April 24, 2024 Farmingdale South

It’s no secret animals can have a positive impact on a person’s mental and physical health. That’s why every year thousands of facilities such as libraries, schools, hospitals, assisted living, and more ask Pet Partners volunteers to bring therapy animals to visit and provide comfort to their students, residents, patients, and customers. This April 30 is a special day to recognize the beneficial role therapy dogs and other therapy animals, in partnership with their human companions, play in creating happier, healthier communities.

Unfortunately, there’s a shortage of therapy animal teams in the United States. Pet Partners is the nation’s leading registry of therapy animals, and their volunteer teams can’t fulfill all the requests they receive for therapy animal visits. The need for therapy animals has never been greater to provide comfort and support, especially after the impacts of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social discord in recent years.

The good news is that a wide variety of species can be therapy animals, not

just dogs. Cats, equines, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mini pigs, birds, and even llamas and alpacas are eligible for registration through the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, which makes more than three million visits a year.

“An animal’s temperament is what determines whether they might make a good registered therapy animal with Pet Partners, not any specific species or breed,” said Pet Partners President and CEO C. Annie Peters. “Many of our therapy animals are rescue pets, and they assist everyone from veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, and people with intellectual disabilities. We couldn’t be more grateful for all that our volunteer therapy teams do for people in need around the world.”

Therapy animals have a special aptitude for interacting with members of the public and enjoy doing so. Therapy animal handlers have a strong trust-based bond with their pet and facilitate interactions that benefit

all involved. The handleranimal pair takes part in an extensive evaluation process to make sure they will be successful with people in a variety of circumstances.

We have experts available to talk about the value therapy animals bring to communities, what behaviors a pet should exhibit, how the process works and more. We also have therapy animal handlers all across the United States who would love to talk about the joys of volunteering with their pets.

Pet Partners is also specifically seeking more cats and handlers to become registered volunteer teams. In partnership with Cat Person, a cat care brand, a research study on the Cat Human Bond found that cats can provide a special form of comfort that dogs cannot. Special incentives are also being offered for new cat teams.

Learn more about National Therapy Animal Day at petparters.org/ntad.

If you are interested in an interview, please contact Mary Tan at the above contact information.

State Senator Martinez Announces Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens In Babylon

Center Will Assist Residents Impacted By January Storm, Apply For Assistance

New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez is welcoming the opening of a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Babylon. The center is located at Babylon Town Hall and will assist constituents from across the Fourth Senatorial District who suffered losses as a result of the January 9-10, 2024 storm that impacted the region with heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding.

Representatives of the SBA will assist eligible residents and businesses in Suffolk and Nassau Counties who suffered economic losses as a result of the storm to apply for low-interest loans. Those who can apply include businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations. They must be in a declared disaster area and meet other eligibility criteria depending on the type of loan. The types of disaster loans available are:

• Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-

damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

“Picking up the pieces

after a natural disaster can be overwhelming. I thank Governor Hochul for coordinating with our federal partners to get support to the Long Island region and the Small Business Administration for recognizing the severity of this event and for being there to help our neighbors find the resources to recover after its devastation,” said Senator Martinez.

The Babylon Town Hall Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at 200 Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst and will open to the public.

The site’s hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 10, 2024, and December 11, 2024, for economic injury applications.

To apply online, please visit lending.sba.gov or call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800659-2955.

Environmental Scholarships Offered

The South Shore Audubon Society is offering two $1,000 scholarships for College juniors, seniors, or graduate students earning a degree in the areas of biological or environmental science. This includes wildlife management, forestry, animal behavior, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mammalogy, ornithology or the field of sustainable and renewable energy. Previous winners have used their scholarships to help purchase books, to pay for travel expenses to

field sites, for specialized equipment or other educational needs.

