November 30, 2022 Amityville

On Monday, November 21, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team launched a Holiday Donation Drive, benefitting the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. The drive has five dropoff locations and will run through December 19th.

Pictured from left to right: Noelle Lambert, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker. See inside for more information.

Stop & Shop’s Turkey Express Program Benefits Long Island Food Banks

Stop & Shop donated 2,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to Island Harvest and Long Island Cares during the first intermission when the New York Islanders host the Calgary Flames at UBS Arena in Elmont. The Food Bank Presidents participated in the Stop & Shop Shoot-Out –attempting a center ice shot to secure their donations.

The donation of turkeys is part of Stop & Shop’s annual Turkey Express program which provides

more than 25,000 turkeys to hunger relief organizations across the supermarket’s footprint.

As the official supermarket of the Islanders, Stop & Shop’s donation spotlights the increased need the Food Banks are facing going into the holiday season: Island Harvest Food Bank expects to collect and distribute 14,500 turkeys and tens of thousands of pounds of trimmings necessary to complete a holiday-style meal for Long

Islanders coping with food insecurity.

Island Harvest Food Bank serves approximately 300,000 families at various times during the year.

Last year the food bank supplemented 18 million meals for Long Islanders struggling with food insecurity.

Across Long Island, more than 148,000 students are qualified to receive free or reducedprice school meals.

St. Hugh Productions Presents The Happy Elf

St. Hugh Productions presents The Happy Elf on December 3rd and 4th. Performances are Saturday, December 3rd at 2:00 pm

and 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 4th at 3:30 pm at St. Hugh of Lincoln Auditorium at 1450 New York Avenue in Huntington

Station.

Tickets will be sold at the door. Check or cash only. $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for Seniors and Children.

Wing It On! - Wings ’N Wiches Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Tis The Season For Giving

On Monday, November 21, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team launched a Holiday Donation Drive, benefitting the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that strives to end homelessness on Long Island, and to alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping others, but more specifically assisting the homeless is really important to me,” said Noelle, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “When you strip away all the excess and get down to the basics - the minimum that one should have in order to put their best foot forward every day - what remains is a home, along with food, and the like. There are countless people struggling and facing homelessness right now on Long Island and it just feels like the right thing to do to help them.”

The drive will run through December 19th and has five drop-off locations throughout Long Island. “This year the organization is desperately in need of non perishable food and personal care items,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with The Bryn Elliott Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “They’re also looking for clothing, socks and winter coats. We’re hopeful that this drive will make a difference by helping people who need it; especially during the toughest time of the year to be homeless.”

Every donation truly does make a difference. “We thank everyone in advance for their participation,” said Noelle. “We’re so appreciative of each business that has let us use their establishment as a drop-off location.” If you have any questions, please contact Noelle Lambert at 631.478.3819 or Bryn

Elliott at 631.332.8899. For more information about the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, visit www. addressthehomeless.org.

Drop-Off Locations:

The Fish Store 836 Montauk Hwy, Bayport, NY

USA Auto Body

Montauk Hwy, East Patchogue, NY

Long Island Media Group

About The Fish Store: The Fish Store is a family run business that opened its doors in 1978. Their market and restaurant in Bayport offers fresh food options and is beloved by many. They are the proud winners of Bethpage Best of Long Island’s #1 Best Fish Market on Long Island for 9 years in a row.

About USA Auto Body: USA Auto Body is a fullservice auto body repair shop in East Patchogue. Their trained professionals can complete your automobile restoration to manufacturerspecified standards and they are ready to make your car shine!

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2410 North Ocean Ave, Farmingville, NY

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 200 W Main St, Smithtown, NY

About Long Island Media Group: Long Island Media Group is a locally owned and operated media company that has been publishing since 1953. Today they publish the South Bay’s Neighbor, Neighbor Newspapers, Seasons Magazine, along with many other specialty products. They also offer digital marketing services.

About Douglas Elliman Real Estate: Douglas Elliman leads the New York real estate market by sales volume, and ranks as one of the nation’s largest independent residential real estate brokerages by the same measure. From sales, rentals and new development to mortgages and title insurance, their agents are relentless advocates for their clients.

Pictured above from left to right: Noelle Lambert & Bryn Elliott

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - The Copiague Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Wing It On! - Wings ’N Wiches at 854 Montauk Highway in the Merrineck Plaza Shopping Center in Copiague. On hand to celebrate were owner Sid Kapur, Wing it On! employees, local elected officials as well as members of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce including president Donna Farina. Good Luck!

