinwheels w/ a Side of Sauce - $40 +tax 1/2 Tray Sausage & Peppers - $65 +tax 1/2 Tray Meatballs in Red Sauce - $65 + tax

Full menu may be purchased at regular menu price. Toppings available for additional cost. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer or Groupon. CASH prices listed. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Credit card payment

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

Garden City Real Estate Market Information

RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

The information about the homes and the photos were obtained through the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The homes presented were selected based solely on the fact that they were recently sold. Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com

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

29 Brixton Road

Date: 02/04/2026

Sold price: $1,950,000

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Colonial Square feet: 2,530

Lot size: .14 acres

Annual taxes: $22,892

MLS number: 928706

The Seller’s Team: Cheryl Trimboli, Daniel Gale Sothebys Intl Realty

The Buyer’s Team: Therese DiRenzo, Compass Greater NY

Experience timeless elegance and modern luxury in this stunning fully renovated Colonial, ideally located in the heart of the prestigious Adelphi Estates in Garden City.From the moment you enter inside, you’re greeted by a gracious entry foyer that sets the tone for the home’s sophisticated design. The living room exudes warmth and character with its wood-burning fireplace, while the large formal dining room offers the perfect setting for memorable gatherings. A bright side den provides a comfortable retreat or home office, and a stylish mudroom & half bath adds to everyday convenience.The showstopping chef’s kitchen is the heart of the home—featuring a large center island, custom cabinetry, designer finishes, and top-tier appliances that make cooking and entertaining a dream. Rich hardwood floors flow seamlessly throughout the first level, enhancing the home’s natural beauty and sense of space. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a private sanctuary complete with a new bath and walk-in closet. Four additional spacious bedrooms and a beautifully renovated hall bath complete the second floor. Steps to stairs lead to an unfinished attic, offering ample storage or future expansion potential.The finished basement adds even more living space, featuring a recreation room, home gym, laundry area, and utility room. Outside, enjoy meticulously landscaped grounds, a two-car garage, and a lush front and backyard perfect for outdoor enjoyment. This is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle of comfort, elegance, and refined living in one of Garden City’s most desirable neighborhoods.

173 Brixton Road

Date: 02/11/2026

Sold price: $1,755,000

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Colonial Square feet: 1,836

Lot size: .14 acres

Annual taxes: $22,106

MLS number: 940810

The Seller’s Team: Amanda Keller, Compass Greater NY The Buyer’s Team: Lauren D’Agostino, Lucky to Live Here Realty

Welcome to this classic brick Georgian center-hall Colonial nestled in the heart of the prestigious Estates section of Garden City. Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home blends timeless architecture with modern upgrades, offering turnkey living in one of the village’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Step inside to find hardwood floors throughout, sun-filled rooms, and elegant design details. The traditional center-hall layout features a gracious living room and formal dining room with updated designer wallpaper. The updated kitchen includes hardwood flooring and overlooks the spacious, private backyard. The exterior has been fully refreshed with extensive upgrades, including hedges along the entire south side of the property, a new walkway and front steps, newly blacktopped driveway, and a stunning bluestone back patio with drainage tied into an underground French drain. The sidewalk was completely redone, and a new WiFi-enabled garage door plus a 220V subpanel (ideal for EV charging). This home offers charm, comfort, and an unbeatable Estates location—just moments from village amenities, schools, and transportation.

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

ORTHODONTICS

Michael S chroder ha s s uccessfully represented Garden City homeowners’ tax appeals for over 40 years. He has lived in the Village for 35 years .

RESU LT S

Schroder & Strom has a 96% success rate in Nassau Count y.

KNOWLEDGE

Michael and his team of attorneys know every section of the Village and key arguments for achieving the largest reductions possible .

Schroder & Strom is recommended by Garden City ’s most prominent attorneys and real estate agents for their clients’ tax appeals.

S AV INGS

Schroder & Strom is saving Na ssau Co unty homeowners an average of $1,400 annually on property taxes.

L AW FIRM AD VA N TA GE

As a law firm, we are held to the highest standards and have more resources and options available for favorable outcomes – yet our property tax reduction fees are the same as tax consultants.

do not.

Chances are, your neighbors are already saving on their taxes with Schroder & Strom. The Tax Grievance deadline is March 31 , 2026. Start saving today. Go to nytaxreview.com and complete the Resi dential P rofile Form OR call us at (516) 742-7430.

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

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.

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!

Art Workshop With Sophia Cresciullo

Join us and learn how to make beautiful diamond dot coasters on Thursday, February 19, at 10 a.m. This is a free workshop, all supplies will be provided by Sophia. To register please call the Senior Center front desk at 516-385-8006.

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.

Downsizing & Estate Planning Seminar

Join us at the Senior Center for a Downsizing & Estate Planning Seminar, Thursday, March 5, at 11:00 a.m. A complimentary brunch will be served, hosted by Erin Fleischmann, Douglas Elliman. Join Erin and a panel of trusted professionals from Cross Country Mortgage and estate planning/ real estate law for an informative discussion on planning your next chapter.

Speakers: Cross Country Mortgage, Peter Lucia, Senior Vice President, Sam Mogavero, Mortgage Advisor, Michael O’Connor, Regional Sales Manager – Reverse Mortgages. Attorneys, Anthony W. Russo, Esq. – The Law Office of Anthony W. Russo, P.C., Craig A. Andreoli, Esq. – Law Office of Craig A. Andreoli, P.C. Elder Law & Estate Planning.

Topics Covered: Downsizing in today’s market, Financing & income options, Reverse mortgages, Estate planning & trusts.

Unable to attend? For a personal and confidential consultation, call Erin Fleischmann | 516-864-1977. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call ( 516) 385-8006.

Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia

NYU EMS will be at the Senior

Center on Tuesday, February 17, at 11:30, presenting, “Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia”. 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 drop-in program, If you are interested in playing, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006 to have your name put on an interest list.

Chair Yoga

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 Center, every Friday at 2:00–3:30. Beginning December 5. No registration is required, just stop by and play! Amanat from Chess4Community will be here on Fridays beginning 12/19 if you need assistance, or have any questions.

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.

Monday Night Duplicate Bridge

The winners of the Monday, February 2 games:

First: Rudy Kaiser and George Salem

Second: Dian Kendrick and Carrie Flapan

Reminder: No duplicate bridge next Monday - President’s Day

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information. Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?

6 EMMET PLACE, GARDEN CITY

6 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,193 SF | $2,399,000

Step into timeless elegance with this 1908 Colonial, once home to General Douglas MacArthur. This 3,193 sq ft gem sits on a 200x100 lot and features 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 4 fireplaces. Highlights include a chef’s kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances, Thermador ovens, and an 8-burner stove, plus a grand foyer, formal dining room, sun porch, and office. The second floor hosts a primary en-suite with a fireplace and walk-in closet, while the third floor offers 2 additional bedrooms and a clawfoot tub bath. The basement, with 8-ft ceilings, provides laundry, utility space, and room for a gym or entertainment. Outside, enjoy a 2-car garage, updated systems, and a sprawling yard ready for a pool or family fun.

Garden City Schools celebrate World Read Aloud Day

their teacher and Ms. Kaufman held books for World Read Aloud Day.

On Feb. 4, students across Garden City Schools came together to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, continuing a cherished district tradition that highlights the joy, connection and power of reading aloud.

The day began with a districtwide read aloud of “The World Needs the Wonder You See” by Joanna Gaines, read by Superintendent Dr. Kusum Sinha. Classrooms across all grade levels paused to listen, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations sparked by the shared story.

High school students played a special role in bringing the celebration to life for younger learners. Theater Arts students recorded poetry by Shel Silverstein to share with primary and elementary classes, under the guidance of teachers Angela McLaughlin and Margaux Calemmo. In addition, members of the High School Literary Circle recorded read alouds for younger students with the support of club advisors Laurie Bocca and Aria Laucella.

Throughout the day, students par -

ticipated in a wide range of literacy activities, including live and recorded author read alouds, collaborative reading experiences between older and younger classes, and creative projects such as designing bookmarks. These shared moments reinforced reading as a joyful, social experience and highlighted the strong culture of literacy that exists across the district.

“This is one of my favorite days to organize and celebrate,” said Lauren Kaufman, director of literacy K–12.

“I love visiting classrooms, reading aloud and seeing the smiles, conversations and connections that books spark. World Read Aloud Day truly illuminates the culture of reading across our district.”

World Read Aloud Day in Garden City reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering a love of reading, building community through shared literacy experiences and celebrating the voices and stories that bring learning to life.

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

Love to write?

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.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

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

Middle School hosts annual Cares-A-Thon

Students created posters for the GC Cares-A-Thon.

Despite frigid temperatures on the evening of Jan. 30, Garden City Middle School families turned out in strong numbers for the annual GC Cares-A-Thon, a community tradition that introduces students to meaningful causes and empowers them to make a difference. Led by Dr. Kimberly Greenwald, GCMS

reading specialist, and supported by GCMS teachers, the ABTF, GC PTA and SEPTA, the event encouraged students to explore local and global issues while developing ideas for positive impact.

Students from HomeBases, an antibullying forum, teams and clubs created service-based projects,

including food, toiletry, fuzzy sock and pet supply drives, as well as inspirational notes, greeting cards for senior citizens and thank-you cards for veterans. These efforts were displayed through 41 student-run stations featuring posters and interactive activities throughout the school.

The wide range of causes reflected students’ diverse interests, from health awareness initiatives such as breast cancer and diabetes to environmental efforts like Save the Polar Bears and Otters Not Oil. Students also supported stations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Paws of War, Cards for Seniors, Hurricane Heroes, Only Make Believe and Grow a Salad.

Upon arrival, attendees received

punch cards and station guides and were encouraged to participate in at least 15 activities. The hallways were filled with energy as families moved from table to table, engaging in hands-on experiences designed to advance each cause.

“There are no words to describe the amount of effort, passion and dedication the students put into creating meaningful stations for the community to support,” said Dr. Greenwald. “Each station was built with empathy, care and concern for others. Without question, GC CaresA-Thon is an event that touches the hearts and lives of people all around Garden City and beyond. I'm truly proud of all the students who helped make a difference this year.”

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

EPOA scholarship application open

It is with pleasure that the Eastern Property Owners’ Association announce that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2026 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section.

The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA.  They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall.  The focus of this scholarship is community service.

Candidates need to submit an application which can be accessed from the EPOA website at www. gcepoa.org or obtained from the Garden City High School Guidance Department. The application should be sent to contactus@gcepoa.org. Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 516-248-1486. All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply.  The deadline for applications is April 16, 2026.

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

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

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 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.

GCPD Off icers Touhy, Carroll earn promotions

Sgt. Thomas Carroll with his wife and children, and Trustee Bruce Torino, who administered his oath of office.

Lt. Stephen Touhy with his wife and children, and Trustee Bruce Torino, who administered his oath of office.

“We are honored to be here tonight to bring two of our officers forward into the next step in their careers,” Acting Police Commissioner Gerard Kneisel said.

Trustee Bruce Torino administered the oaths of office to Police Lieutenant Stephen Touhy and Sergeant Thomas Carroll during a promotion ceremony at Village Hall on February 5. Combined, these officers have more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Garden City Police Department.

Ash Wednesday Community Service at GCCC

BY MELVA VICTORINO

On Wednesday, February 18, at 12 p.m. Garden City Community Church (GCCC) will have an Ash Wednesday community led service in the chapel. The chapel will stay open until 1:30 for those who wish to pray or meditate later.  There will be reading materials to help with the prayers and meditations.

Ash Wednesday begins the Liturgical season of Lent for many Christian Faiths. All are invited to join GCCC for this community led service.

Whoever you are, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome at GCCC. All are invited to visit the GCCC to witness what God is doing in the life of its church. Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m., both in-person and live-stream, follow by fellowship gathering. Children's Sunday school sessions are held on alternate Sundays, while youth classes take place on weeknights. There are worship services, events, and programs for all ages. To get information regarding its virtual and in-person worship services and programs, visit its website at www.theGCCC. org.

The Garden City Community Church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC.) It is an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations

to participate in the life of its community. It is located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road.

For information on how to attend its services virtually or in person, please contact the church office at churchoffice@ thegccc.org. To get information regarding its virtual and in-person worship services and programs, visit its website at www. theGCCC.org.

Lt. Touhy is a 26-year veteran on the GCPD and a three-year veteran of the New York City Police Department. During his tenure in Garden City, he has served in the Patrol Division and as a post sergeant. Throughout his career he has

been the recipient of numerous departmental awards as well as the American Legion award and Police Officer of the Year award. Lt. Touhy lives in Suffolk County with his wife, two sons and daughter.

Technology workshop at Epcot

On Saturday, January 24, Garden City Senior Girl Scout Troop 1028 (Madison Sandgren, Madeline Schulz, Samantha Tusiani-Eng, and Chloe Lin) participated in a special Technology of the Disney Parks Workshop for high school Girl Scouts at Disney’s Epcot. From Audio-Animatronics to lighting and sounds effects, going behind the scenes to view Epcot rides, they learned why technology is the most valuable as well as the most challenging tool used in Disney theme park operations every day.

JOIN TO OUR

ROSES ARE RED. CARS GET DIRTY. GIVE YOUR VALENTINE A SHINE THAT’S WORTHY.

BE MY VALENTINE

BECAUSE LOVE SHOULD SPARKLE.

Teaming up to get ready for Hoops for Hope

The countdown begins! 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 long-term illnesses.

This event could never happen without teamwork. Students Helping Students, a club at GCHS, is a huge help with Hoops for Hope every year. 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 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. Hoops for Hope is probably already on your calendar. If it ’ s not, it's time to put it down now!

The Board of Trustees has ignored feedback at every turn, with only one plan in mind – Saving Every Brick.

BCI recommended the BOT include a clear option for Demo on the survey.

Residents asked the BOT to create an unbiased survey by including Demo.

A majority opposed ALL three survey options of Adaptive Reuse, Partial Renovation and Mothballing, with 33% writing in Demo.

The BOT refused to follow their recommendation.

The BOT ignored resident feedback.

The BOT failed to include any options other than saving the building in the scope of the St. Paul’s Committee’s work.

Gardenias of GC host Career Fair

Patronesses in fashion design and small business ownership share their career paths with Ticktockers at the Gardenias of Garden City Career Fair.

The Gardenias of Garden City Chapter of the National Charity League proudly hosted its first-ever Career Fair on February 3, 2026, at Garden City Middle School, creating an engaging and interactive evening that gave Ticktockers the opportunity to explore a wide range of professions and highlighted the power of mother-daughter connection, leadership, and community.

What made this event especially meaningful was the way our Patronesses— moms from across the chapter—showed up for not only their own daughters, but for every Ticktocker in attendance, representing fields including law, medicine, finance, education, design, business, therapy, and public service. This format gave Ticktockers the unique opportunity to learn directly from women they already know and admire.

The evening began with a brief mini-panel featuring Patronesses from a variety of professional backgrounds. Panelists shared how they discovered their careers, what education and training their fields required, and offered thoughtful advice to students just beginning to imagine their

futures. Following the panel, Ticktockers rotated among tables, engaging in smallgroup conversations with Patronesses about everything from day-to-day work life and required skills to challenges, growth, and unexpected twists along the way.

Patronesses hosted tables together in related or complementary fields, creating a collaborative environment that allowed students to see how different professions intersect and support one another. The table format encouraged open dialogue and connection, giving Ticktockers the opportunity to explore interests, ask questions, take notes, and learn directly from women who were eager to share their experiences.

Throughout the evening, Ticktockers were encouraged to stay curious and explore broadly. Conversations focused not only on careers, but also on resilience, adaptability, work-life balance, and the importance of following one’s interests while remaining open to change. The setting provided a supportive space for Ticktockers to begin thinking about future possibilities in a meaningful and approachable way.

A powerful panel of Gardenias of Garden City Patronesses—exclusively momes from our chapter—connect with students at our inaugural Career Fair, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and big dreams.

of

and meaningful conversation.

This Career Fair reflects the values at the heart of the Gardenias of Garden City Chapter: intentional programming rooted in leadership development, meaningful service, and authentic connection. From the very beginning, the chapter has focused on creating thoughtful opportunities for mothers and daughters to grow together, serve together, and support one another in becoming confident leaders and engaged community members.

Now just one year since activation, the Gardenias of Garden City Chapter continues to expand its impact, providing girls in grades seven through 12 with opportuni-

experiences

ties to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form friendships across grades, while offering mothers a shared experience grounded in service and connection.

As the chapter moves forward with its annual membership drive, the Career Fair stands as a powerful example of the experiences available to members—purposeful, community-centered, and designed to support both girls and their mothers during important formative years. Motherdaughter pairs interested in learning more about membership are encouraged to email membership@gardeniasofgardencityncl. org for additional information.

Challenges for the Democrats

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

Last week, I wrote about the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and discussed some of the problems Republicans will have in trying to hold on to their razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives and their not so large 53-47 majority in the Senate.    And overall, the Democrats remain favorites to capture at least one house of Congress.

Still, the Democrats have a number of challenges of their own.

First, the Democratic brand is not particularly  strong. For example, in a pretty representative poll by Marquette Law School,  President Trump had a mediocre 43 percent favorable rating and Republicans were at 42 percent favorable.  However, Democratic party favorability was considerably lower at just 33 percent.

Second, Democrats have a problem with money.  As the New York Times reports this week, while some Democratic candidates have a financial advantage over their Republican rivals, in general the Democrats have a significant financial problem.