To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www. ssaudubon.org/areas-weserve.asp and/or attend a college in Nassau or Suffolk County. One scholarship is funded by Evelyn Bishop and her family, and one is funded by Jay Koolpix Applications are available at the South Shore Audubon website, www.ssaudubon.org or by contacting Professor

Betsy Gulotta at 516-5468841, Betsy.Gulotta@ncc. edu. Applications are due by April 30, 2024, and should be emailed to either Betsy Gulotta, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@optonline.net, or sent by regular mail to Betsy Gulotta, 2 Anding Ave, Merrick, NY 11566.

For more information and for assistance with application forms, do not hesitate to contact Betsy Gulotta or Betty Borowsky at the email addresses above.

April Happenings

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

7:15PM-10:30PM

JINGO

The Constantino Brumidi Lodge n Deer Park presents JINGO, a fun spin on traditional bingo where bingo balls are replaced with music beats. Doors open at 6:30 PM $30 per person Includes: 1 JINGO packet, crayons or markers on the table,dessert, coffee/tea, cash bar, and door prize. For tickets or more information call 631-943-3622.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

8:30PM

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

A charity drive-in movie, screening Back To The Future, at Costello's Ace Hardware in Copiague. Attend for a donation of any amount. Proceeds benefit Kids Need More, helping families coping with life-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot on their website at kidsneedmore.org/movie.

9:00AM

GARAGE SALE

The Seaford Historical Society Garage Sale will be held at the Seaford Historical Society Museum in Seaford, rain date is Sunday April 28. From furniture, frames to tolls, toys and toasters-everything is priced to sell. Don't miss these steals and deals. Something for everyone. For more information email mapfannon@verizon.net.

10:00AM-2:00PM

ANNUAL SPRING YARD SALE

For the past ten years, the members of the Islip United Methodist Church have held a huge, church-wide garage sale to raise money for their various mission projects. This year,

the event will be held at the Islip United Methodist Church, in Islip. There will be lots of items available. For more information, please call 631-581-7663.

10:00AM-2:00PM

SPRING BOOK SALE

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lindenhurst Library, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the Sale. The address is One Lee Avenue, Lindenhurst NY 11757. For more information visit their website, lindenhurstlibrary.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

10:30AM

HONEY BEE CLASS & HERBAL HEELING WALK

Held at Organics Today farm in East Islip. The Honey Bee class begins at 12pm. Visit OT Farm on Facebook or Text 631-480-6497 for class times and more information.

3:00PM

SWINGING WITH THE RAT PACK

Swing with the Rat Pack and experience a musical extravaganza that brings to life the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy the captivating performance at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Book your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or please call 631-581-2700.

MONDAY, APRIL 29

1:00PM-4:00PM

EARTH DAY CLEANUP

The Levittown Community Council is hosting an earth day cleanup at Veterans Memorial Park in Levittownn. This is a free event.

Levittown families, organizations and business groups are welcome to participate as they clean up various locations throughout Levittown. Adult supervision is required for all groups. For more information email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

1:30PM-3:00PM

ANCIENT WISDOM TUESDAY

Lelonni Campbell draws on ancient philosophies and interprets them for the modern world. Learn how you can use them to deepen insights into how universal principles can guide you in everyday life. No registration required. Please visit their website at www.connetquotlibrary.org or call 631-567-5079 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD:

FRIDAY, MAY 3 6:30PM-9:30PM

OCEANS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER

Held at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. Individual tickets are $250. For a package (10 tickets) it's $2,250. Included in admission is food, drink, live music, silent auction and raffle. For tickets or more info call 631-369-9840 x104, email kvahlsing@nymarinerescue.org, or visit www.nymarinerescue.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 9:00AM-4:00PM

GUN SHOW

The biggest Gun Show on Long Island will take place on Saturday and Sunday May 5th from 9am to 3pm at the IBEW Local 1049, 100 Corp Drive, Holtsville. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. For more information call 516-221-7380.

It is an exciting time at the Mercy Soup Kitchen of Wyandanch as it is preparing to launch its new and expanded post Covid operation.