Photo by Bob Liquorie

Career Exploration At Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School

Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville held its annual career fair from Nov. 2-4.

Coordinated by guidance counselor Kim Balducci, Park Avenue’s Career Fair aims to expose students to different careers while developing the school to work connection. Held in the school’s auditorium, students in each grade went around to their careers of choice to interview the guest speakers about their professions.

The Career Fair featured a wide range of speakers that included parents, family and friends of faculty members

and community members:

Paul Schmidt, Amityville Police Officer

Matthew Rousseau, Amityville Police Officer

Mikila Thompson, Esq., lawyer

Clifford Charles, nursing & nursing anesthesiologist

Leisha Cason, registered nurse

Eric Meyer, Sr., construction/chimney

Deborah Magnani, physical therapist

Erik Ferencsik, architect and instructor

Melisa Bliss, assistant district attorney

Rose M.J. Charles, attorney at law

Kimberly Jean-Pierre, assemblywoman

Nicole Gervasi, general manager, restaurant

Mehran Shahbazzadeh, realtor

Zack Shapiro, nurse supervisor

Danika Hall, manager financial services

Scuba Steve, author and marine conservationist

Chris Grayden, train operator

Jesus Trivino, digital creator global Latin

Victoria Lipman, librarian

career fair from Nov. 2-4. Photos courtesy of the Amityville Union

School District

By Noelle Lambert

www.mhaw.org

for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).

Among its wide range of mentalhealth-related services, MHAW offers many forms of assistance for veterans in Suffolk County. These offerings address affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, peer support, and other services.

To allow readers to get a humanscale picture of the real-life ways that MHAW supports local veterans in need, here are the stories of “John” and “Mary.”

“John” had served our country for more than eight years as a Marine, including witnessing the aftermath of the Beirut barracks bombings in 1983 that had killed 241 American personnel and dozens of others.

He proceeded to face major difficulty adapting to post-service life, and used food to help him cope. John became significantly overweight and homeless, with a hotel as his residence for two years. It was nearly impossible to find a house that accommodated his needs until he connected with “Housing Our Homeless Heroes,” an initiative that helps veterans regain their sense of independence with supportive housing.

Happily, John is now living in a stabilized environment with dignity and respect.

As a second example, “Mary” had been discharged from the service last August, had no income, nowhere to go, and unfortunately was living in her car. She reached out to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, run in collaboration with the Economic

Opportunity Council (EOC) of Suffolk, a Patchoguebased social services organization.

Mary worked with

the SSVF team to locate and obtain permanent housing. She also worked with a case manager and a health care navigator to apply for the VA’s service-connected disability program, where she was approved for 100-percent compensation. Mary was also connected to the Northport VA Medical Center, where she began receiving health care. In addition, Mary worked with an employment specialist who assisted her with her resume, job search, and interview prep.

As a result, Mary ultimately secured a full-time job. She has expressed her gratefulness to MHAW and to EOC of Suffolk for the critical assistance she received at the time when she needed it most.

After all they have given to America, our veterans deserve support from all of us here in Suffolk County and across the nation. With this in mind, we urge you to play a role in introducing local veterans in need to MHAW.

If you know such a veteran, have them contact Marcelle Leis, MHAW’s Director of Veteran Services, by calling 631-946-0147, or by emailing mleis@ mhaw.org. If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

Did You Know?

One of the more popular tourist attractions in the United States is also a popular place to tie the knot. The bright lights of the Las Vegas strip and the surrounding area have drawn visitors for decades. Las Vegas also is home to more than 100,000 weddings per year, according to Clark County Clerk marriage license records. Weddings may be performed at local churches or other houses of worship, inside lavish casinos, or at the bevy of small chapels in and around Las Vegas. Las Vegas is sometimes referred to as “The Marriage Capital of the World” thanks in part to the ease of acquiring a marriage license in the city and the minimal costs involved to tie the knot. But Las Vegas is more than just a popular place to tie the knot. According to data gathered by Facebook in 2014, when the social media service compiled data from users “check ins,” Las Vegas also has grown into a popular honeymoon destination. In addition, Las Vegas also has evolved into a popular spot to celebrate one last hurrah before the big wedding day. Individuals frequently plan bachelor or bachelorette party weekends that incorporate all of the fun Las Vegas has to offer.