New federal records show that the three leading arms of the national Republican Party and the two super PACs aligned with House and Senate Republicans entered this year with more than double the cash of the equivalent Democratic groups. The Republican groups had a combined $320 million, compared with roughly $137.2 million for the Democrats after accounting for debts.  And, as the Times reports, the Republican effort is likely to be increased by an upcoming Supreme Court ruling liberalizing spending by party-based  funds.  Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has recently reengaged with Republicans after an earlier feud with President Trump.  This monetary advantage of Republicans is different than in past election cycles, including in 2024.

Third, and perhaps most important, to be successful in 2026 Democrats will have to resist nominating a great number of candidates that appeal to the party’s left wing primary base, but likely not to typical general election voters.

A case in point is the recently decided Democratic primary  election in New Jersey to fill the House

seat vacated by the state’s newly elected governor, Mikie Sherrill.  In an upset, the  nomination went to Analilia Mejia, who defeated former Congressman Tom Malinowski, generally considered a moderate.  For her part, Ms. Mejia, who had founded a group called Popular Democracy, described as a grass roots organization supporting minorities and low income people, received active campaign support from Senator Bernie Sanders, for whom she previously worked, and from members of the party’s liberal flank.

In her campaign, Ms. Mejia took the position that Israel is guilty of genocide and called for abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). Following her rallies she invited attendees to stay for what she described as  training on nonviolent resistance to ICE.

There were a few aspects of Ms. Mejia’s primary win that could be called anomalous.  The vote was very splintered (Ms. Mejia only received 29 percent) and there was a large attack campaign by a pro-Israel campaign group against Mr. Malinoski, who was far more favorable to Israel than Ms. Mejia.  And, of course, Ms. Mejia still has to defeat her Republican opponent in a special election on April 16.

Nevertheless, there are those on the left who hail Ms. Mejia’s triumph.  In a piece entitled “A New Jersey Primary Shows the Depth of Democratic Fury”, liberal columnist Michelle Goldberg quotes a Democratic pollster that this is an “incredibly angry Democratic electorate”  and herself states that “taking bold stands that can be construed as radical is risky, but so is appearing to consent to an intolerable status quo.

In my view, banking on candidates like Ms. Mejia is dangerous thinking  for Democrats if they are looking to score big victories in November.  One reason that the overall party approval rating is low is that Democrats are regarded by many as radical and/or excessively woke.  If given the opportunity, Republicans will attempt to link the whole party to figures like Ms. Mejia, Zohran Mamdani or Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. This can’t be the right path.

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.

Burst pipe response

On February 4th, Garden City Police responded to a Fairmount Blvd residence for a burst pipe. An officer waded through deep water to shut off the supply, and the GC Water Department also responded to the scene.

Suspended driver cited

A Stewart Ave motorist was issued multiple tickets on February 4th by a patrol officer, including violations for a suspended license related to Toll Collection Regulations and for being an unlicensed driver.

Family court call

Garden City Police responded to Family Court on February 4th for a report of a domestic incident. NCPD was already on scene and requested no further assistance.

Truck sign violation

On February 4th, a Traffic Unit officer conducted a VTL stop and issued tickets to a Clinton Rd motorist for operating a truck in violation of a posted “No Truck” sign.

License suspension stop

A Franklin Ave motorist was ticket-

ed February 4th by a Traffic Unit officer for operating with a sus pended license.

Cooking alarm call

Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to Adelphi University on February 5th for a fire alarm activation caused by cooking food.

No insurance

On February 5th, a Garden City Police Traffic Unit officer conducted a stop on Franklin Ave and issued tickets for a suspended license and no insurance.

Not suspicious

Garden City Police responded February 5th to a Franklin Ave restaurant for a suspicious person. The individual was properly identified and was waiting for a NICE bus; all was in order.

Truck route enforcement

A Stewart Ave motorist was ticketed February 5th after a Garden City Police Traffic Unit officer conducted a stop for operating a truck in violation

of a “No Truck” sign.

Vehicle entry reported

On February 5th, a Laurel St resident reported that a vehicle parked in the driveway had been entered. No loss was reported.

Hit and run arrest

On February 6th, Garden City

Detectives arrested a 27-year-old male from Port Washington for allegedly leaving the scene of an auto accident that occurred January 30th.

Car fire report

GCFD and GCPD responded February 6th to Stewart Ave at Washington St for a reported car fire. Firefighters determined there was no active fire, only smoke from the engine compartment, and the vehicle was towed.

Check fraud case

A resident reported on February 6th of being the victim of identity theft after a mailed check was washed and altered. Chase Bank questioned the check’s validity and opened a fraud case.

Identity theft

On February 7th, a Wilson Street resident was the victim of identity theft after a mailed check was washed, altered and cashed.

E-bike complaint

Officers responded February 7th to a 3rd St residence for a suspicious person on an e-bike. The property and surrounding area were checked with negative results.

Check stolen, cashed

An Arthur Street resident was reported February 7th as a victim of identity theft after a mailed check was washed, altered and cashed.

Basement fire contained

On February 7th, Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a Hathaway Drive residence for a working house fire. The blaze was determined to have originated in the basement from a faulty couch motor. Fire damage was contained to the basement, with smoke damage throughout the home.

Sprinkler alarm call

The GCFD and GCPD responded February 7th to a business fire alarm caused by a faulty sprinkler system.

Disorderly youths

Officers responded on February 7th to a Franklin Ave business for a suspicious youth acting disorderly. The youths were gone on arrival.

More stolen checks

A Locust St resident was the victim of identity theft on February 7th after a mailed check was washed, altered and cashed. On the same day a Bayberry Avenue resident also reported that a check mailed was washed, altered, and cashed.

CO alarm activation

On February 7th, Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a business fire alarm caused by a faulty carbon monoxide alarm. Fire officials determined all was in order.

Extortion report

On February 7th, a resident reported being the victim of extortion involving sensitive material.

Hotel dryer alarm

GCFD and GCPD responded to the Residence Inn on February 8th for a fire alarm caused by steam from a dryer. All was in order.

Suspended driver arrested

On February 8th, a 29-year-old male motorist from Rockville Centre was arrested by a Garden CityTraffic Unit officer for allegedly operating with a suspended license, along with additional traffic charges, police say.

Battery alarm call

GCFD and GCPD responded February 8th to a fire alarm activation caused by a charging battery. All was in order.

Repeat hotel alarm

On February 8th, GCFD and GCPD again responded to the Residence Inn for a fire alarm caused by steam from a dryer. All was in order.

Sprinkler system alarm

GCFD and GCPD responded February 8th to a business fire alarm caused by a faulty sprinkler system.

Pipe and smoke call

On February 9th, Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a Hamilton Pl residence for a burst pipe and smoke emanating from a ceiling fan.

Parking damage report

Garden City Police responded February 9th to PF7S for a parked car that sustained property damage.

Mailbox probe

On February 9th, Garden City

See page 29

Hey folks…what a past four weeks (less/plus) of freezing wintery weather….brrrrr. As the cold snap seems to have broken…I want to give a HUGE GC TROJAN SHOUTOUT to Varsity Football Coach Dave Ettinger on being named the NFC recipient of the 2025 NFL Don Shula High School Coach of the Year award. Coach’s 11-year record is an improbable 121-3. During that incredible stretch the team has won 10 Nassau County titles as well as the last FIVE Long Island championships. Currently, the Trojans own the nation’s longest active winning streak…which covers 66 games.

Moody’s Aaa Rating Designation

In late January, Moody’s informed Treasurer Woo that the Village was once again issued a Aaa rating on our 2026 $17.9 million bond offering. In its credit opinion, Moody’s cited the Village’s strengths, including our conservative budgetary practices. The opinion reads: “The Aaa issuer rating reflects Garden City’s robust local economy, supported by an affluent, primarily residential tax base, and conservative budgetary practices that have resulted in a history of operating surplus’ and healthy reserves.” The opinion continued: “[a]t the close of fiscal 2025, the village held $51.5 million in available fund balance, equal to a robust 55.5% of total revenue; unrestricted cash and investments are also very strong $62.1 million or

Police responded to a report of possible tampering with the 6th Street mailbox. GCPD is investigating.

Truck impounded

A truck stop conducted February 9th on Washington Ave resulted in multiple violations and the vehicle being impounded.

Truck ticket

On February 9th, a Clinton Rd motorist was issued a ticket for passing a posted “No Truck” sign.

Convention security detail

GCPD, PCDD, NCPD and MTAPD assisted with security February 9th at the Garden City Hotel during a high-profile convention.

Adelphi pipe burst

GCFD and GCPD responded February 10th to Adelphi University for

66.9%.” The $17.9 million in bonds were issued principally to fund various infrastructure projects across the Village, including water treatment, replacement of water mains, road resurfacing and paving, street lighting, and replacement of the water slide at the community pool, as well as for the purchase of major vehicles and equipment. The bond sale held on February 3, 2026 was very successful as there were a significant number of bidders and the bids were very competitive and close. The winning bidder was UBS Financial Services Inc. with a True Interest Cost (TIC) of 3.339% which reflects a premium offered of close to $1.4 million. This result was better than projected and according to our advisor, CMA, comparable sales were recently priced at 3.67% and 3.57%, respectively. Due to the large amount of the premium offered, the par value of the bonds was resized to $16.7m.

until the Tax Lien Sale date of March 13, 2026. Cash is also accepted. The Business Office at Village Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to promptly process payments and provide receipts. Acceptance of personal checks will resume on June 1, 2026 for the new 2026/2027 tax year. Online Village Tax payments are also being disabled on the Village website on February 11, 2026, and will resume June 1, 2026.

V-Fire Grant Program

The Village is applying for the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program, a NYS-funded program initiated by Governor Hochul. This grant program, managed by the NYS Division of Homeland Security, would allow the Village to seek up to $1,000,000 in funding to support construction, renovation or purchase costs of critical facilities such as a building or

Late Village Tax Payment Notice

Folks…please be advised that as of February 11, 2026 past due Village tax payments must be made in the form of certified check or money order

Suspicious mail report

On February 10th, a New Hyde Park Rd resident reported a suspicious circumstance involving received mail.

Stolen check

An Arthur St resident was reported February 10th as the victim of identity theft after a mailed check was washed, altered and cashed.

Ice hazard corrected

On February 10th, Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a Stewart Ave residence for a hazardous condition involving ice falling from a roof. Fire officials corrected the situation.

Motorist lockout assist

Garden City Police personnel assisted a motorist on February 10th who had been locked out of their vehicle in Parking Field 7S.

training facilities, or up to $500,000 in funding to support the purchase of allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve the FD’s facilities and response capabilities. Funds will be awarded competitively, and distributed via reimbursement-based grant contracts, based on the review of applications submitted. This is but one of the many grant programs Village Departments will be pursuing over the next several months.

2026 Village Election: What You Need to Know

The General Village Election for 2026 will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the St. Paul’s Field House. Polls will be open from 12 Noon to 9:00 p.m. in the evening. The names of those who are running for Village wide office are as follows:

The Community Agreement Party: Trustee – 2 years – Vinny Muldoon Trustee – 2 years – Judy Courtney Trustee – 2 years – Jessica Tai Trustee – 2 years – Gerard Smith

For A Better Garden City Party: Trustee – 2 years – Thomas Brosnan Trustee – 2 years – Jo-Ann Frey Trustee – 2 years – Thomas Ryan Trustee – 2 years – Neha Bajaj

News from the Children’s Room

Please join us on Feb. 18 at 3:30 p.m. for a Dance Party - 2 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.

• 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

Please join us on Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. for A Time For Kids - 18 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten).

10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age StorytimeBirth 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 StorytimeBirth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose StorytimeBirth 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 StorytimeBirth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)

• Thursday, Feb. 26, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime -

Birth to 17 Months

• Thursday, Feb. 26, at 4:00 p.m.: Arts and Crafts - Grades 3 to 5

• 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.

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.:

Below is a list of the seven most essential Reiner-directed films to watch:

• “This is Spinal Tap”

• “Stand By Me”

• “The Princess Bride”

• “When Harry Met Sally”

• “The American President”

• “Misery”

• “A Few Good Men”

February 2026 - Remembering Rob Reiner

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 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

• Wednesday, March 11

• Wednesday, March 25     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. be made to notify participants.

Mah-Jongg Open Play

Thursdays 6–8 p.m.

• Thursday, February 25, Small Meeting Room (Room assignment is based upon availability)

We are offering the opportunity to sign up for open play Mah-Jongg for all. In order to hold the room, registration is required. The room will be set up in groups of four and is open to all who would like to play.  Please note there is no instruction for this program. You must bring your own mah-jongg board.

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)7428405 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 18, 25

• Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25, Wednesday, April 1 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the 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)7428405 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 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)7428405 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.

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 selfcare, which supports physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being to improve the body’s natural healing ability.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)7428405 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,

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

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 for-

est 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.

Blood drive at GC Library

The Garden City Public Library will be holding a blood drive on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the large meeting room on the lower level of the Library.

Appointments are strongly preferred; walk-ins are welcomed only if capacity permits. To schedule an appointment, please visit the Garden City Public Library website at www.gardencitypl.org, scan the QR code below with your phone and type in Garden City, click on the link below or call 1-800-933-BLOOD to schedule an appointment or for any medical questions concerning blood donations.

https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/330189

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.

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

The Library’s Annual Chick Incubating Project will begin on February 24.

Chick Incubation Project Begins Tuesday, February 24!

The Library’s Annual Chick Incubation program is returning this year! Eggs will arrive on Tuesday, February 24 and are scheduled to begin hatching Monday, March 16. Chicks will be returned one week after they hatch. Eggs are picked up from Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY and chicks are returned back to Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in

Yaphank, NY. Before they hatch, make sure to enter a name into our annual Name the Chick contest for your chance to name one of our chicks!

Join Us for Teen Programs During February Break!

Looking for something fun to do during February break? Teens in Grades 6–12 are encouraged to join us at the Library for one of our programs scheduled during the school break!

• Wednesday, February 18, at 2 p.m.: Teen Paint Party (Grades 6-12)

Teens can enjoy a Chess4Community program on Friday, February 20.

On January 24, Tweens and teens learned about rocks and minerals while making fudge during Teen STEAM Workshop: Rock Cycle Fudge with Chris Buchman! Teen STEAM Workshop with Chris Buchman will be held again on Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m. Teens will learn that cooking is chemistry with Easy-Bake Ovens. They will be able to eat their treats. Registration begins Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m. online via LibCal (gardencitypl.libcal.com).

• Thursday, February 19, at 2 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: DIY Ceramic Mugs (Grades 6-12)

• Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m.: Chess4Community: Play and Learn (Grades K-12)

• Friday, February 20, at 1 p.m.: Teen Movie Club: “Black Panther” (PG-13, 2018) (Grades 6-12)

To participate, please register online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com.

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/j262hNm4tGsvR8wz9. After you register, pick up your 100 Books Before Graduation packet located at the Library to participate!

• 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 10 a.m.: Chess4Community: Play and Learn (Grades K–12)

• Friday, February 20, at

1 p.m.: Teen Movie Club: “Black Panther” (PG-13, 2018) (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m. online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Monday, February 23, at 4 p.m.: Teen Manga Mondays (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, February 24, at 4 p.m.: Teen VolunTuesday (Grades 6–12)

• Wednesday, February 25, at 4 p.m.: Teen Art Workshop (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, February 26, at 4 p.m.: Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club

• Friday, February 27, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Clubhouse (Grades 6–12)

• Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Chemistry with Easy Bake Ovens with Chris Buchman

Registration begins Tuesday, February 24 at 10AM online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 3, at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6–12)

• Friday, March 6, at 1 p.m.: Teen Movie Club: “Barbie” (PG-13, 2023) (Grades 6–12)

Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities

Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home community service opportunities for tweens

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

Teens kicked off the weekend with the first ever Teen Clubhouse, which was held on Friday, January 30, at the Library! Teens could game, build with LEGO, craft, or just hangout with friends! Teen Clubhouse is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 only. The next Teen Club House will be held on Friday, February 27, at 3:30p.m. at the Library. We will have our Nintendo Switch consoles for teens to use as well as LEGO bricks, puzzles, board games, craft supplies from our Teen Makerspace and leftover crafts from previous programs. To participate, please register online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m..

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.

New! 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge!

Tweens and teens are asked to read 100 books before they graduate! This program launched during the week of January 5 for tweens and teens currently in Grades 6–12. For every 10 books read, you will get 10 tickets to trade in for a prize in our prize cabinet. Pick a prize, or save them until you collect more tickets to use later toward a bigger prize! You will receive 25 bonus tickets

German class explores culture through food

Sixth grade students sampled German foods to learn about the country's culture.

at 20, 40, 60, and 80 books and 50 bonus tickets at 100! Plus, when you reach 100 books you will get your name up on  our Hall of Fame Wall of Readers!

• Sign up beginning January 5, 2026. Not in 6th grade yet? You can signup beginning June 15 of the summer before you enter 6th grade!

• You must finish the challenge by June 15 of the year you graduate high school

• Track what you’re reading on this reading log. You can only track books you have read after you have signed-up for this program.

• Any book (physical, eBook, and audio) you read that’s on your reading level after registering counts towards the goal. This includes books read for school! The only books that do not count towards the goal are books read before you register.

• While we love rereading, for this challenge, each book you read needs to be a book you’ve never read before.

• Hate the book you started reading? As long as you read 50% of the book, you can count it toward this challenge!

Register online here: https://forms. gle/j262hNm4tGsvR8wz9 or using the QR code above. After you register, pick up your 100 Books Before Graduation packet located at the Library to participate!