Located in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17 South 20th Street, the Kitchen served its first meal to hungry people in 1980 and currently serves an average of 108 people per day.

During the pandemic, however, Kitchen procedures had to be modified in order to provide hot, nourishing meals safely and continuously to those in need. Indoor sit-down dining was discontinued and only take-out dining was available.

But today the Kitchen is posing for a postCovid reopening – a reorganizational rebirth of sorts – where Kitchen procedures can finally return to again offering guests dignified, indoor sit-down dining.

The Kitchen relies

heavily on its generous volunteer support and, as such, numerous onsite and off-site volunteer opportunities are now available.

While there are openings for on-site positions, such as helping to prepare and serve meals and to perform various maintenance functions, there are also openings for diverse off-site positions in areas such as finance, grant development and preparation, legal compliance assurance, marketing duties, social media facilitation and fund raising/donation coordination.

Only with the efforts of its volunteers can the Kitchen succeed in its mission to provide food security to those in need. Please consider sharing some of your time and talents with the Kitchen to make this happen. We invite you to join our team.

For further information, contact Vito Colletti at 631-358-9917 or vcolletti@ optonline.net

Free Online Writing Workshop

(NAPSI)—Famed science fiction authors and judges of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and professional instructors offer aspiring writers a free online writing workshop. Learn more at www.writersofthefuture. com/register/online-workshop and bit.ly/WOTFWorkshop.

Women’s Club of Farmingdale Welcomes Three New Members

The Women’s Club of Farmingdale proudly celebrated its 111th birthday at La Villetta Restaurant in Farmingdale on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Thank you to luncheon chairs Judy Vilas, Judith Vazquez and Edie Allen for organizing a delicious lunch, decorating tables and raffling off two restaurant gift certificates. President Barbara Hoerner held a short business meeting including the announcement of the 2024-2026 slate of new officers.  Members will vote on this slate at the May meeting. The WCF also happily welcomed three new members:  Lorraine Alfino, Marie Asencio and Joan Meaney.  They were presented with beautiful yellow tulip plants and

they signed the club’s Membership Book. The club looks forward to working closing with them, sharing ideas and viewpoints.

Dolores Cianciabella and Anna Ievolo announced the 2024 candidate for the GFWC-NYS Honor RollValerie Thieke.  Valerie has been a WCF member for over 30 years and has served on the Executive Board as

Vilas

1st VP, 2nd VP, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary.  She has chaired several committees, many several times and currently serves as Scholastic Awards Chairman. In the community, she volunteers on the Village Beautification Committee,  Art in the Park, and St. Kilian’s Parish and Outreach.  She participates enthusiastically in all of

the club’s community inspired programs that benefit the health and wellbeing of others. She is an outstanding candidate.

In October, the WCF made a $1,000 donation to the Farmingdale Public Library’s Triple P Program - Peer Pal Program.  This is a recreational program that pairs individuals with special needs

with neurotypical teen volunteers for an hour of fun weekly at the Library. Each spring, a dance is held to provide a “prom-like” experience complete with a DJ, dancing, refreshments, a photographer and limousine rides.

Submitted by Maria Ortolani, WCF Publicity Chair

Lunch Com L-R: Judith Vazquez, Edie Allen, Judy

Meaney, Val Thieke, Marie Asencio

Anna Ievolo, Valerie Thieke, Dolores Cianciabella

Members with Triple P Prom Guests

Hazardous Material & Homeowners Cleanup Days Kickoff For 2024

Free Paper Shredding Services Available During Homeowners Cleanup

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announce the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days return for 2024 with dates scheduled for weekends in April and May. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 BethpageSweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.

S.T.O.P. programSaturday, May 4th from 9am – 4pm: collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged); automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.