Catch Your Dreams

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

CALL NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS to place your classified ad. 631 226-2636, press “2”

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

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THE power of CLASSIFIED!

Get Results Call Classifed 631-226-2636 Press “2”

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

Call Today and Ask About our Color Seasons Magazine (631) 226-2636 Press 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

Amid Persistent Inflation, Innovations In Medicare Advantage Can Help New York Beneficiaries Save Money In 2023

By Dr. Steven Angelo, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, New York

The latest economic data show that many of us are paying more for essential goods like groceries and fuel, and prices for many everyday products continue to climb, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, posing a challenge for New York seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries who often live on fixed incomes.

Concerns about inflation make it important for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to choose a health plan that can save them money during Medicare annual enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

A recent study by ATI Advisory found that beneficiaries who chose Medicare Advantage plans saved almost $2,000 per year in out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare.

Affordability is one of the reasons Medicare Advantage plans continue to grow in popularity. Nearly half of people eligible for Medicare in 2022, including 52% of beneficiaries in New York, chose Medicare Advantage plans.

How health plans can help you save

In 2023, seniors and other beneficiaries will see even more innovative benefits from Medicare Advantage plans, like enhanced dental coverage, for example, to help them achieve significant savings and live a

healthier life.

Dental care is not covered by Original Medicare – not even routine cleanings – leaving the beneficiary on the hook to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for procedures like crowns, fillings, implants, dentures and more. The average Medicare beneficiary spent nearly $1,000 in one year on out-of-pocket dental costs, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans now provide comprehensive dental benefits that cover all non-cosmetic dental care including dentures and implants with zero out-ofpocket costs up to the annual coverage limit on most plans.

Members can see any dentist nationwide who accepts Medicare, reducing worries about the cost of seeing an outof-network provider.

Beneficiaries can also save money in unexpected ways. Why pay for a gym membership or fitness program if you don’t have to? UnitedHealthcare offers eligible Medicare members a free gym membership through its Renew Active fitness program, offering no-cost access to a network of more than 22,000 gyms nationwide among other benefits. Studies continue to show that moderate exercise can improve brain health, social wellbeing, and overall wellness.

Many people don’t know that through Medicare Advantage

they may even have access to benefits that will help pay for common everyday expenses.

Those who are “dually eligible” for Medicare and Medicaid, receive robust support from UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. In 2023, with food and utility prices rising higher than the average inflation rate, members will receive a credit of up to $2,200 to spend on many over-the-counter products, healthy foods, home heat, electricity, water, sewer, home internet, and more.

These are only some of the ways Medicare Advantage can benefit your health and wallet. These benefits are simple to use and focused on personalized, modern, coordinated care.

Importantly, Medicare Advantage plans are on the cutting edge of a trend towards more in-home and remote care through programs like UnitedHealthcare’s HouseCalls, which offer an annual wellness visit in the home at no added cost.

There is little we can do to control inflation or economic pressures, but by understanding the benefits that are available through programs like Medicare Advantage, seniors and other beneficiaries can take steps to save and put themselves on a path to better health in 2023. To learn more, visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans. com.

Clothing Donations Needed For Long Island Children

Ethical Friends of Children, a program helping needy families on Long Island, seeks clothing (tops, bottoms, pjs, sweaters and socks) in certain sizes. Specific sizes are: GIRLS: 3-4, 4-5 and 9-10 and BOYS: 7-8 and 9-10.

Ethical Friends of Children is an outreach program of the

Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island., established in 1985. “We assist more than 2,500 children and their families each year by providing them clothing for children from newborn to size 12 as well as infant furniture at no cost,” says Pat Spencer of Port Washington. The “store” –

staffed entirely by volunteers –lets families pick out the things they need, at no cost to them.

Those interested in making contributions of clothing or gift cards, should call Ethical Friends of Children at 516280-5526 or email efoc@ehsli. org

Holiday Open House And Installation Of Officers

Please join the Amityville Historical Society for their Holiday Open House and Installation of Officers

Calling All Sisters Of St. Joseph Alums “Together Again”

The Sisters of St. Joseph invite alums from all classes, faculty and staff to the Annual Alum Holiday Event on Thursday, December 8 at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www. brentwoodcsj.org or call 631-273-1187 ext. 154.

on Sunday, December 4, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Lauder Museum located at 170 Broadway in Amityville.

Bring your cameras for an opportunity to take a family photo by the parlor’s fireplace and classic feather tree.