In Mrs. Basile’s sixth grade classes, the students got to sample some German food items.

The students researched about German foods and learned why they were important to the German culture as well as their origin.  The students shared their research before sharing

the delicious German food and desserts with the class. They also spoke, German to each other at the food tasting party. Some items brought in were  apple strudel, German pretzels, schnitzel, Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte, bratwurst, potato pancakes and more.

See what’s happening at your library!

Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, like classes, lectures, concerts, movie screenings, and more, all for free or cheap!

Rec & Parks: Connecting seniors, services, social opportunities

As the saying goes, it takes a Village…

This is evident in Garden City, particularly through the Recreation & Parks Department’s smattering of activities that connect Village seniors to numerous services and social opportunities. From Book Club to BINGO, Mah Jongg to Ping Pong, theater trips to Tai Chi to workshops and themed luncheons, there really is something to keep seniors engaged and informed.

This special relationship fosters interdependence rather than isolated living. “I have seen seniors blossom here as a result of, not only the programs, but of the new relationships they have developed with others,” Recreation Supervisor Felicia Lovaglio said. “It is a wonderful place to work. I enjoy working with this community. They have so much to offer!”

Recognized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) as a community focal point, senior centers have become one of the most widely used services among America’s older adults. Matthew Nordt, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs, noted the importance of senior citizen programs in the Village of Garden City cannot be overstated.

“They are essential services that foster connection, dignity and engagement for our senior residents, and they reflect our Village’s commitment to caring for all generations,” he said. “Senior programs play a

enjoy a Valentine’s Day-themed luncheon.

critical role in promoting healthy aging in Garden City by reducing isolation, encouraging physical and social activity and supporting independence. These programs ensure our seniors remain connected, valued and active members of the community.”

Lunch following a trip to see the Philharmonic.

Upcoming events include:

• Tuesday, February 24: Darlie Abdallah Hilaire , director of PT at Parker Jewish Institute, will speak on fall precautions.

To register for this program, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006. The

Garden City Senior Center is located at 6 Golf Club Lane, off 11th Street. It is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Participants must be age 60 and older and reside within the Inc. Village of Garden City.  Visit https://gardencityrecreation.org/home-4 for more information.

Do you have grandchildren?

Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com

Village to seek bids on St. Paul’s demolition

From page 1

“With that in mind and with the consent of our Board I have asked Superintendent Giovanniello to draft a very broad-based RFP, seeking qualified businesses and construction outfits to price out the demolition. It is a complicated matter and we expect the RFP to go out in about two to three weeks. It will be distributed (to the audience of potential bidders) as it normally is,” Finneran noted.

The mayor emphasized the importance of providing residents with “a good, professional and paid-for view of what demolition and constructing a park would cost.”

Mayor Finneran also acknowledged that he had misspoken regarding results from the 2025 St. Paul’s Survey and commented that about 47% of residents were opposed to ANY of the proposed reuses of the historic structure.

The mayor noted, “I stand corrected, and the number was 50% of ALL survey respondents would not support any project.”

GCFD grant application

Garden City First Assistant Fire Chief James Parella reported on a request before the Board to authorize the village to apply for a new grant program instituted by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul — the V-FIRE grant program for FY 2025–2026 (Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment).

The grant, managed by the New York State Division of Homeland Security, allows municipalities to seek up to $1 million in funding for construction, renovation or purchase costs related to critical facilities, including buildings or training facilities. Up to $500,000 is available for allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve facilities and response capabilities.

Parella said the village and the Garden City Fire Department would seek funding to assist with critical infrastructure and equipment needs.

Prior to the Board’s authorization of the grant application, Mayor Finneran connected the update to $500,000 in Congressional Community Project Funding (CFP) submitted nearly a year ago.

“There was a time when this was a dead issue, with the many continuing resolutions to it, but this week I got a call from Congresswoman Laura Gillen informing me that the FY 2025 Community Project Funding budget had passed, and it was approved by the Senate and the House, and signed into law by President Trump. There remains a process that has to be undertaken, some ‘administrative hoops’ to jump through in order for the village and GCFD to receive the funding, but we are all very excited by the announcement,”

Finneran said.

Edgemere Road Fire Station

Superintendent Giovanniello also provided an update on the Fire Station No. 2 project at the corner of Edgemere Road and Stewart Avenue.

On February 5, he reported that two “Notice to Proceed” letters had been issued to contractors, and required paperwork has been submitted.

“The general contractor (Buildco Corp.) already completed the paperwork, that has all checked out and now they can order their long lead-time items, and for the HVAC work, with the contractor it’s the same situation so they’re ready to order their long leadtime items for the project,” he shared.

Chief Parella added that during January 2026, the GCFD responded to just under 100 calls, including seven mutual aid responses to surrounding Nassau County fire departments.

Board moves to extend subdivision moratorium

From page 1

subdivisions of properties. Instead, multiple stages of oversight will occur. The Village Planning Commission would play a significant role, as would the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB).

In his Mayor’s column on January 16th, Finneran noted that implementing changes to the municipal processes for subdivision applications “it’s an important and not uncomplicated project.”

“It will be a much different outline and process if and when a subdivision is sought. There will be other factors considered, in terms of setbacks, FAR (floor area ratio) and the like. It is heavily involved and we will be looking to extend the moratorium from mid-February (17th or 18th) until the middle of May,” the mayor said.

During the public hearing on the moratorium on August 14th, Western section residents, including Jacqueline Marino, questioned the Board and village counsel about the approval of the subdivision for 111 New Hyde Park Road. That subdivision resulted in a new home design for 1 Princeton Street with five separate entrances, which could translate to multiple families living in one building in an area zoned for single-family homes.

Last summer, Ms. Marino read a letter to the Village trustees from former Mayor Cosmo Veneziale, a NYC architect. His letter urged the Board to enact the moratorium on the subdivision of building lots.

“The architectural character of our village is slowly being eroded by questionable subdivisions and insensitive

oversized house designs which will alter the character of the village for decades to come….The most recent subdivision of the corner lot at Princeton Street and New Hyde Park Road, with two houses proposed on a 100-foot by 125-foot corner lot (1 and 3 Princeton Street). Although the proposed subdivision is as-of-right it increases the density of housing by replacing one properly-sided house on one lot with two houses tightly fitted on two smaller lots,” Veneziale noted.

Public Works Items Approved

Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni presented three items for his department under the consent agenda.

The first was a request for the Village Board to authorize the promotion of a current civil engineer in the Engineering Department to senior civil engineer. The promotion — unanimously approved by the trustees — did not require any additional funding for the position or DPW, only an update to the employee’s title in the budget.

“The employee has consistently demonstrated dedication, reliability and strong performance. He has also obtained his professional engineering license in 2024, enabling him to sign and seal engineering reports and to submit applications that require a P.E. stamp to outside entities. This promotion and title change formally recognizes his expanded responsibilities, advanced skills and significant contributions to the department,” Mr. Borroni commented.

The next agenda item was the purchase of orthophosphate corrosion control treatment, with Board authorization requested to ratify the rate for the prod-

uct from supplier Carus LLC of Illinois from January 20 through December 31, 2026. Carus is the designated sole-source manufacturer of Carus 4500 water treatment, and its product is a proprietary, NSF-listed formulation certified for use in potable water treatment supply.

In a January 20th memo to Garden City Water and Sewer Superintendent Stan Carey from the village’s water system consultants, H2M Architects + Engineers, the firm wrote that the Village of Garden City is required by the Nassau County Department of Health to utilize Carus 4500 for orthophosphate treatment. H2M referenced the June 2022 approved engineering report titled “Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment Report.”

At the February 5th meeting, Mr. Borroni noted, “orthophosphate is used as part of the water treatment program to aid in the protection of lead service lines, helping to reduce corrosion and improve water quality for the community.”

The quote provided by Carus LLC, dated January 20th, included 45,000 pounds of Carus 4500 (bulk) at a price of $1,560 per unit, for an extended total of $70,200. It also noted that delivery of the orthophosphate to the water well sites in Garden City requires a four-week

lead time to coordinate with the truck’s other Long Island deliveries. The orthophosphate supply will be purchased by the Village of Garden City DPW on an as-needed basis, based on unit cost.

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the purchase and ratification of the rate.

Next, Superintendent Borroni advised that, upon Board approval, the village would implement a Water Bill Penalty Credit Policy to address complaints from residents and businesses regarding penalties applied to their water billing accounts. Before it appeared on the February 5th agenda, Village Attorney Gary Fishberg and his staff reviewed the policy and approved it as to form.

“This policy establishes a process for residents to request a one-time reversal of a water bill penalty under specific conditions. It applies only to residential accounts, with a beginning period of January 1, 2026 – and only when the resident has maintained an on-time payment record for the past five years. Each case will be reviewed individually by village staff, with final approval authority designated by the policy,” he said.

The Board unanimously adopted the policy.

Cluttered?

Photos from the Village Archives

Detail of a 1925 map of the proposed western and northwestern Village boundary revision. The original western boundary of the Stewart purchase was Covert Ave. and the northern boundary contiguous with the 1784 Town of Hempstead northern boundary, which at New Hyde Park Rd. was north of the LIRR main line and extended east, crossing south of the RR at Nassau Blvd. The western boundaries of the Village have been modified multiple times. When the Village was incorporated in 1919 on the lines of school district #18, the southwestern beginning point was located between Dover Pkwy and Elton Rd. south of Cambridge Av. [the Stewart Manor name of Amherst St. in Garden City].

In 1925 a proposal was made by a Stewart Manor area developer to transfer the part of the Village west of and including New Hyde Park Rd. [red on map] to the Stewart Manor area [incorporated in 1927], claiming it was closer to that village cen-

Village Western Boundaries

ter than to that of Garden City. At the same time the Village residents were asked if the area north of the LIRR main line and west of Denton Ave. [blue and green on map] should be ceded. In March 1925 the vote on the first parcel was 40 for, 295 against, and for the second parcel 177 for, 155 against. Thus, the Village retained the area west of New Hyde Park Rd. but by 23 votes ceded the later industrial property north of the RR. Subsequently, in November 1926 the area beyond 100 feet west of Jefferson St. was ceded to Stewart Manor. These changes did not affect the school district #18 boundaries [the basis of the Village incorporation], which were also later modified. The original diagonal western boundary north of the Hempstead LIRR was modified in two parts, first in 1937 and later in 1958 to align it to residential property boundaries.

Archives identifier: fmap68

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

HANK Services for Seniors

HANK Services for Seniors (Hire a Neighborhood Kid) is looking for more quality teens to participate.

HANK offers help with computers, phones, gardening, cleaning, lifting and

moving, as well as garage cleanouts and dog walking.

To learn more, please text 516-7609884

CMF Kids Bingo Night

Join the CMF for Bingo Night on Wednesday, March 4th from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Avenue.

The event is open to all kids aged 10 and younger with a caregiver.

$35 per child, cash or Venmo. Siblings discounted.

Ticket includes bingo card, pizza, dessert, drink and three raffle tickets. Additional food and raffle tickets available.

Proceeds benefit Children’s Medical Fund and Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

State senator announces scholarships

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads today announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for two $3,000 scholarships available to residents of the 5th Senate District. The scholarships are open to current college students and high school seniors who plan to attend college.

Eligible students may apply online by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-forscholarship-form

The application deadline is March 16th.

In 2024, one local student earned the scholarship, followed by two students selected in 2025—each beating out applicants from across New York State. Senator Rhoads hopes to see another deserving student from the district recognized this year.

“Students from the 5th Senate District have repeatedly distinguished themselves in a highly competitive, statewide selection process,” said Senator Rhoads. “These scholarships are an investment in the next generation of leaders right here in our community. Our students are working hard, giving back, and set-

ting ambitious goals for themselves, and at a time when the cost of higher education continues to climb, this support can make a real difference—easing financial pressure and helping them stay focused on their futures. I strongly encourage all eligible students to apply.”

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A grade point average of 85 or higher

• Active involvement in community service and extracurricular activities

• Demonstrated financial need

• For athletic scholarships, applicants must also be involved in an organized sport(s)

The winners of the scholarships will be announced in April and will be contacted directly. Winners will be invited to Albany in May to receive their award at the Italian-American Day Celebration.

The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.

International Whale Day February 15th Environmental Tip of the Week

On February 15, 2026, people around the world will celebrate whales: their beauty, their place in the ecological cycle and how they benefit the environment. As Long Islanders, we are lucky to live close enough to the ocean that we may see these wonderful mammals in the water or go on whale watching excursions.

How do whales benefit the ecosystem?

• Phytoplankton (small ocean plants) provide almost half of the world’s oxygen – and are fertilized by whale excrement.

• Whales are a central part of the marine food web.

• Whales are known for their proficient carbon capture. When they die naturally, they sink to the bottom of the ocean and take large amount of carbon with them, keeping it out of the atmosphere.

Threats to whales:

• Noise pollution in the form of industrial/shipping sounds and seismic surveys interfere with whale s’ navigation, communication and feeding

• Collisions with boats, the risk is increased in areas where the migration passage is narrow

• Physical pollution harms whales when they ingest plastics or get tangled in plastic debris such as fishing nets. Chemical pollution harms whales when it accumulates in their tissues.

How can we help whales:

• Keep beaches free of litter (especially plastic) by recycling, not littering and participating in beach clean-up days

• Only patronize responsible whale watch providers that honor distance and other guidelines

• Volunteer in and/or support verified conservation groups

The

Student interns help power Chamber centennial celebrations

by Garden City High School students who are interning with the nonprofit Chamber. Two GCHS students are among those involved in community celebrations and “giving back” by serving as chamber interns.

Ava Koszalka, a member of the GCHS Class of 2026, began interning with the chamber last September. She is the daughter of chamber Vice President Lynne Maimone Koszalka of Four Seasons Realty.

“She thought it would be a good experience for me so last year during the Homecoming Parade I spoke with John Wilton. Immediately he had some work for me to help them with, and right away I could see this being a fun way to meet people, walking around the 7th Street district, coming into contact with a lot of new people by getting involved. My mom being here also makes sure we have much to do during the Chamber’s events.…I’ve helped with our Ryder Cup Festival last fall and did some setting up, and then there’s the networking opportunities for young people – a sponsor of the Ryder Cup Festival was able to speak with students about interviewing for a job,” Koszalka said.

Ava has volunteered in other capacities, including during the summer with the Town of Hempstead Camp Anchor program for special needs children and adults. At Garden City High School, she volunteers in the Best Buddies program to assist fellow students.

“I am also involved in our school Fashion Club and the Spanish Club, which are more

fun ways to be interactive and help with projects,” she said.

Right alongside Koszalka at Garden City Connect last week was her classmate, fellow graduating senior at GCHS Alessandra Pinto. She became an intern for the chamber in June 2025. She said the opportunity came about in an unexpected way after she sang the National Anthem at one of her school’s senior awards ceremonies in 2025.

“That’s where I met Mr. Wilton, and he asked me to sing the National Anthem at the promenade too. After singing at one promenade, I got asked to sing it again at a Garden City Connect event last year, followed by another event. He asked me to become a chamber intern and this has become a great way for me to meet new people. This job has also been one of my best performance opportunities, singing in front of a great crowd,” she noted.

Pinto was back to wow the networking crowd of hundreds at Adelphi last Wednesday. At Garden City High School, she is active in chorus, jazz and musical theater groups, and she volunteers as part of Peer Educators. Each summer, Pinto works as a lifeguard at the Village of Garden City Pool.

The eight months she has spent interning with the Chamber of Commerce have taught her time management and how to balance commitments. “A few times a month

of Roisin Pfaff, a 2025 Garden City High School graduate and former student representative for the village’s Environmental Advisory Board. Roisin, who now attends the University of Notre Dame, was a recipient of the Adelphi University Prize for Leadership Award in 2024. She also interned with the Garden City Chamber, and before taking the position last year, Ava spoke with her about the internship opportunity.

“She had such a good experience here and Mr. Wilton wrote a really great letter of recommendation for her and some of her classmates who had requested one for their college applications, etc. Former students from our school have had a lot of great things to say about the chamber, so I was eager to become involved,” Koszalka said.

She added that there has not been any intimidating circumstance for an adolescent meeting some of Garden City’s and Long Island’s large companies, investors and entrepreneurs — everyone has been friendly and helpful when working with the interns.

“It’s great that so many professionals and local businesses meet us, and they ask about our lives and what we’re pursuing at school and for our future career paths. John is always trying to introduce us to people who might be of assistance to us, and it’s a great vibe to be a part of,” she explained.

tle toys or balloons, it’s so nice to see the way they get excited. Parents and grandparents also seem very happy with the efforts we put in, and everyone in Garden City becomes a part of it – it’s a really nice feeling,” she said.

Althea Robinson honored

Highlights of the February 4th Garden City Connect also included a moment to publicly honor the career, impact and legacy of village resident Althea Robinson, who served as the Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s president for 39 years (out of the organization’s 100). She was showered with praise, hugs, kisses and congratulations from Mr. Wilton, the current chamber board, Town of Hempstead Councilman Tom Muscarella, Garden City Mayor Ed Finneran, Deputy Mayor Judy Courtney, Village Trustees Vinny Muldoon, Bruce Torino and Jessica Tai, and Library Board Chairperson and former Village Trustee Colleen Foley. Robinson was also presented with a golden-yellow bouquet of flowers matching Adelphi University’s colors.

“Althea was this Chamber’s foundation – she was our brickand-mortar, and Althea needs to be recognized for her work. She has volunteered in this community for nearly all of her lifetime.