“Improperly disposing of products such as waste oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”

Homeowners Cleanup

Days – Saturday, May 18th from 8:30am – 4pm: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership

Tell Us

About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.

required - oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

“Many of our residents take the opportunity to clean out their yards in the summer months and may have large amounts of non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman

Hand. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”

Free Paper Shredding Services - Saturday, May 18th from 8:30am –4pm: provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner.

Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to

four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.

The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ cleanup or call (516) 6775848.

Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall Of Fame

Now

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) is now accepting applications for its 2024 Student Scholarship program. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 10th, 2024.

LIMEHOF will award $1,000 scholarships to graduating students. These scholarships will provide funding to eligible graduating high school students from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, or Kings (Brooklyn) Counties who have shown an interest in pursuing a career in music or performing arts. To apply and to read the eligibility requirements, please download the scholarship application. (https:// www.limusichalloffame. org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/03/2024Student-ScholarshipApplication.pdf) Student Scholarships

Accepting 2024 Music Scholarship Applications

Applications Deadline: Friday, May 10, 2024. All applications must be postmarked by the application due date in order to be accepted.

For more information about LIMHOF’s education recognition programs, contact Tom Needham, Education Advisory Board Chairman at info@ limusichalloffame.org. More information about LIMEHOF’s Education programs may be found at https://www. limusichalloffame.org/ scholarshipsgrants/ The LIMEHOF Education Committee will base selections on the completed application and the following:

· 400-to-500-word essay on education and career goals.

· High school transcript.

· Letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the

applicant’s commitment to a career in music.

Eligibility criteria is:

· Graduating high school senior from Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, or Kings (Brooklyn) Counties.

· Minimum 2.5 GPA.

· Accepted full-time at an accredited college or university.

· Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in

music.

· Financial need.

· U.S. citizen or legal resident with I-55 permanent residency.

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is

an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022,

Six Stress Reduction Tips For Caregivers During National Stress Awareness Month In April

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can have long-term health impacts as well if you don’t take steps to manage it constructively. For individuals who face the stressful task of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering six stress reduction tips for caregivers as part of National Stress Awareness Month (April).

“Family caregivers often find it challenging to make time for themselves, but being proactive about addressing caregiver stress and self-care is not selfish; it’s essential and it benefits both the caregiver and the person for whom they are caring,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Failing to

manage stress increases the risks of caregiver burnout, depression, and many other mental and physical health issues. Caregivers need to take care of themselves so they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones.”

Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions, and provide care for a longer duration of time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

AFA offers these six stress reduction tips for family caregivers: Be adaptable and positive. Your attitude influences stress levels for both you and the person you’re caring for. If you

can “go with the flow,” and avoid fighting the current, that will help you both stay relaxed—conversely, becoming aggravated or agitated will increase the chances that your person will as well. Focus on how to adjust to the situation in

a constructive way. Deal with what you can control. Some things are totally out of your control. What is in your power to control is how you respond and react to these outside factors. Concentrating on finding solutions can help

make the problem itself a little less stressful.

Set realistic goals and go slow. Everything cannot be resolved at once, nor does it need to be. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. Prioritize, set practical goals, do your best to achieve them, and take things one day at a time.

Mind your health. Inadequate rest, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all exacerbate stress (and cause other health problems as well). As best you can, make it a priority to get sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water and find ways to be active. You cannot provide quality care to a loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.

Clear and refresh your mind. Exercise, yoga, meditating, listening to music or even taking a few deep breaths can all help relax the mind and reduce

Hall of Fame

location

Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

stress. Find something that works for you and do it regularly!

Share your feelings. Disconnecting from your support structure and staying bottled-up increases stress. Whether it’s with a loved one, trusted friend or a professional, don’t be reluctant to talk about your stress, because that can actually help relieve it! AFA’s Helpline has licensed social workers available for caregivers seven days to provide support or even just listen.

AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care, can provide additional information and support for families. The Helpline is available seven days a week by phone (866232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat (www.alzfdn.org).

LIMEHOF opened its first

building

in