The opportunity to welcome all attendees of the “Connect” event and Garden City through her National Anthem performance, and as part of the chamber team, was on Pinto’s mind. She reflected on the way she can make a good impression on everybody.

for availability of labor and the related cost of securing labor – attracting employees, hiring them and having the employees stay with the company after you train them. The report indicated that businesses prepared for ‘Execution and Adaptability’ will have a better year than last year, across the board, even on Long Island. This is where we collectively come in together,” he said.

With the Garden City Connect event held just five days before Super Bowl LX, Mr. Wilton commented about the hundreds of name tags prepared for a tremendous night of networking as attendees registered with the chamber and Adelphi.

After remarks by Mayor Finneran, Wilton also shared a new statistic from the 2026 Levin Management Report, which noted that inflation, rising costs and consumer confidence are the top factors expected to impact businesses and industries in 2026.

Chamber businesses pitched in for several prize giveaways and gift cards throughout the February 4th Garden City Connect. Mr. Wilton and the chamber board presented the items as numbers were called, and he encouraged everyone to continue networking and share their business cards with others. From page 1

I am working to do the setup and logistics, meeting new people and talking to the guests/ attendees. At the promenades I get to see my friends, but the chamber business community offers great connections. It benefits me to leave the room with a bunch of business cards, and I am having a lot of positive experiences in a supportive, encouraging and fun environment,” Pinto said.

Passionate as a singer and performer, she said the community events have provided stages to display her talents. Looking ahead to college, she plans on majoring in journalism and communications. Pinto noted that working with Mr. Wilton has shown her his and the Chamber’s commitment to helping interns reach their potential. “I think he truly wants the best for all students in the village, and for all the people working with him.”

Ava Koszalka is a friend

“Whenever I perform, I hope I represent our town and school in a positive way – it’s what I love to do. Our village is a special community, and more people are being brought together by the work and efforts of the chamber leadership, board volunteers and interns,” she said.

Koszalka is inspired to see the joy and enthusiasm that Garden City Chamber-led events such as the Friday Night Promenades, the annual Belmont Festival and last year’s Ryder Cup Festival bring to younger children in town. “When I’ve been setting up for events or handling the stands where we have giveaways of lit-

“It states that 68.6% of all businesses – it does not matter what the services or products are – will perform better in 2026. But the biggest fears are

“Everybody in the room is wearing our game jersey, and it’s February of 2026 so we are at the 18-yard line. The competition – the other team – is the cost of goods, services, rent, payroll, employee retention and utilities. That’s the other team that we all have to beat. We are the quarterbacks of our future and the Garden City Chamber is designing an event like tonight to be interactive and fun. You can’t let the roadblocks of life get in the way, and we organized this for everyone as there’s no attendance fees, with great food, great people and an outstanding venue. We need everyone to interact and interface, and understand this as the value of what our chamber does,” he said.

Where to Go When Winter Sparks Romance

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Valentine’s Day and winter’s chill always spur couples to seek out destinations to kindle their romance –whether newlyweds on a honeymoon, or a couple looking to deepen their relationship, propose or celebrate some milestone (an anniversary or babymoon?). Here are some places with just the right atmosphere to provide the spark:

10 Most Romantic Places in Italy

Denyse Pantaleo, a tour designer and manager at Walks of Italy, which organizes authentic walking experiences in Europe’s culturally rich destinations, offers this list of 10 of Italy’s most romantic places.

The Dolomites, set against jagged snow-covered peaks, offers intimate alpine villages perfect for cuddling by a crackling fireplace after enjoying the pulsing excitement of skiing, ice skating, and indulging in fondue at a mountain lodge in towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and San Cassiano.

Rome, the Eternal City, is the place to express eternal love. “For a truly romantic day, visit Il Sogno di Giulietta, a palazzo in the courtyard where Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet, once lived.”

Turin, an elegant city set against the backdrop of the Alps, offers thermal bliss at spas like QC Termetorino. Explore the Mole Antonelliana and Royal Palace of Turin. Finish with a romantic dinner featuring local specialties like agnolotti and gianduja chocolate.

Verona, the setting of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”: is where couples can write their own love story. Explore Juliet’s courtyard, take a stroll through Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Castelvecchio Bridge.

The Amalfi Coast, with its

dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters, offers a dreamy setting for romance. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral, watch the sunset at Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, stroll through picturesque towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

Umbria: Drive the Strada del Sagrantino, visit local wineries, explore medieval towns and vineyards. From the serene Lake Trasimeno to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Umbria is a tranquil retreat for couples seeking peace and intimacy.

Florence: Wander through historic streets of this UNESCO-listed city, visit the Uffizi Gallery, stroll the Boboli Gardens. Florence’s beauty and timeless allure create the perfect atmosphere for couples.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and gondolas, is the quintessential romantic destination. Glide through the Grand Canal, explore hidden gems like the Dorsoduro district, arrange a private gondola ride

Pompeii: Explore the ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk through the well-preserved streets and discover the House of Venus, where intricate frescoes depict tales of love and beauty. After a guided tour around the ruined ancient city, visit Cantina de

Venice seems to have been designed for romance © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

and-snowshoeing-in-slovenia)

the volcano.

Milan: With landmarks like the  Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan offers a luxurious yet intimate setting. Shop stylish boutiques, enjoy gourmet meals in trendy districts like Brera, and experience a night at La Scala opera house. From here, take a short train journey to Lake Como.

See:  www.walksofitaly.com/blog/ travel-tips/most-romantic-places-initaly

Top Romantic Winter Experiences in Slovenia

In winter, Slovenia turns into a storybook destination, where snow-covered landscapes, charming towns, and intimate experiences set the atmosphere for romance.

Moonlit Winter Walks and Snowshoeing Adventures: Velika Planina, with its charming shepherds’ huts blanketed in snow, feels like a fairytale village for scenic winter walks and snowshoe hikes to nearby plateaus. Pokljuka, a high alpine plateau within Triglav National Park, impresses with majestic spruce forests and sweeping views of the Julian Alps; Pohorje is a winter wonderland of meadows and forests (https://www. slovenia.info/en/stories/winter-hikes-

A Traditional Pletna Boat Ride to Bled Island: Glide across Lake Bled’s misty waters aboard a traditional pletna boat. Visit the island church where the tradition of ringing the wishing bell adds a meaningful and romantic ritual.

Indulge in a Couples’ Thermal Spa Retreat at the Orhidelia Wellness Centre at Terme Olimia, one of Slovenia’s most modern wellness centers; the Riviera Wellness Centre in Terme Čatež; and enjoy honey- or beer-inspired treatments at Thermana Laško. (www.slovenia.info/en/stories/ couple-pampering-in-slovenian-spas).

Romantic City Strolls Filled with Culture and Charm: Ljubljana captivates with its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The LUV Fest , a festival of love, art and wandering, is Feb 8-Mar.12). Visit  Ptuj, named the  Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026.

For more romantic winter experiences, visit  www.slovenia.info/ en/stories/ideas-for-romantic-winterexperiences

Bermuda epitomizes romance, with stunning pink sand beaches, quiet, private coves, quaint lodgings and an endless array of activities. For our family it was the perfect destination for a proposal, and then a babymoon at The Reefs (www.thereefs. com, 800-742-2008).  Bermuda Tourism Authority, www.gotobermuda.com, 1-800-BERMUDA)

Mendocino, California is one of our favorite romantic destinations – the charming northern California historic town is nestled on the rocky coast with stunning scenery, hikes, beaches and coves. A favorite place to stay is Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa, which offers utter serenity (800-5784454,  brewerygulchinn.com). Visit Mendocino County, 866-466-3636, 707964-9010, www.visitmendocino.com. February 13, 2026

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of February 15-21, 2026

Back in the earliest days of human history, long before even I was born, skywatchers noticed that the moon and planets drifted from month to month among the stars. Even more interestingly, they found that these wandering lights never strayed from a narrow arc across the sky.

With little understanding of the workings of the cosmos, they interpreted these wandering lights as either envoys of the gods carrying messages to and fro or, perhaps, the gods themselves. They devised 12 stellar groupings (the zodiac) to mark this path, and assigned mystical properties to each as well as to the planets that appeared to pass through them.

Night after night, they watched and plotted these celestial dances in hopes of gleaning the wishes and thoughts of the gods. This, of course, is the origin of astrology, which has not changed terribly much in methods and purpose over the millennia, except that today it has become a multimillion-dollar business.

Modern stargazers who do understand the workings of the universe know that there is nothing mystical at all about this region of the heavens. It represents the path along which the planets journey in front of the more distant stars. Astronomers call it the

Follow the Winter Zodiac

“ecliptic” because it’s along this arc that the sun and moon also appear to travel, and, therefore, the only locations in the sky where eclipses can occur.

Head outdoors after dark this week and you’ll see half of the year’s zodiacal constellations spread over the southern sky. In the west, Pisces, the fishes, appear shortly after sunset, but set soon after darkness falls. To the east of Pisces comes Aries, the Ram. Unfortunately, there are no really bright stars among this grouping, so your best chance of finding them will come under a dark, un-light-polluted sky.

After Aries comes Taurus, the bull, with its bright star Aldebaran, and

LOST

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

One morning I walked around the back of our yard and discovered a dead animal. I poked it with the toe of my sneaker to make sure it was really dead, not just playing possum. But as they say in The Wizard of Oz, it wasn’t just merely dead, it was really most sincerely dead.

Naturally, the first thing I did was take a headcount of all our pets to make sure the furry, stiff thing outside was not one of ours. Then I accounted for all my dog’s stuffed toys to make sure I wasn’t freaking out over something that had never actually been alive.

Finally, reluctantly, I went outside and approached the dead thing. It was bigger than a squirrel and smaller than a breadbox, which incidentally is kind of a stupid comparison because no one I know has a breadbox, so I’ll just say it was about the same size as a cat.

The dead thing, in fact, turned out to be a dead possum. As far as I could tell, there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with it -- aside from the fact that

Half of the year’s zodiacal constellations will be visible in the southern sky after dark this week.

Gemini, the twins, and its equally bright “twin” stars Castor and Pollux. Finally, low in the eastern sky, we struggle to spot a dim, nondescript constellation. Cancer, the crab, is one of the smallest and faintest of all celestial patterns.

Once you find the zodiacal band, you’ll be able to keep watch of the planets’ motions as did the ancients. Right now, look for faint Saturn not far from the stars of Pisces low in the west after dark, and brilliant Jupiter glistening among the stars of Gemini high in the east. Uranus and Neptune also lie along this band, but you’ll need a telescope to find them.

Later this week and next, you’ll be able to watch as the moon swings along

IN SUBURBIA

Playing Possum

it was dead. This, of course, was an issue. But the biggest issue, aside from its deadness in our yard, was the fact that there was no one to remove it from our yard except me. Normally when I find dead things around the house or outside of it, I leave them for my husband to deal with. It comes with his job description. I make the meals, pick up the dry cleaning, do the laundry, and take out the garbage -- and he disposes of dead things. But my husband was not here, and the dead possum was smack in the back of the yard where the dog likes to run around. The dog also likes to eat, play with and roll around on dead things. You can see how this was a problem.

So, I did what any sensible, suburban woman with a similar problem would do. I called the police.

“Hi there,” I said. “I have a dead possum in my backyard. Can you send someone over to pick it up?”

There was a pause. Then someone on the other end snorted, said no, and hung up. Honestly, I didn’t actually think they would come, but I thought it

was worth a shot.

Regrettably, I realized there was no one else I could call, meaning I was going to have to do the deed. So, I put on rubber gloves, a ski mask and a radiation suit I happened to have lying around the house, and I went outside.

I nudged the possum with my toe again, but it didn’t budge. I nudged harder, and nothing happened. This is when I realized that the possum was actually petrified, as in hard-as-arock-petrified, not scared-petrified, and stuck to the ground like a fossil in bedrock. It occurred to me that the possum may have been there, at the edge of my backyard, dead, for quite some time, and may have even actually taken root.

I thought for a minute, then went into the shed and got a big shovel. I jammed it under the possum and heaved, but nothing happened. Then I threw all my weight on the shovel. This time the dead possum lifted out of the ground, onto the shovel, into the air and, in a perfect arc, flew over my neighbor’s fence. Problem solved.

this path as well. This should not surprise you; it, too, is part of our solar system and travels along roughly the same arc. I say “roughly” because the moon’s orbit is actually tipped by about 5 degrees to the plane of the ecliptic, so it does appear to stray slightly above and below it.

As the seasons change, you’ll be able to follow the zodiac into the spring sky and find some of its constellations located there. By summertime, you’ll be greeted by an entirely new cast of zodiacal characters.

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

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

Snow Days: Keep Them or Get Rid of Them

BY MARC SPECTOR

We all remember how wonderful it was back in the day when we were kids and we heard that it was going to snow. At least for me, I think, and most of my contemporaries.

Not only was it a break from school, but also a chance to relax, maybe sleep in a bit, go play in the snow, or as the years went by, watch News 12 and see how everyone else was “dealing” with and “coping” with the snowstorms. Talk about equalizers!

As if getting up early in the morning when it was cold and dark was not enough, the angst associated with being a teenager intensified . All of the pressure of being young and having lots of academic responsibilities, with not enough time to do it in, and apparently not too many people caring about that fact too much, it all added up to stress, and lots of it. Besides, snow days tended to be a relief, albeit a temporary one, from the pains of everyday life, at least to an extent.

Obviously there are differences of opinion between those who want the snow days back and those who want to get rid of them forever. But both sides do have also problems associated with them: proponents of KEEPING the snow days cite safety and security as paramount, and keeping students and teachers safe, which sounds perfectly

sound to me. Others go for a more psychological reason, namely the emotional effect that the snow days have on us, bringing nostalgia for days of yore, a chance to refresh, reboot, spend time with family and friends and perhaps even explore unusual community resources and opportunities previously not done! Again, that sounds fine with me. And, finally, having snow days prevents unequal discrimination with regards to transportation accessibility and availability, as no one irrespective of financial and socioeconomic status should have to go to school in really bad weather, in my opinion.

But the naysayers have their point as well: the potential disruption of the academic calendar schedule, being forced to “add on” days at the end of the year, and, indirectly the difficulties associated with having to “catch-up” and “get back into” academics after even a short hiatus. There are also legitimate concerns about unequal technological allocations which raise potential discrimination issues, as not everyone has high quality internet access, nor a supportive home environment for it, either. Meal distribution for economically disadvantaged students can also become an issue, as in where would those kids now get their food from if school is closed? And finally, for parents who have to work during the day, now, their schedule is interrupt-

ed potentially leading to financial loss and a big stressor on their respective employers as well.

So, what’s the answer?

Personally, I am in favor for the most part of keeping the snow days but nevertheless understand the dilemmas therein associated. It’s essentially a choice between personal enlightenment and practical considerations, but it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing either, I don’t think. Another reason why I tend to be in favor of keeping these days is that it effectively teaches us albeit indirectly that “stuff happens” and keeps us on our toes with regards to that aspect of life. It would also be a day to be happy without being productive, a sorely needed practice in today’s society. A day to experiment in “just relaxing and rediverting” which we might need more than we think we do. And there is also the susceptibility of modern-day technology to not function properly all the time, creating frustration and uneven academic continuity for some.

A compromise might be the only effective remedy… reserving the traditional snow day for the “really bad snow days” where states of emergency are implemented and roads deemed treacherous to drive, or maybe what some educational institutions are doing already, having specifically previously allocated “snow days” already inserted

NUTRITION NEWS

Heart Healthy February

into the calendar beforehand, which would serve as asynchronous learning dates and making sure that the important material gets covered. And as for the food insecurity issue, the school districts should have alternative plans in hand before the year even starts to address the concerns of socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

I think that hybrid compromise might be just what we’re looking for. Let’s be honest, we don’t (usually) get that much snow on Long Island, but we still live in the Northeast and winter is just as much of a season as the other three. So, why not enjoy it to the best of our ability? I think that a break in the “action” not only gives us a break from the grind, but also a catch up period and time to reflect on life, where we’ve been, where we’re headed, etc. I comprehend fully why too many snow days can be disruptive, too. So, I propose the aforementioned compromise.

With climate change and global warming going the way it has been for a while now, soon we might move into a new climatic “zone” and snow days will naturally become a thing of the past. But until then, let’s just enjoy a sporadic snow day and not overimplement nor overutilize them, just enjoy them for what they are, natural and beautiful. And also enjoy extra rest and relaxation!

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects many. It’s a risk factor, along with high cholesterol and smoking, that can lead to heart disease. About half of all Americans have at least one of the three risk factors.

High blood pressure is a medical condition that happens when the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. The high pressure, if not controlled, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain. High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure. You can lower your blood pressure with lifestyle changes or with medicine to reduce your risk for heart disease and heart attack.

A second risk factor is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance made by the liver and found in certain foods. Your liver makes enough

for your body’s needs, but many of us get more cholesterol from the foods we eat.

If we take in more cholesterol than the body can use, the extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, including those of the heart. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries and can decrease the blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys and other parts of the body.

Like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get it checked with a simple blood test.

The lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol include eating less saturated fat (found in animal foods), less trans fat (found in pro-

cessed foods) and less salt. Choose more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to lower sodium and fat intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating at least 1 1/2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables every day, as well as limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day.

Add as many fruits and veggies to your diet as you can. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium and contain nutrients such as potassium that can help lower blood pressure. Also try to eat lean sources of protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish and lean meats as well as beans. Choose whole-grain breads and pastas and look for lower-sodium versions of canned and packaged foods.

The bottom line is diet alone may not completely cure or prevent high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but it can help.

Q and A

Q: Are there foods that can help with bad breath?

A: One of the biggest culprits of bad breath, referred to as halitosis, is bac-

teria on the tongue, which can interact with amino acids in foods to produce a foul smell. Decreased saliva production also prevents the mouth from cleansing itself by removing odor-causing food debris. Eating foods like garlic and onions, as well as smoking, can also lead to stale breath. Bad breath can sometimes signify a more serious underlying health condition, but for nonmedically related situations, several foods have natural compounds that help keep bacteria at bay. Try apples, green tea, cherries, ginger, parsley, yogurt with probiotics, melons and cinnamon. In addition, stay hydrated with water, chew gum to stimulate salivary glands and avoid coffee.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

BY TOM MARGENAU

As I’ve pointed out before, I usually find myself answering the same questions over and over again. But I’ve saved up a couple of oddball questions -- and here they are. But first, I want to make it clear I am not calling the people who emailed me the questions “oddballs.” However, I am saying the questions they asked were odd -- or at least out of the ordinary.

Q: I recently signed up for my Social Security after working for more than 40 years. I’ve often wondered this. I know that once you have 40 quarters of coverage, you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. I bet I had those 40 quarters way back when I was maybe 30 years old. Could I have quit working back then and still gotten a Social Security benefit someday? And if so, why didn’t I just do that?

A: Interesting questions. Before I answer them, let me clarify a term for some readers. You talked about “quarters of coverage.” That’s an old term that hasn’t been used in years. Younger readers might know that as “credits.” And here is why.

When Social Security first started, the law said that if you worked and paid Social Security taxes on earnings of $50 or more within a calendar quarter (January-March; April-June; etc.), you got one “quarter of coverage” applied to your Social Security account. And then the law further said that once you had 40 of those quarters, you were then “insured” for Social Security retirement benefits.

But about 50 years or so ago, they did away with the calendar quarter business and changed the rules to say you got one “credit” for each specified amount of money you made, not to exceed four credits in one year. That specified amount goes up slightly every year. For example, in 2026, you get one credit for each $1,890 you earn. But again, no more than four credits can be earned in a year. So that means in 2026, once you make $7,560, you have earned the maximum four Social Security credits you can get.

Here is an interesting way of looking at that. For most of us, that means you probably have to work about a month or more before you earn four Social Security credits. But for a billionaire like Elon Musk, for example, he probably earns his four credits five minutes after he walks into his Space X offices on Jan. 2 of each year! OK. So that clarifies why “quarters of coverage” and “credits” are the same thing. Now, to answer your question about quitting at age 30 and getting your Social Security.

You could potentially do that. But you would end up with an awfully small Social Security benefit. That benefit will be based on your average income over your highest 35 years of earnings. So if you end up with only 10 years of earnings on your record, that means they would have to factor 25

Some Oddball Questions

years of “zero” earnings into your Social Security computation. And that would drag down your average earnings, and thus your Social Security benefit, to a very low amount.

Q: My wife and I are both in our late 50s and starting to think about Social Security. I have had well-paid jobs all my life and always paid the maximum into Social Security. My wife spent a big chunk of our 35-year marriage staying home and taking care of the kids. She just barely has her 40 quarters. Can I take the next 10 years or so, transferring my earnings to my wife’s Social Security record, thus building up her Social Security account? I figure we could do this because we file a joint tax return.

A: You can’t do that. How you file a tax return has nothing to do with the assignment of Social Security earnings to individual records.

And even if you could do such a thing, you wouldn’t want to do it. Why? Because your wife will end up getting higher Social Security benefits as a spouse on your record than she ever would get on her own account. Let’s say your benefit will be $4,000 per month and your wife’s own small retirement benefit will be $500. Assuming you start benefits at your full retirement age, she would be due a spousal benefit of $1,500 on your account to supplement her own $500 benefit.

Now, let’s say you were able to give some of your earnings to your wife for several years. That might boost her own benefit to maybe $800 per month. But she is still going to end up with $2,000 in total benefits ($800 on her record and $1,300 from you). So why bother trying to boost her own benefit?

Q: I am 73 years old and have been getting Social Security since I turned 66. I just stopped working. I started working when I was 13. One thing that has always bugged me is that the earnings I had between ages 13 and 18 never showed up on my Social Security record. I didn’t make much back then, but at least it was something and those earnings probably would have increased my Social Security benefit. I have been fighting for years to get those earnings included in my Social Security records. I think I’ve hired a half dozen lawyers over the years to help me fix this. And still nothing has happened! Can you help me?

A: I can help you by telling you to stop obsessing over this and to stop wasting money on lawyers. Even if you got those old earnings added to your Social Security records, they wouldn’t increase your benefit by a single nickel.

Why? Because your retirement benefit was based on your highest 35 years of earnings. And for most people, their highest 35 years are their last 35 years. You said you filed for retirement benefits when you were 66. So it’s a pretty good bet that your

original Social Security benefit was based on your earnings between ages 31 and 66. So that means any earnings you had before that, especially the paltry money you made as a teenager, would never be used in your retirement benefit calculation. One other note. You said you just stopped working at age 73. There is a pretty good chance that each year’s worth of earnings you had between age 66 and 73 bumped up your benefit by a little bit. How and why that happens is WAY too complicated to explain in what’s left of today’s column. But if you get my book, “Social Security - Simple and Smart,” there is

a whole chapter that explains how earnings after retirement may (or may not) increase your Social Security benefit. 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

Is Your Home Climate-ready for the Next Ten Years?

A few years ago, “climate-ready” sounded like something only coastal homeowners needed to worry about, like Flood zones, Hurricanes, Maybe wildfires out West.

In 2026, that thinking doesn’t hold up anymore.

Homeowners across the country are dealing with hotter summers, heavier rain, longer power outages, rising insurance costs, and weather patterns that no longer follow the old rules. Even places once considered “safe” are seeing stress on homes that were never designed for this level of heat, moisture, or volatility.

So the real question isn’t whether climate change will affect your home. It’s whether your home is prepared for what the next decade is likely to bring.

Climate-ready doesn’t mean extreme

Let’s clear up a misconception first. Making your home climate-ready does not mean building a bunker, ripping everything out, or spending a fortune on the latest green technology. It means something simpler—and more practical:

• Can your home stay livable during extreme heat or cold?

• Can it handle heavier rain without damage?

• Will insurance companies still want to cover it?

• Will rising energy costs hit you harder than necessary?

• Can you stay in your home comfortably as conditions change?

For most people, climate readiness is about resilience, not perfection.

The quiet stress points in many homes

When homes struggle with climate shifts, it’s usually not because of one dramatic failure. It’s because of small, overlooked weaknesses that add up.

Here are the big ones showing up most often:

Heat management

Homes built decades ago weren’t designed for prolonged heat waves. Poor insulation, aging windows, dark roofs, and inefficient cooling systems can turn a house into a heat trap. Even if your air conditioner works, it may be working overtime—and driving up energy bills in the process.

Water, water, water

Heavier downpours are stressing foundations, roofs, gutters, and drainage systems. Basements that “only flooded once” are flooding more often.

Yards that used to absorb rain are now channeling it toward the house.

Power reliability

More extreme weather means more outages. Homes that rely entirely on electricity for heat, cooling, medical equipment, or communication are increasingly vulnerable when the grid goes down.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Insurance exposure

This is the sleeper issue. Insurance companies are quietly reassessing risk—sometimes by raising premiums sharply, sometimes by limiting coverage, and sometimes by leaving markets altogether. Homes with outdated roofs, poor drainage, or higher exposure to heat and water are being flagged more often.

What climate-ready actually looks like

A climate-ready home doesn’t need every upgrade. It needs the right ones. Here are changes that consistently make a difference:

Better building envelope

Insulation, air sealing, and modern windows do more than improve comfort. They reduce energy demand during heat waves and cold snaps, making your home easier to keep livable even under stress.

Smart water management

Functional gutters, extended downspouts, proper grading, sump pumps with battery backups, and permeable landscaping all help keep water moving away from your house instead of into it.

Heat resilience upgrades

Shade trees, lighter-colored roofing, exterior shading, and efficient cooling systems can lower indoor temperatures dramatically—sometimes even when the power is out.

Backup power planning

This doesn’t always mean a wholehouse generator. For many homeowners, a smaller battery system or generator that supports essentials (refrigeration, medical devices, internet, basic lighting) is enough.

Durable materials

Fire-resistant siding, impact-resistant roofing, and moisture-tolerant flooring are becoming less of a luxury and more of a long-term cost control strategy.

What this means if you’re a first-time buyer

If you’re buying your first home, climate readiness should be part of your evaluation—right alongside price and location.

Ask questions like:

• How old is the roof, and what is it made of?

• Has the basement ever taken on water?

• What are typical summer energy bills?

• Has the insurance premium changed recently?

A cheaper home isn’t cheaper if it’s expensive to insure, cool, repair, or protect.

What this means for long-term owners

If you plan to stay put, climate readiness is really about protecting future choices.

Small upgrades made now—better insulation, drainage fixes, roof improvements—are usually far less expensive than emergency repairs later. They also make your home easier to sell if you ever decide to move, because buyers are becoming more aware of these risks.

Think of it as maintenance for a changing environment.

What this means for retirees

For retirees, climate readiness intersects directly with comfort and independence.

Extreme heat is harder on older bodies. Power outages can be more than inconvenient if you rely on medical equipment or climate control. Water damage and major repairs are especially disruptive on fixed incomes.

Prioritizing reliability—stable temperatures, fewer emergencies, lower ongoing costs—can make aging in place safer and less stressful.

What this means if you’re renting now but plan to buy

Pay attention to what you experience as a renter. Does your unit overheat? Do storms cause leaks or outages? Are utility bills unpredictable?

Those experiences are valuable data. They can help you spot red flags—and smart features—when you eventually buy.

Start with readiness, not fear

Climate-ready homes aren’t about fear or doom. They’re about realism.

Calling all College students!

The next 10 years are likely to bring more heat, more intense weather, higher energy costs, and tighter insurance standards. Homes that adapt gradually will fare better than homes that wait for a breaking point.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start by asking a simple question: If the weather gets harder on this house, will the house push back—or give in?

The answer can guide your next smart move.

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

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

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

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

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NOVENAS/PRAYERS

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER

Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.

Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).

Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen.

This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days.

In Gratitude (M.T.F.)

MARKETPLACE

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Cherry pie makes for a flavorful finishing touch

Dessert can be the crowning touch to a delicious meal. Pie is a popular dessert that undoubtedly benefits from versatility. It comes in so many flavors that it’s possible to eat a slice of pie

Pie dough:

2 1⁄4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 teaspoon table salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2⁄3 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄4-inch cubes

7 tablespoons vegetable shortening; chilled

1⁄3 cup iced water

Cherry filling:

6 cups sweet cherries (pitted), or 6 cups pitted frozen cherries

Cherry

Pie

each day for a month and never have the same one twice. For those with a predilection for “Cherry Pie,” this recipe from Lines+Angles is sure to please.

For 8 servings

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 small lemon, zested to yield 1 teaspoon zest and juiced to yield

2 teaspoons juice

1⁄8 teaspoon ground allspice

1⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon almond extract

1 tablespoon brandy

3 to 4 tablespoons quick-cooking

tapioca

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1) Mix flour, salt and sugar in a food processor fitted with steel blade. Scatter butter pieces over flour mixture, tossing to coat butter with a little flour. Cut butter into flour with five 1-second pulses. Add shortening and continue to cut it in until flour is pale yellow and resembles coarse cornmeal with butter bits no larger than small peas, about four more 1-second pulses. Turn mixture into medium bowl.

2) Sprinkle all but 1 tablespoon of the ice water over mixture. With blade of rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix. Press down on dough with broad side of spatula until dough sticks together, adding up to 1 tablespoon of remaining ice water if dough does not come together. Divide dough into two balls, one slightly larger than the other. Flatten each into 4-inch-wide disk. Dust lightly with flour, wrap separately in plastic, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

3) Remove dough from refrigerator; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly, about 10 minutes. Heat oven to 400 F. Toss fruit with sugar, lemon juice and zest, spices, almond extract, brandy, and tapioca; let stand for 15 minutes.

4) Roll larger dough disk on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle, about 1⁄8-inch thick. Transfer and fit dough into 9-inch glass pie pan, leaving dough that overhangs the lip in place. Turn fruit mixture, including juices, into pie shell. Scatter butter pieces over fruit. Refrigerate until ready to top with remaining dough.

5) Roll smaller disk on lightly floured surface into 10-inch circle. Lay over fruit. Trim top and bottom dough edges to 1⁄2-inch beyond pan lip. Tuck this rim of dough underneath itself so that folded edge is flush with pan lip. Flute dough in your own fashion, or press with fork tines to seal. Cut four slits at right angles on dough top to allow steam to escape. If pie dough is very soft, place in freezer for 10 minutes before baking.

6) Place pie on baking sheet; bake until top crust is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F and continue to bake until juices bubble and crust is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes longer.

7) Transfer pie to wire rack; let cool to almost room temperature so juices have time to thicken, from 1 to 2 hours.

Girl Scouts Sleepover Under the Planes

On Friday, January 30, Girl Scout Troop 1416 hosted a Sleepover Under the Planes event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The girls arrived by 8 pm and explored the museum, participated in making a mini rocket ship and watched a documentary on ocean conservation in the Planetarium. Afterward, the girls

were able to set up their sleeping bags in their favorite gallery for lights out at 11. After a restful night, the girls enjoyed a bagel breakfast before heading home. Thank you to all the staff at the Cradle of Aviation for making such a memorable experience for the girls! About to hit a milestone? Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com

From page 2

that the Board of Trustees would be revisiting the idea of a Public Private Partnership. This needs approval by Albany and would invite developers to the St. Paul’s site. Not surprisingly, this went over like a lead balloon.

Next was the Town Hall Meeting where the St. Paul’s Committee Report was discussed. It recommended Adaptive Reuse, with an 80.3 million dollar price tag that was conjured from an “anonymous” source. The use of the building? Unknown. Funding? Imposition of a Real Estate Transfer Tax. Issuing bonds, perhaps funneled through a nonprofit. This, in each configuration, has been roundly criticized.

Then finally, at the Board meeting on February 5th, the Board popped-up an announcement that they would be issuing a Request for Proposals for the demolition of St. Paul’s. Really? Why the sudden change of heart?

The timing is very suspicious. This was proposed by the Board just two days after Thomas Brosnan, Neha Bajaj, Thomas Ryan and I – the four FABGC candidates – clearly stated that the first thing we would do, if elected, would be to call for issuance of a Request for Proposals for demotion of St. Paul’s.

On the very same day, the four CAP candidates held a public meeting in which they not only did not propose a request for proposals for demolition, but did not discuss the future of St. Paul’s at all. This would have been the time to discuss the Request for Proposals for demolition if that is what they actually advocated or had the slightest interest in pursuing this choice.

So what do they really advocate? Adaptive Reuse for $80.3 million with no use? A Real Estate Transfer Tax to fund Adaptive Reuse and burden home sellers and buyers? A Public Private Partnership to bring in developers and likely create high-density housing? Perhaps issuance of a Request for Proposals in order to purposely push actual discussion of demolition until after the proposals come in, well beyond election day, and then let the option die a quiet death while the ruinously costly restoration alternatives remain?

The four FABGC candidates – Neha Bajaj, Thomas Brosnan, Thomas Ryan and I – are, and have been, consistent: take the building down and create a park that everyone can use and enjoy. Without delay, without further indecision. Vote for us on March 18th to finally begin to move the needle on St. Paul’s.

Jo-Ann Frey,  Candidate for Trustee

Vote the CAP Line

To the Editor:

The St. Paul’s Advisory Committee report provided information and recommendations regarding the St. Paul’s

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

St. Paul’s Adaptive Reuse would crush GC finances

To the Editor:

Garden City is a wonderful village that historically has lived within its means and maintained a fiscally conservative approach to budgeting. However, a closer look at Village debt indicates more caution and care is needed. While the village has maintained a AAA-rating with Moody’s, Adaptive Reuse for St. Paul’s could result in potential ratings downgrades, significant tax increases, and less financial transparency.

The Village’s annual financial statements show that net bonded debt (i.e. for government activities, excluding water/pool/tennis) has grown from $19.4 million in 2017 to $31.4 million in 2021 (about 62% over 4 years) to $35.2 million in 2025 (about 12% over 4 years). Just this week, $17.9 million in bonds were issued (including $10 million in general obligation bonds and disregarding the $7.9 million for water/enterprise bonds). When we net out $2.9 million in paydowns of principal from scheduled debt service payments, it appears that net bonded debt will increase to approximately $42.3 million by FY2026 year-end. This represents a whopping 20% year-overyear increase under the current BOT.

Now, consider the recent St. Paul’s Advisory Report to the Board of Trustees. We appreciate the volunteers who contributed to this report but point out that their assigned scope was limited to cover only the three preservation options offered in the 2025 St. Paul’s Survey. It was, nonetheless, striking that the report did not even comment on the Survey’s clear and consistent results: Majority Opposition to each of the three preservation options and Majority Opposition to any tax increases to fund such options.

Instead, the report discussed the stop-and-start history of various proposals to demolish, sell, or repurpose the 35-year-abandoned St. Paul’s main building. The report gave an updated $80 million estimate for Adaptive Reuse from an anonymous source at an unnamed New York City company, which still represented a nearly 19% increase over the midpoint of the “ballpark” figures the BOT just presented in 2025 town hall meetings and used in the 2025 Survey. Curiously, that $80 million figure assumed an inexplicably low 4% contingency figure (as compared to the normal 20% used on such projects as the Western Firehouse).

In June 2025, following the conclusion of the Survey process, a group of Seven Professionals offered up their

own estimate of Adaptive Reuse costs which differed from the “ballpark” figures on costs per square foot for usable areas, unusable areas, contingency fees, and other soft costs. Their total estimate of project costs for Adaptive Reuse was approximately $160 million.

Of course, adding either Adaptive Reuse estimate to the current estimate of 2026 net bonded debt results in either a near TRIPLING or QUINTUPLING of net debt over the $42.3 million projected for 5/31/26. The “Anonymous” sourced estimate would take net bonded debt to $122.3 million, up 247% over the 2025 fiscal year end debt figure. The 7 Professionals’ estimate would take net bonded debt to $202.3 million, up 474% over 2025 fiscal year-end levels.

While the St. Paul’s Advisory

Committee did not officially take a position on the St. Paul’s Conservancy’s 15-year-old proposal to use an off-balance-sheet 501(c)(3) PPP financing vehicle to fund St. Paul’s, the report dedicated some space to this approach. Such an off-balance sheet structure would aim to exploit financial and accounting technicalities to avoid consolidating the gargantuan St. Paul’s Adaptive Reuse debt (an additional $80M-$160M) on the Village’s books. It would be disappointing to see our AAA-rated Village, which prides itself on fiscally conservative practices, opting for an opaque off-balance sheet structure that vaguely recalls controversial “black box” financing techniques of the late 1990s and early 2000s. That

See page 45

building. While addressed to the Board of Trustees, it was intended for all village residents to consider.

The Committee’s report referenced a real estate transfer tax used in other communities, such as eastern Long Island. This was mentioned only as an option—not a recommendation. There have been no Board discussions about implementing such a tax, and I believe it is unlikely to have broad support among residents. Regardless, before discussing how to fund a St. Paul’s project, we must first decide what that project should be.

The FABGC candidates have already decided to favor demolishing the building to create a park at a guesstimate cost of $32 million. Surprisingly, these candidates have stated they would not provide residents with a bond referendum to approve or reject their proposal, despite the fact that their plan would significantly increase village property taxes for the next ten years. Instead, the FABGC candidates would require residents to gather hundreds of signatures to force a bond referendum under New York State law.

By contrast, the CAP candidates—

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

and other members of the Board, including myself—believe it is essential to fully evaluate all potential options for the St. Paul’s building. Nearly all village residents recognize the history and beauty of this 143-year old landmark. Before bringing a wrecking ball to the steps of St. Paul’s, residents deserve the opportunity for the Board to complete its analysis and present a recommendation later this year.

Your Board of Trustees has consistently demonstrated responsiveness and transparency. We are committed to presenting the best possible solution for St. Paul’s—one that village residents will ultimately have the opportunity to approve.

On Wednesday, March 18th, please vote for the CAP candidates: Vinny Muldoon, Judy Courtney, Jessica Tai, and Gerard Smith.

Rich Catalano

Poor location for preschool

To the Editor:

I have become aware of recent discussions to potentially use St Paul’s as a preschool  within our village. As a preschool parent, I have several concer-

St. Paul’s Adaptive Reuse would crush GC finances

From page 44

said, Village taxpayers would still be required to pay for the inflated debt service costs, even if the debt were technically housed in another legal entity’s balance sheet.

Any proposed Adaptive Reuse of the St. Paul’s School main building would require “white boxing” 100,000 square feet of unusable space, while abating, repairing, and renovating some 25,000 square feet. There would be a need for staffing, securing, cleaning, and maintaining the building, which would likely be open 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days weekly. Moreover, even the unusable space would be heated to 50 degrees in the winter and cooled in the summer. Since the Committee Report declined to estimate annual operating and maintenance costs for Adaptive Reuse, we will assume $5 million of all-in annual operating/maintenance costs (or approximately $667/household per year).

Using the $80 million Anonymous estimate for Adaptive Reuse bonded over 15 years at 3.6%, the average Garden City household would have to pay approximately $950 more annually for debt-service plus the $667 in operating/maintenance costs, equating to additional taxes of $1,617, or about 22% higher than the average 2025 household Village tax bill.

Using the $160 million “7 Professionals” estimate for Adaptive Reuse bonded over 15 years at 3.6%,

ns about this plan.

As someone who has previously utilized the district’s SCOPE services at the middle school over the past few summers, I feel strongly that we should not have our youngest students in the district attend school at the busiest intersection in town. Traffic by the middle school and St Paul’s is already horrendous, especially at the beginning and end of the school day. Adding a preschool at that location would only make this worse.

Additionally, my son is enrolled in the district’s universal preK program at Harbor Daycare in Mineola. This has been hugely advantageous for our family. Having attended daycare at the same location for the past three years, my son was already familiar with the location and the staff. We were already used to the less than 10-minute drive to drop him off there. For our family, and for many others, relocating our kids to a preschool at St. Paul’s would be a less convenient solution and seems unnecessary.

In light of these and other impressive accomplishments, the Trustees who are seeking re-election on the Community Agreement Party line – Judy Courtney, Vinny Muldoon and Jessica Tai – are highly deserving of an additional term.  Gerard Smith, who is also affiliated with the Community Agreement Party, has extensive experience in finance and governance, both professionally and in service to Village organizations, and is strongly committed to building on the current Board’s solid record of achievement.  I also enthusiastically support his candidacy for election to the Board of Trustees.

Al Fredericks

Financial acrobatics

To the Editor:

the average Garden City household would have to pay approximately $1,900 more annually for debt-service plus the $667 in operating/maintenance costs, equating to additional taxes of $2,567, or about 35% higher than the average 2025 household Village tax bill.

Garden City is at a crossroads. This year’s 20% increase in net bonded debt growth already well exceeds the growth in debt from the prior FOUR years. Not counting St. Paul’s, the Village’s own projections for debt-service of $8.7 million in 2032 more than doubles current year levels. The Survey proves the majority of Garden City is opposed to Adaptive Reuse, Partial Renovation, and Mothballing, as well as any tax increases to fund them.

If the BOT pursues an Adaptive Reuse program (particularly one financed using opaque off-balance sheet structures), it would represent a shocking reversal of public commitments to abide by the will of the residents, not to mention a dramatic increase in the debt and obligations of the Village, and a significant increase in taxes to Garden City residents.

On March 18, please vote for Neha Bajaj, Tom Brosnan, Jo-Ann Frey, and Tom Ryan for the Board of Trustees to secure our fiscal future and conclude this 35-year St. Paul’s debate responsibly.

James Kumpel

Finally, I am concerned about having our youngest children in a building that apparently will have multiple other uses. This could result in many more people coming in and out of the building where the preschool would be located as well as more cars pulling up to the school. This does not seem safe.

Sherry

Kambhampati

Capable and effective stewards

To the Editor:

Garden City’s current Board of Trustees has been a very capable and effective steward of the Village’s affairs.  Its list of recent accomplishments is lengthy and varied –Among other achievements, the Board has led, and continues to lead, the successful, but not yet finished, fight against development of a huge and deeply harmful casino at the nearby Nassau Hub.  It has worked energetically to develop options for the redevelopment and reuse of the St. Paul’s School property that are based upon extensive community input.  It has made or approved significant improvements to various Village properties, including the library, the community pool, the 7th Street business district, the Senior Center, Cluett Hall, the St. Paul’s Field House and playing fields and the historic Toll House.   The Board has taken a number of steps to enhance both public safety, including improvements to police oversight of the popular 7th street Promenades, and traffic safety, including measures to calm or reduce traffic on 4th Street, North Avenue and the Mott Section.  Finally, it is in the process of tightening the regulation of property subdivisions to ensure that new residential development is compatible with, and does not do harm to, existing neighborhood character.

The recent coverage of the February 5th presentation by the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee highlights a persistent lack of clarity surrounding this project. While the Committee introduced complex funding mechanisms, it failed to address the core concerns of the taxpaying public.

The report suggests several “creative” financing paths, such as using the St. Paul’s Conservancy to issue bonds or implementing a Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) of 1% to 3%. However, these are merely different ways to reach into the same pockets. Despite the “nonprofit role” mentioned, these bonds would still rely on Village payments, effectively making them a public burden.

The presentation reveals several critical shortcomings in the current approach:

• Financial Reality: The report discusses an $80.3 million rehabilitation estimate from an anonymous consultant.

• Resident Sentiment: During the meeting, it was noted that roughly 47% of survey respondents stated they would not support any increase in taxes, yet the Committee continues to explore new tax structures like the RETT.

• Legal Hurdles: The suggestion of using the building for a school ignores the massive legal hurdle of its “parkland” status, which would likely require the Village to provide a replacement parcel of land—a near-impossible task in our built-out community.

Instead of chasing these complex legal maneuvers and new tax schemes, there needs to be considerably more attention paid to the current sentiment for a St. Paul’s Park while preserving the historic clock tower. The Board’s continued focus on high-cost rehabilitation appears myopic when compared to the simpler desire of many residents to see the site utilized as open space without a massive tax hike.

See page 46

It is time for the Board to stop exploring ways to fund a building the public hasn’t agreed to restore and start listening to the residents who will ultimately bear the cost.

John Regazzi

Move into the future

To the Editor:

I like to think of myself as an educator. I have taught accounting at Adelphi University for 16 years. I taught 6th graders “The History of the Bible” at St. Anne’s Parish for eight years. Professionally, my role has been one of an asset protector for my various employers.

I always use historical references to impart my lesson plan.

Below are two lessons I would like to impart to my fellow Villagers:

At a press conference on August 12th, 1986, US President Ronald Reagan said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’”

“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”― Margaret Thatcher

I cannot think of two more important governing lessons passed to us by two of the most impactful leaders of the Twentieth Century.

For over two decades, revolving Boards of Trustees have offered no sustainable plan for St. Paul’s. Current Boards offer no sustainable plan, altered publicly paid surveys to support their pipe dreams, but are more than willing to saddle the Village with unstainable debt to fund their unstainable dreams.

The solution Brosnan, Frey, Ryan and Bajaj offer: the removal of an edifice honestly beyond rehabilitation, replaced by a community park, preserving whatever historical artifacts we can for incorporation into a community park we all can share. At a cost far less than whatever the current Board fanaticizes. Stand by Brosnan, Frey, Ryan and Bajaj, pass on the delusions this Board professes. No more slanted Committees proposing anonymously supported undetailed plans.

Move into the Future with Brosnan, Frey, Ryan and Bajaj! We run on a platform of Transparency and Sustainability. We run because you deserve Transparency, a trait sorely lacking in our recent Boards.

Thomas Brosnan, Candidate – Board of Trustees

BOT should be ashamed

To the Editor:

The preservationists on the BOT have been devious, deceitful, less than forthcoming and obstinate in their handling of the St Paul’s issue. A more civil writer last week characterized their

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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actions as “misinformation, disinformation, wishful thinking, and misdirection.” They have misled at every turn and clearly defy the will of the people. Their agenda is unfathomable to any one with an iota of common sense. The building has no practical use. Period. Which makes we wonder what is the BOT’s motivation. Sure does. I’ll admit they’ve done a nice job overall in the Village but ballooning our debt beyond $100 million far outweighs planting trees or power washing sidewalks.

In last weeks letters to the editor the demolition to preservation ratio was 10:1. Judy Courtney, demo does have broad support!

I strongly implore the GC News poll all the candidates on whether they want to preserve St Paul’s or demolish it and publish those results prior to the election. I know where the FABGC candidates stand. I would like to hear from the ironically named Community Agreement Party candidates.

If you want demolish St Paul’s and build a beautiful park in it’s place then vote for FABGC!

Tim Deignan Competence and commitment

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Gerard Smith in his candidacy for trustee of the Village of Garden City. I have known Gerard for nearly three decades, dating back to the late 1990s when our families first connected while taking our daughters to concerts in Manhattan. Our girls were in the same grade at Stratford School and became close friends. Through that shared experience I came to know Gerard as a thoughtful, reliable, and deeply engaged member of the community.

Over the years, I have seen firsthand his integrity, sound judgment, and willingness to lend his time and expertise when others needed it. Gerard has built an extensive and successful career in finance, bringing a strong understanding of budgeting, long-term planning, and responsible stewardship of resources. These are precisely the skills our village needs in a trustee.

Garden City benefits when its leadership combines professional competence with a genuine commitment to its neighbors. Gerard embodies both qualities. He cares about this community, understands its values, and has the experience to help guide it responsibly into the future.

I am confident that Gerard Smith will serve the residents of Garden City with dedication and sound judgment, and I encourage my fellow residents to support him for village trustee.

Tina DiMino

Keep school & village separate

To the Editor:

At the Town Hall there was mention that the School Board might be interested in refurbished St. Paul’s for Universal 4 year old pre-K. Further on Page 25 in last week’s paper was an ad by the St Paul’s Conservancy claiming that the East Wing of St Paul’s could be used by the School District.

First, that would require asking Albany for approval since St Paul’s can’t be used as a school. This is something we don’t want because you never know what type of demand Albany would want for any approval.

Second, where is the School Board? I haven’t seen or heard that they support this, only that the Committee contacted them in talks. I’d like to see a positive response from the School Board that they favoring this commingling of functions.

Third, the ad also mentions the School Board would avoid $20-30 million in Universal Pre-K costs. Is the Conservancy suggesting that the Village cover these costs along with the taxes?

This seems to be opening up a lot of issues - let’s forget Conservancy!

Tom Ryan

Results matter

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for the Community Agreement Party (CAP) candidates in the upcoming Village election: Vinny Muldoon, Judy Courtney, Jessica Tai, and Gerard Smith.

In Garden City, results matter, and the track record of our current Trustees speaks for itself. Trustees Muldoon, Courtney, and Tai have proven themselves as dedicated public servants who prioritize action over rhetoric. They have consistently delivered fiscal responsibility, enhanced resident communication, and critical infrastructure improvements. Their ability to navigate the complexities of the St. Paul’s project with transparency and facts demonstrates the steady hand our Village requires.

What sets this slate apart is their undeniable integrity and reliability. They have demonstrated a commitment to factual, resident-centered governance rather than political posturing. Gerard Smith, a proven community leader, will be a seamless addition to this high-caliber team.

Our Village needs leaders with the professional expertise to not only preserve but improve the character of Garden City. On March 18, I urge my neighbors to vote for Muldoon, Courtney, Tai, and Smith to ensure our Village continues to be led by Trustees who honor their commitments and work tirelessly to achieve their stated goals.

Joe Moody

Vote against new tax

To the Editor: Since I’m not in favor of a real estate transfer tax, or any other potential increase in tax which rehabilitating St. Paul’s School will trigger, I’m supporting candidates Brosnan, Frey, Ryan and Bajaj for election to the Village’s Board of Trustees. Anyone in favor of avoiding increased real estate (or any other form of taxation) tax should likewise support and vote for Brosnan, Frey, Ryan and Bajaj.

George Kane

Supports Tom Brosnan

To the Editor:

My sister and I have known Tom Brosnan for a number of years. We wholeheartedly support his candidacy for Trustee based on his civic involvement, but more for his basic neighborliness.

During Covid, he would always stop by the house and drop off ice cream or munchkins for the kids so they wouldn’t feel forgotten. If anyone were in the hospital, he would visit to cheer them up. He’ll always save a table for us at the pool.

One Christmas, he got two lions for us, naming them after the lions guarding the NY Public Library: Patience and Fortitude. You’ll have to guess who got which. There’s also an urban legend associated with the lions, but you’ll have to Google that for yourselves.

He’s a great guy, and will make a great Trustee.

Madonna McMaster

Time to listen to residents

To the Editor:

It’s time to listen to the residents of our town. Build a park, save a portion of the building as a tribute to Stewart, but end this insanity. Definitely no real estate tax.

Eileen Castellano Glass houses

The following letter was addressed to Garden City Mayor Ed Finneran and is published here at the request of the writer:

Mayor Finneran,

I have noticed a troubling new trend.  Prior to this BOT there was a tradition of Trustees NEVER criticizing residents from the dais at BOT meetings.   This might have been for decorum, or the fact that residents normally would not be there to defend themselves.

While it might have happened once or twice prior to your becoming Mayor,  it is now “open season” on anyone that might not agree with the BOT.  We first saw this when Trustee Harrington baselessly accused a resi-

dent of stealing a Bible from St. Paul’s, by name, with no proof, using the cowardly “I heard……..”.  Soon after, Trustee Muldoon attacked resident volunteer John Cantwell, in his absence, even threatening his position on the Rec Commission, simply for publicly disagreeing with a vote.   More recently, it has become an every meeting occurrence, finishing up the last BOT meeting with a full 19 and a half minute tirade by Trustee Muldoon and Deputy Mayor Courtney (only two of those minutes were Courtney, thankfully) complaining about “lack of civility” and “respect”.

Let’s examine what precipitated this nearly 20-minute detour from Village business. Trustee Muldoon was rightly upset about an anonymous “kickback” accusation on Facebook.  He literally went on a 12 minute solo tirade, without interruption, about this as if he was the first person involved in politics to be criticized.  He was particularly aggrieved that two people “liked” the comment referencing “kickbacks”.  He seems to forget that Moms and Dads Facebook page is open to all. For all he knows, the commenter was a business competitor, a disgruntled client from outside the village or someone that actually must pay for their commercial parking as they are not fortunate enough to be the Police Liaison.  Who knows?  More importantly, who cares? It is social media, and everyone knows is 95% is gibberish nonsense, yet you allowed this non-agenda rant to stall actually government business while residents waited to be heard.

Furthermore, Trustee Muldoon expressed outrage that “an ex-Trustee’s wife” liked the post, yet conveniently failed to mention that another resident defended him, calling the smear “inappropriate” and posting “I do not believe Trustee Muldoon is trying to defraud the residents.” I happen to know this because I was the one who defended him. I disagree with Trustee Muldoon on St. Paul’s and question his “facts”, especially on his “ballpark” costs and demolition being compared to 9/11, but I believe no one should be smeared without proof. But because my defense of Trustee Muldoon didn’t fit his “holier-than-thou” “we are the good guys “they” are mean, god bless America” campaign season narrative he likes to run on, he omitted it entirely. Campaigns get heated. Especially around St Paul’s which Trustee Muldoon is so emotionally vested in. However, the recent attacks by Trustee Muldoon’s supporters on anyone that doesn’t agree with this BOT on St Paul’s has reached a new level.  These supporters and POA officers are now labeling  opponents as “cancer”, “toxic” and worse.  And in a despicable turn, they’ve recently, and repeatedly, posted links to a decadesold business matter of a resident to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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intimidate a senior citizen, not running for office, who is currently recovering from four cancer surgeries who simply disagrees with Trustee Muldoon’s “Adaptive Reuse” plan.

Yet, there is no outrage from Trustee Muldoon on this. No pleas for “respect”. No talk about “civility” from Deputy Mayor Courtney.  In fact, Trustee Muldoon previously called this same resident a “liar” from the dais while he was out for surgery while our Mayor sat in silence.  And the person digging up this ancient dirt isn’t just a run-ofthe-mill POA supporter and “friend of Vinny and Judy”; it is a lawyer Trustee Muldoon has employed for years.  I have publicly asked that Deputy Mayor Courtney and Trustee Muldoon denounce this behavior.  Instead, we get crickets. And the post is still up. Yet a Facebook post by an anonymous knucklehead gets us a full on 19 minute rant.  I wish you, Mayor Finneran, wouldn’t allow Trustees to use the dais to share their personal grievances at all, but if they must, could we at least get some neutrality, empathy and brevity?

Unfortunately, Trustee Muldoon does not seem to understand the difference between a resident’s right to criticize elected officials and an elected official using their office and a village meeting to attack a non-attending resident. I strongly recommend John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty.

I imagine Trustee Muldoon, or certain CAP candidates, would not appreciate links to events that happened decades ago that we are all aware of, but choose not to publicize.  What purpose does it serve?  Ancient history is just that, ancient history.  We’ve all done stupid things, but most have the grace not to use them as weapons.

Trustee Muldoon has every right to be livid with the unsubstantiated charge of taking “kickbacks”.  It was clearly below the belt and had no proof.  That is why I defended Trustee Muldoon, not because of his character, I’ve never met him, but because a cheap shot with no proof is just that.  However, Trustee Muldoon’s constant calls for “respect” and “civility” from the dais while those closest to him; POA Presidents and officers, fellow BOT members and his lawyer, do exactly the opposite clearly is not going unnoticed by the majority of residents and leaves the entire Board open to charges of hypocrisy.

I have two suggestions, Mayor Finneran:

Keep public meetings for village business. If Trustee Muldoon needs to address a personal criticism, esp. one that his closest supporters are guilty of, he should write a letter to the GC News or record another video, rather than wasting enormous resident time with his personal grievances.

Update the Agenda. If these attacks are to continue, please add a

formal category-perhaps “Trustee Muldoon Grievances” or “Trustee Muldoon Outrage”, limit it to 4 minutes like resident comments since it is not Village business, and we can all than plan our evenings accordingly.

Donald MacLeod

Steadiness, collaboration and heart

To the Editor:

Two years ago, I wrote a letter to the Garden City News titled “Shape of a Brighter Future” (https://www.gcnews. com/articles/shape-a-brighter-future/), expressing my belief that Jessica Tai would serve our village with dedication and integrity. As she now runs for reelection, her record speaks to expectations exceeded.

Over the past two years, Jessica has demonstrated resilience, accessibility, and transparency in what is often a demanding and complex role. She approaches issues thoughtfully and logically, while never losing sight of the people behind the policies. She listens, responds, and communicates clearly — even when conversations are difficult.

What many residents may see is the extraordinary amount of time, research, and careful consideration she devotes to every decision — all on a volunteer basis. She prepares thoroughly, asks substantive questions, and takes seriously the responsibility entrusted to her.

In a time when public discourse can become reactive or divisive, Jessica has led with steadiness, collaboration, and heart. She is guided by a sincere commitment to making thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions on behalf of the residents she represents. She understands the importance of honoring Garden City’s traditions while planning responsibly for its future.

I support Jessica Tai because she is committed to serving Garden City with integrity.

Danette Ceriano Brunelli

Real estate transfer tax

To the Editor:

In a perfect world (at least in this town) St. Paul’s would simply disappear. Poof! Imagine the possibilities: no more phony surveys, no more attempts to con the town’s residents by elected officials, no more opaque spending analyses, no more solipsistic drivel from the mouths of allegedly intelligent folks, and... The GC News headlining stories that people might actually care about. The possibilities would be almost endless.

Were St. Paul’s to simply disappear, in about a week or so drivers would pass the sight and quip ‘O yeah, that’s where that decrepit building used to be, the one that such a fuss was made over.’ Alas, the world is not perfect.

However the aforementioned fantasy conjures Humphrey Bogart’s final line in “The Maltese Falcon”: “It’s the stuff that dreams are made of.”

Anthony Parks

Historic St. Paul’s

To the Editor,

If it is decided to tear down the historic Saint Paul’s School, will The Cathedral of the Incarnation be next?

We should be mindful of our decisions.

Terence Tener

Impressive accomplishments

To the Editor:

We are writing to express our strong support for Garden City Board of Trustees, Vinny Muldoon, Judy Courtney, Jessica Tai, and new candidate Gerard Smith. They were responsible for several impressive accomplishments during the 2024-2026 term. Their leadership has brought about significant infrastructure improvements and a commitment to enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.

The Board’s focus on preserving the charm of Garden City while promoting thoughtful growth has made a positive, lasting impact. Their efforts in upgrading local roads, improving public services, and fostering community engagement are truly commendable.

As we approach the upcoming election, we wholeheartedly endorse Vinny Muldoon, Judy Courtney, Jessica Tai, and new candidate Gerard Smith. Their proven track record of effective governance and dedication to the well-being of our residents makes them the best choice to lead Garden City forward.

We believe their continued leadership will ensure that Garden City remains a vibrant, beautiful, and thriving community. We strongly encourage others to join in supporting these four candidates in the upcoming election.

Reynaldo & Colleen Tariche

Delay, deception, image management

To the Editor:

The scandalous “St. Paul’s Emails” published by the GCNews confirm a hard, repeating truth: POA/CAP leadership allowed their closest allies to mislead residents and waste taxpayer money for political aims while St. Paul’s sat rotting. The “careful stewardship,” “fiduciary responsibility,” and “transparency” promised has been lacking. Instead, it’s been delay, deception, and image management—while the bills keep coming.

POA/CAP has overseen a 30-year civic cancer that’s drained our pocketbooks, exhausted goodwill, and pitted neighbor against neighbor, all while insiders manipulated inputs to drive narrow agendas over delivering a clear, final decision that’s supported.

Friday, February 13, 2026

Garden City deserves finality. The FABGC Board of Trustee candidates are offering exactly that: an honest, transparent process and outcome placing residents--not political gatekeepers and unelected conservancies--in control, to produce a beautiful, Albany-proof park that protects taxpayers and enhances quality-of-life without crazy new taxes.

The real Saint Paul would admonish us to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbor.” I imagine he’d reject the manipulation and idolatry behind efforts to save every brick of his namesake school if it meant even a moment more of needless acrimony.   In 2026, voters can finally end this. Vote the FABGC slate March 18.

Richard F. Corrao

A man of integrity

To the Editor:

As a 40 year resident of Garden City, Tom Ryan and I have crossed paths in both law enforcement and high school sports officiating. I have know Tom to be a man of integrity, sincerity and loyalty. Please vote on March 18th. Bill Murphy

Vote for Judy Courtney

To the Editor:

I worked with Deputy Mayor Judy Courtney for many years on the EPOA, where she served as a director, vice president and president, and I found her strong work ethic and extensive knowledge of Village issues impressive. As a regular attendee at BOT meetings, I continue to see these important qualities reflected in the way she approaches the countless matters the BOT deals with on a regular basis. I am as frustrated as any other resident who has watched the St. Paul’s saga continue for 33 years. But I am confident that the current BOT will finally reach a solution favored by a majority of residents, as Mayor Finneran, Deputy Mayor Courtney and the current Board have publicly promised. Meanwhile, Garden City needs to be led by trustees with the necessary expertise to address both the daily and longer-term concerns—from traffic to recreation to water to development—affecting a Village of 23,000. As she has consistently demonstrated, Judy Courtney is one such person. Please join me in voting for her and her CAP running mates on Wednesday, March 18, from 12 noon to 9 pm, at the St. Paul’s Field House.

Christine Mullaney Endorses Jessica Tai

To the Editor:

I strongly endorse the re-election of Jessica Tai for Village Trustee. Two years ago, upon being elected Village Trustee, on day one Jessica demonstrat-

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ed the ability to identify issues that need to be addressed by the village. Since then she has worked tirelessly, proposing solutions, articulating the actions that should be undertaken to best resolve those issues, work collaboratively with her fellow trustees and perform the requisite needs assessment before any plan to execute is implemented.

Of all the Trustees, and those candidates running, she has a unique perspective on the issues confronting this village. As a working mother with two young children in the school system, she knows first-hand the impact a Board decision can have. Unlike others, she does not look in the rear-view mirror to reflect on what occurred in the past. She represents the future and addresses the realities of her contemporaries in real time every day.

There are many issues that come before the board which are complex, do not lend themselves to quick decisions and require skill to resolve. I submit, the true litmus test in voting for a candidate is not a single issue but the candidate’s qualifications and character as she listens to residents and addresses those multiple issues to effectuate positive change from day one and every day thereafter.

In governance, once elected there is no such thing as on the job training. Village residents require and deserve a candidate for Trustee who understands the issues confronting the Village. Jessica has that ability, skill, perspective, and professionalism to address what needs to be accomplished. She reaches out to communicate with residents and discuss the proposed actions or reasons why an action cannot be done. She always seeks to assist those that need help and never disparages those seeking assistance from or addressing the Board. For two years Jessica has been an integral member of this Board, moving forward on environmental issues and keeping residents informed. Many times, as a fellow Trustee, I personally witnessed Jessica making a difference, responding to resident concerns, and offering a perspective that other trustees do not have.

At the last election, the residents spoke in a loud voice at the ballot box. That voice should be heard again and I urge you to re-elect Jessica a Village Trustee. Their faith in her ability, judgment and character was justified then as it is now. Please vote for and reelect JESSICA TAI. The Village needs her voice.

Bruce A. Torino, Esq.

Supports Gerard Smith

To the Editor:

We are writing to strongly endorse Gerard Smith’s candidacy as a Trustee of Garden City. There is no one we can think of who cares more about Garden

City or knows it so well.

His stories about growing up in Garden City paint a wonderful picture of a town where everyone would like to live, a thriving place defined by family and a sense of community. Gerard understands the character of the town well and is committed to protecting it, while making sure he’s representing the interests of the residents. He is also a realist who knows that the prosperity we enjoy is the result of hard work. We believe he will roll up his sleeves and do what’s necessary.

He had a long and successful career in finance which also gives him a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility. He knows that if we are not financially sound, we can’t continue to build on the legacy of Alexander Stewart and keep Garden City flourishing. We hope you will join us in voting for our friend, Gerard Smith.

Bob and Soraya Gage

Cares deeply about GC

To the Editor:

I write to support Jo-Ann Frey for Village Trustee. I have lived in Garden City for over 60 years. I have known Jo-Ann and her family for many years. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I speak my mind. Jo-Ann is thoughtful, helpful, and engaged in issues. She grew up in Garden City and is passionate about events in the Village. She cares deeply about the Village and wants it to remain a wonderful place to live for the residents. Jo-Ann is very dedicated and, having just retired, has the time and energy to devote to the duties of Village Trustee. She has my full support. If you would like a dedicated Trustee who will put the Village’s finances front and center, please join me in voting for Jo-Ann Frey on March 18th.

Tom Egel

Strong, effective leadership

To the Editor:

The current CAP candidates— Jessica Tai, Judy Courtney, and Vinny Muldoon—have made meaningful improvements to our town through strong leadership and a commitment to transparency. In just one term, they have addressed traffic concerns, improved drainage infrastructure, secured funding for the Edgmere Firehouse, raised awareness about lead testing in our water supply, and enhanced and beautified our Village landscaping. Just as important, they have communicated these efforts clearly through the Village website and social media.

Why would we want to go backward?

Adding Gerard Smith to this team will be a tremendous asset. We have known Gerard and his family as neighbors and close friends for over 20 years. A lifelong Garden City resident, Gerard

cares deeply about our Village and its future. He brings valuable perspective, financial acumen, a strong sense of integrity, and a genuine desire to serve. Together with the current CAP candidates, Gerard will continue the progress and move our Village forward.

Rachel Cashwell

A valuable asset to GC

To the Editor:

Neha Bajaj has been an active member of our community for many years. Whether it is issues related to our schools, where she has served in volunteer roles for the last ten years, or causes within the community, Neha has always offered her time and efforts to help better our village. Neha has deep experience in financial management, including building revenue models and budgets for large non-profits. She has also previously served on several school and non-profit boards, including serving as Treasurer of the NYC Great Oaks School Board. Her commonsense position for St. Paul’s is to take down the existing structure, keep the clock tower to honor the history of the original building, and build a park in the existing space.

Neha believes strongly in investing in existing assets within our town, such as the Garden City library, so that we can use our financial resources in a responsible and prudent manner.

Neha and her running mates stand firmly against a casino at the hub, a position not supported by Town of Hempstead officials. We already know the devastating consequences a local casino would create. Furthermore, Garden City does not have the infrastructure to support the rising traffic volume we all feel. Neha will continue to assess traffic issues, enforce codes and subdivision zoning laws, and preserve our green spaces. I believe Neha would be a valuable asset to our town as Village Trustee and I encourage my fellow residents to go out and vote for Neha Bajaj on March 18th.

Christina Josling

A proven leader

To the Editor:

As a member of the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), I have worked closely with Trustee and Co-Chair Jessica Tai and witnessed firsthand the dedication, intelligence, and leadership she brings to our village. She has been a driving force on the EAB, spearheading initiatives like the Pollinator Garden on the Village Green and advancing critical discussions on lead service lines and field treatments. Furthermore, Jessica is highly responsive to resident concerns, ranging from airplane noise to village beautification. Her collaborative work on the Finance & Audit and Public

Information Committees gives her a comprehensive understanding of village operations.

Garden City needs a Trustee who is already doing the hard work with a proven track record of transparency and results. I strongly endorse Jessica Tai for re-election on Wednesday, March 18th.

John Reilly

Cares deeply about community

To the Editor:

It is rare to have lifelong neighbors from childhood, especially ones you care about and trust to always look out for what is best for you and your neighborhood. Thomas Ryan is a longtime resident and someone I have known since childhood as both my nextdoor neighbor and friend. He is a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather who remains deeply involved in his family’s life.

Over the years, I have seen Thomas consistently give back to our community and his church. Many nights I would see him coming home late in his referee uniform after officiating local basketball, volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse games across the county. I have also regularly seen him supporting his grandchildren and other local youth at their events, both nearby and out of state. Whenever Tom and his wife would see my children outside, they would light up; asking how they were doing, how my son’s football game went, or how school was, always offering encouragement, kindness, and respect.

Thomas has always cared deeply about what is best for our village and has never hesitated to speak up for what he believes in. Having wit-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

nessed decades of change in Garden City, he brings both experience and genuine commitment to the community. I believe he would serve the village with dedication and integrity.

Renee DePeiza

Passion for the village

To the Editor:

I am grateful for the support from Trustee Muldoon in service of our community. His passion for our Village is palpable and we are lucky to have such an accessible and dedicated servant. During his tenure, I and others have reached out regarding issues big and small. Uniformly, we have always received an immediate response: unlocking a Village building so kids could attend camp, advice on our Village water supply, addressing dangerous traffic patterns, or most recently, attention to the slippery basketball courts at St. Paul’s.

I appreciate their significant investment of time and resources. It comes from a place of pride and loyalty to our community, and exemplifies what makes Garden City so special. I am looking forward to re-electing this slate. Thank you for your dedication to Garden City.

Gillian Burns

Good people, bad BOT

To the Editor:

I do not doubt, as their supporters have claimed, that Muldoon, Courtney, Tai and Smith, led by Finneran, are good and caring people. I do know that collectively as the current BoT, they have used their power to push for their preferred St. Paul’s outcome by denying

those with other views a fair opportunity to express those views. In last year’s survey, they sought to suppress votes for demolition by excluding it as a listed option. All the more amazing that so many residents made the effort to write it in as their choice.

Now we have an Advisory Report, obligingly created to comply with Vinnie’s directive… sorry, I meant direction,... to exclude consideration of St. Paul’s Park as an alternative. There can be no doubt that if re-elected to the Board, these good and caring people will continue to do more of the same. We need a new BoT.

Ralph Bulle

Vinny understands village needs

To the Editor:

Vinny Muldoon understands what makes Garden City a great place to live and raise a family. His experience building and enhancing numerous homes in town as the owner of Old World Quality Corp gives him a unique perspective because he has gotten to know many families in the community and understands their values and desires. From the needs of our fantastic youth programs to our active senior population programs, Vinny understands what residents want. He has spent decades listening to residents and taking action to address their concerns and desires. It is this experience and his natural instinct to take action that makes Vinny uniquely qualified to continue to move Garden City forward as it relates to St. Paul’s and many other aspects of the Village that need attention. If we want to maintain this community as second to none on Long Island when you combine the schools, sports, youth through

senior activities and general quality of life, we need people like Vinny involved in the decision making. I hope you will all make the time to vote for Vinny in the election on March 18th.

Patrick Corrigan Integrity and honest action

To the Editor:

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for Tom Ryan for Village Trustee. For over 50 years, Tom has been more than just a resident; he has been a foundational part of the Garden City fabric. His legacy of service spans generations—from coaching youth sports to his long-standing commitment to St. Joseph’s, the Knights of Columbus, and Cherry Valley Club. Even today, Tom continues to invest in our future by teaching CCD, demonstrating a hands-on dedication to our community’s values. Tom’s integrity is not merely a trait, but a reputation hard-earned through decades of steady guidance and honest action.

Eileen Henke

Vote for Jo-Ann Frey

To the Editor:

I am writing to voice my strong support for Jo-Ann Frey for Village Trustee. I have known Jo-Ann for several years. She is a straightforward person of integrity and a person of her word. She practiced law for many years and is inquisitive, analytical and dedicated. She will put her significant skills and abilities to work for the benefit of the Village now that she is retired. Vote for Jo-Ann Frey on March 18th.

Donna Cilmi-Smith

How to Reach Overhead Without Discomfort

Did you know your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body?

Yup, it’s true.

Biological anthropologists believe it’s because your shoulder’s main job is to position your hands…

And our ancestors needed that ability so they could make tools, carry food, and climb trees.

Now, if you feel discomfort when putting your shirt on…

Lifting your luggage into the overhead compartment…

Or reaching for the top shelf in your kitchen…

It’s because your shoulder isn’t getting the support it needs.

Here’s the thing most people miss…

Your shoulder is actually made up of four joints that form your shoulder girdle.

First, there’s your sternoclavicular joint, where your collarbone meets your

chest bone…

Then the acromioclavicular joint, which connects the end of your collarbone to your shoulder blade…

Next is the scapulothoracic joint, which allows your shoulder blade to move against your rib cage…

And finally, your glenohumeral joint, where your arm bone fits into your shoulder blade.

Picture your glenohumeral joint, commonly referred to as the shoulder joint, as a white egg resting on a big spoon…

This design gives you tremendous mobility…

But it also makes your shoulder relatively unstable.

This instability is amplified when the muscles meant to hold “the egg” in place aren’t strong enough.

So, what muscles should you strengthen?

Your rotator cuff muscles are important…

But so are the muscles around your collarbone, shoulder blade, and rib cage!

Because when those muscles aren’t doing their job…

Your shoulder joint ends up trying to do everything on its own.

This is when reaching overhead starts to feel stiff, achy, and uncomfortable.

Instead, strengthen your entire shoulder girdle…

That’s when your mobility opens up, your discomfort quiets down, and everyday activities feel easy again.

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

the scoop on what’s happening

your community every week! Contact us today 516.294.8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com

At the Mineola-Garden City’s lunch meeting last Tuesday, February 10, Mary Joesten, recipient of Rotary’s 2025 Community Service Award received her belated award. This remarkable honoree had been caught by the flu when the awards were presented to co-honorees Joanne Meyer-Jendras and Gary Jendras at Rotary’s Holiday

Community Service Honoree Awarded

Dinner in December celebrating the Club’s Centennial year and CSA presentations.

It was a joy to finally award this dynamic community leader, founder and CEO of Mineola’s Faith Mission Food Bank which feeds more than 300 Mineola residents in need of food and warm clothing at Mineola’s Lutheran

Church of Our Savior on the corner of Willis Avenue and Jefferson Street every Saturday morning.

Mary Joesten’s Faith Mission Food pantry originated in Jamaica in 1969. Now 57 years later, Faith Mission has evolved into a bustling hospitality center that has helped thousands of those less fortunate within the Mineola com-

munity. Mary encouraged donation of perishable food items and used or new clothing – especially coats, she emphasized. New or well cared for used clothing can be dropped off on Thursday mornings between 9 and 11am. For more information, you mY reach Mary Joesten at 516-992-5063.

GC Chamber President Reports

From time-to-time, Rotary invites John Wilton, decades-long Chamber Board Member, Past Chairperson of the Professional Retailers Group and long-time President of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce to report to Rotary, as he did last Tuesday, February 10.

With so many ups/downs and turnarounds occurring within the business districts, it was good to hear John’s report on the status of business, which he also presents biweekly at meetings of the Village Board of Trustees.

Garden City’s business districts are economically healthy, John reported in a lengthy synopsis of the multitude of newly opened businesses which appear to be thriving; longtime businesses which remain but have changed location; the different phases of the composition of the business districts; the emergence of Restaurant Row; and the fact that the Garden City Chamber remains the benchmark Chamber on Long Island and most probably within NY State.

With commercial real estate, his trade, In his volunteer position as Chamber President, John stays in touch with the Nassau Council of Chambers, the Greater New York and the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. “It’s interesting to hear what other Chambers are doing,” John said, reporting that the GC Chamber is the only Chamber that produces events at no cost to attendees. He mentioned events that have sustained through decades, i.e. 70 Easter Car Parades and Village Tree Lightings plus decades of Street Fairs to name a few.

John spoke of the special events planned throughout 2026 such as the return of the Chamber’s long standing Pineapple Ball along with other special events to celebrate the Chamber’s Centennial year – a testiment to the resilience and spirit of our business community, he said, citing the Chamber’s mission: The Garden City Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the cooperate efforts of the business and residential communities to preserve the quality and character of the Garden City business Community.

Upcoming Events

February9 24: Breakfast Meeting, Carle Place Diner, 151 Old Country Road, Carle Place.

Join for a meeting of camaraderie and to learn more about Rotary. March 10: Lunch Meeting, Mineola’s

Davenport Press: Guest Speaker, Giuseppe Givanniello, Superintendent, Inc. Village of Garden City. Learn about the functions of the Building Department and the enforcement of the Village code and ordinances.

IN MEMORIAM

Christian Paul Westermann, MD

Christian Paul Westermann, MD, 72, of Garden City, New York, passed away on February 8, 2026.

He was born on February 8, 1954 in the Bronx, New York to Ann and Henry Westermann.

Dr. Westermann attended Power Memorial Academy on a musical scholarship, playing first saxophone. He obtained his college education at Herbert H. Lehman College of City University of New York, and medical school at Universidad del Noreste, Tampico, Mexico, earning his MD degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Upon completion of his medical residency at Stony Brook Hospital he enjoyed a very successful career in obstetrics and gynecology, spanning more than three decades. In addition to being a consummate clinician, he was an expert surgeon, particularly in the field of minimally invasive surgery. His excellent care and his kind and sage advice resulted in a loyal patient following.

Chris will be remembered for being a renaissance man – a truly unique individual who had dear friends across all ages, professions, and backgrounds. His wit, generosity, and immense fountain of knowledge made it possible for him to relate to everyone he met and befriend them. He was a talented musician, both a champion drummer and a saxophone player, who enjoyed all different genres of music.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dr. Eva Chalas-Westermann, daughters Kirsten Hughes and Austin Westermann, son Christian Westermann, sons-in-law Ryan Hughes and Gregory Santulli, future daughter-in-law, Tayang Dolma and grand-

Christian Paul Westermann, MD

daughters Parker, Peyton, Paige and Theadora. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Caiola, and his brother, Matthew Westermann, sister-in-law, Rosemary Westermann, and brother-inlaw, Aidano Di Bona. He was preceded in death by mother, Ann Westermann, father, Henry Westermann, brotherin-law, Joseph Caiola, sister-in-law, Ludmila Chalas Di Bona and mother-inlaw, Olga Chalas.

A funeral Mass will be held on February 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM at The Church of St. Joseph 130 Fifth Street in Garden City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the American Kidney Fund at https://give.kidneyfund.org/

Better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all.

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. John F. Lundie

Dr. John F. Lundie, a former longtime Garden City resident, passed away on February 6, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.  Dr. Lundie was born on December 15, 1941, to John F. Lundie Sr. and the former Agatha Cleary, in McKeesport PA, and after graduating from McKeesport High School, he matriculated in pre-med studies at Hofstra University, where he was a scholarship student, varsity football and lacrosse athlete, and a member of Crown and Lance fraternity, graduating in 1964.  He entered medical school at SUNY Downstate that year and graduated in 1968 followed by an internship and residency program with SUNY Downstate.

In 1970 he volunteered for service in the US Army and after basic training in Texas he served as an active-duty medical officer in South Vietnam followed by a year at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, IN, and after discharge from the US Army with the rank of Major in 1972, returned to a surgery residency program at SUNY Downstate that included assisting Dr. Sam Kuntz in kidney transplant surgery at SUNY Downstate and a fellowship with Dr. Paul Strong in tumors of the head and neck at Sloan Kettering.

In 1976 he opened what would become an active office surgical practice, first in Garden City and also later for many years in Mineola, NY where he was a staff member at Winthrop Hospital, now NYU Langone Winthrop, Mercy Medical Center, where he was Chief of Surgery and Director of Medical Education for many years, and Franklin Hospital, now Northwell Health Long Island

Jewish Valley Stream, where he also served as Chief of Surgery.  He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons until his retirement in 2015. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Marion E. Lundie née Billitteri, of Patchogue, NY, and by his children: a daughter Elizabeth Peppard, also of Patchogue, two grandchildren, Lieutenant Caroline Peppard, USN, and her husband Lieutenant Ben Brown, USN, of San Diego, CA, and Julia Peppard, of New York City, and three sons, John, a Patchogue resident, Christopher and his wife Maria Esthela Lundie, of Floral Park NY, and James, of Southold NY, as well as three siblings, Patricia and her husband Samuel McElhenny of Washington, PA, Timothy Lundie, of Costa Mesa, CA, Daniel Lundie and his wife Janet Lundie, of Brentwood, TN, and dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A wake is to be held at Robertaccio Funeral Home, 85 Medford Avenue, Patchogue NY, from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday February 12th.   On Friday February 13th a 10 am Funeral Mass at Mary Immaculate Church, Brown’s Lane, Bellport NY, will be celebrated with burial to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton NY.

The grief of an extended family is comforted by memories of his wise judgment, gentle sense of humor, and devotion to his family, for whom he was a constant source of love and encouragement.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Independent Group Home Living (IGHL) 1 North Bernstein Boulevard, Manorville, NY 11949 or to the American Parkinson Disease Association at apdaparkinson. org.

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. Have you lost someone?

Friday, February 13, 2026 The

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.

Family Fun Time Hours at St. Paul’s

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

On Sunday afternoons beginning December 7, St. Paul’s Field House will be open for “Family Fun” for Village of Garden City families.   This open time provides the opportunity for families to enjoy various gym activities in an indoor environment.   The gym will be available for use from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each Sunday until March 10.

This time is designated for family time only.  No organized practices or workouts will be allowed.   Although there will be staff to monitor activity, this is not a drop off program.   We ask that all elementary and middle school aged children must be accompanied by

an adult/guardian.   For the safety of our users, sports involving paddle, stick, or bat equipment will not be allowed.

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 SeamsSaturdays, 2/28 – 3/28 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m., 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.

Enrichment Camp Young Entrepreneurs

Enrichment Camp Young Entrepreneurs For Grades 3-5, will be held on April 6–10 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for $450 at the Cottages (108 Rockaway Avenue).  This program empowers students with an entrepreneurial mindset develop a plan for their very own business ideas drawing from such disciplines as marketing, finance and strategy, in a supportive environment fostering teamwork. From designing marketing flyers to estimating profits, students have fun while developing business savvy.  Sign up using Community Pass!

Enrichment Camp Junior CEOs for Grades 6–8, will be held on April 6–10 from 9:00–4:00 p.m. for $450 at the Cottages(108 Rockaway Avenue).  How would you like to the boss of Apple or Amazon for a day? In this leadership program, you can! Students act as CEOs for leading companies and work in groups

to make strategic recommendations to address real business issues. Case studies include companies, such as Coke McDonald’s, Under Armor, Nike, Tesla, Uber and more! Students enhance their problem-solving skills, develop business savvy and cultivate a strategic mindset as future leaders.  Sign up using Community Pass!

Special Yoga Event

Flow From the Heart:  Celebrate heart health month with a heart-opening self acceptance yoga workshop let by Trish of Yule Glow and Amanda of Balanced Beauty. Together we'll explore hear-opening postures and mindful meditation to foster compassion, selflove, and emotional harmony-inviting renewal for both body and spirit! It will be held on Friday February 13th at 110 Rockaway Avenue, please contact Amanda at amandaadamo123@gmail. com for signing up!

The Grit Ninja

The Grit Ninja, Wednesdays at St. Paul's Fieldhouse, February 25–April 22.Pre K (ages 3-5) at 3:30–4:20 p.m., and Grades K–5th from 4:30 - 5:20 p.m.  Grit Ninja is an obstacle-based sport with activities and games led by our expert team of coaches. No ninja experience necessary! Find more information on gritonthego.com.

Tennis Center News for Presidents Week

Reminder: Beginning Sunday, February 15- Tennis Contract time is off and reduced rates for reservations will be in effect for President’s Week.. $36 per hour for mid-level time periods

$48 per hour for prime-time periods Senior rates will remain in effect. Regular rates and contract times will resume on Sunday, February 22.

Please note: No Village tennis lessons are scheduled for Presidents week

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 motherdaughter 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/

St. Joseph’s 6th Grade Champions

Congratulations to the St. Joseph 6th Grade Girls’ Basketball team, led by coaches Bill Garvey and Tom Kelly, for their impressive 27-21 victory over the skilled and well-coached Holy Family team from Hicksville, which secured the CYO championship. The St. Joseph team concluded its season with a remarkable 14-2 record. Players from left to right: Keira Garvey, Annie Southard, Caroline Lentini, Kimmy Viola, Shannon Gallagher, Rylan Mormile, Sage Vendetti, Emma Kelly, Lyla Whicher, Annie Doherty, Mila Vinograd Kneeling (left to right): Elle Ryan, Cate Walker. Coaches standing Tom Kelly and Bill Garvey

Gummy bear challenge

The German club students learned about the history and making of German gummy bears.It was followed by learning about architecture and how strong foundations work.They took their knowledge to build as tall gummy bear towers as they can. The students had a lot of fun making their towers, and sampling the gummy bears. Fun was had by all.

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Garden City Varsity Gymnastics ends season as champions

The Garden City Varsity Gymnastics Team ended the season as Conference II Champions, marking the program’s first conference title since 2015 and a major milestone in the continued growth of the team. Garden City finished the season with a 8–2 overall record and a 8–1 mark in Conference II.

Throughout the season, the Trojans demonstrated depth, consistency, and teamwork across all four events, building a strong foundation for their championship run. Several gymnasts earned All-Conference honors for their outstanding performances this year, including Olivia Myers, Ava Klein, Riya Motwani, Muireann O’Brien, and Julia Pino.

As the program celebrates its success, the team will also be saying goodbye to five seniors next year—Julia Ross, Julia Pino, Olivia Myers, Lauren Kahn, and Muireann O’Brien—who have been an integral part of the program’s development. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment have helped shape the culture of this growing team, and they will be greatly missed.

The season concluded with a standout individual performance from

junior Charlotte Seebrath, who captured the Nassau County All-Around Championship on February 10 at Oceanside High School with an allaround score of 36.3. Seebrath placed first on vault and floor and second on uneven bars, earning her a spot at the New York State Championships on February 28 in Utica, New York. Senior Lauren Kahn and sophomore Keegan Laufer also represented Garden City at the county meet, with Kahn competing strongly on balance beam and Laufer delivering an excellent floor routine.

Head Coach Katie Wilkinson, who has led the Garden City program for eight years, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments. “We are so proud of this group and the hard work and dedication they showed every single day,” said Wilkinson. “We didn’t know where this season would take us, but we focused on going meet by meet and skill by skill, and the growth we saw was incredible.”

With a strong core of returning athletes and momentum heading into next season, the future remains bright for Garden City Varsity Gymnastics.

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

Attention students!

“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.

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!

GCHS Boys Varsity Basketball salutes seniors

The Boys Varsity Basketball team has continued its winning ways and has moved to a record of 15-3.

Senior Night was held on February 5th where the team beat Great Neck

North 66-46. Tenacious D was key to the victory. All seven seniors scored in the game. Sophomore Kosta Walsh added a team high of 14 points and junior captain Noah Lau had 13.

The GC housing market continues to perform well, with steady demand supporting higher average sales prices along most segments. While transactions remain constrained by limited inventory, rising overall sales volume and sustained luxury activity underscore continued buyer confidence and a willingness to invest at higher price points as we move into the new year.

As always, we are here to help you navigate the market and make your next move a success!

NY

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

Rockville Centre, NY 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath. MLS# L3531818. $1,399,000.

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

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

$1,950,000.

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

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

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

Men's Clothing Drive

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

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

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

Garden City, NY 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath. MLS# 951849. $2,699,000.

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

Wyndham East, #411

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 933005. $1,275,000.

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