December 21, 2022 Amityville

students at Amityville

Memorial High School spent

school as

participated in bonding activities

inspirational speakers during Awareness Weekend from Nov. 18-19. Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union

School District

REX

4 year old male. Rottweiler. Happy and spunky boy. Outgoing and playful.

LYRIC & SUSAN Young females. Seeking their forever homes

TINKERBELL

Beautiful brown Tabby. She has 3 legs, but doesn’t know it. Loves attention

West Babylon Alumni Foundation Hall Of Fame Nominating Application Deadline Is Approaching…

TONI

Black and white young female. Very sweet with personality.

LILY & HERMAN

8 year old Lhaso Apso and 5 year old Yorkie mix. Bonded pair. The best of friends.

JUDE

1-2 year old male. A loving ball of mush. Curious, silly, affectionate and energetic.

RAMON

9 year old male. Pomeranian. Confident. Extroverted and inquisitive.

BERTHA

5-7 year old female. Sweet and energetic girl. Looking for her place in the world.

OREO

2 year old male. MinPin. Clever, spirited, and a bit comedic. Loyal and devoted.

COCO

5-8 year old male. Sweet and bouncy. Loves attention and getting lots of pets.

The deadline for submitting applications to nominate a West Babylon graduate for our Hall of fame is December 31, 2022. Applications can be obtained on our website www.westbabylonalumni. org or on our West Babylon Alumni Foundation Facebook page. The alumni awards recognize exceptional achievements of West Babylon graduates who have made significant contributions to their profession/ society & community. The nominees must be out of high school for a

Tell Us About It!

S’MORES

10 year old female. Pomeranian. Sweet girl with an open personality.

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.

minimum of 5 years. There is also a category for a nongraduate who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the WB School District and community. Completed forms and supporting documents must be either hand delivered Monday through

Friday from 9am to 4pm to the Superintendent’s office or mailed (postmarked by December 31, 2022) to:

West Babylon Alumni Foundation

Att: Hall of Fame Committee 10 Farmingdale Rd. West Babylon, NY 11704

Holiday Season: 4 Tips From The Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America

With the holiday season underway, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing four tips to help families affected by dementia enjoy the spirit of the season in a dementiafriendly way.

“The holiday season can be both joyful and stressful for all of us, especially individuals living with a dementia-related illness,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Being proactive, adaptable, and inclusive of the person’s wishes and abilities are the best ways to help them have a happy and joyful holiday season.”

Families, partners and friends caring for someone with dementia should consider the following steps:

Avoid overdecorating. Decorating is part of the

holiday season fun, however, too much stimulation may be challenging for someone with dementia. Keep decorations festive, but simple—too many flickering lights or noisy items could be overwhelming. Instead of elaborate decorations, try choosing a few favorite items. Phase in decorations over a period of days instead of all at once, so that changes to the person’s environment are less confusing.

Create a safe and calm space. Don’t use fragile decorations (which can shatter and create sharp fragments) or ones that could be mistaken for edible treats. Be mindful of potential tripping hazards on the floor, such as wires for decorations. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall to avoid falls and

use menorahs or kinaras with electric candles to reduce fire hazards. As well as a physically safe environment, create a space where your loved one can sit in comfort and where guests can visit in small groups or one-toone. As much as possible, maintain the person’s normal routine when scheduling visits.

Adapt past favorite traditions or create new ones. Build on old traditions when appropriate, such as enjoying favorite music or movies, or looking at pictures of past holiday celebrations. Start new ones that center on activities and events the person enjoys and can do, such as touring neighborhood holiday lights, and do it together. Take a strengths-

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

EAC Staff & BCFU Volunteers at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Sign-In Station at the Holiday Shopping Spree

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS ON FULL DISPLAY - Students at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville recently filled the school’s hallways with colorful holiday decorations. With support from their teachers, prekindergartners spent the past week drawing, coloring and crafting a variety of holiday items. The items included Christmas trees, snowmen, ornaments, elves, snowflakes and candy canes. The school’s holiday decorations will be on display throughout the month of December. Photos courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District

After their school day ended on Nov. 18, 80 Amityville Memorial High School students spent the next 32 hours in the school participating in bonding activities and listening to inspirational speakers.

Awareness Weekend has been an annual tradition for nearly 20 years. Students in grades 10-12 who participate say it is a transformative experience that cultivates new friendships and leads

Awareness Weekend Brings Students Together

to self-reflection. An essential part of Awareness Weekend are the family groups. Students are typically paired with others who are not part of their normal friendship circle, and each team has a facilitator. Family groups have follow-up discussions based on the speakers, share personal experiences and participate in icebreaker activities.

This year’s keynote speaker was Shadrack

Boakye, whose “Overcoming Adversity” presentation kicked off Awareness Weekend on Friday afternoon. Boakye spoke about his experience growing up in Liberia, Africa in the midst of a civil war during the 1990s, and how he and his mother were just a few of the survivors to escape the war-stricken country. He also spoke about the hardships that he faced once he entered the U.S., among them not

being able to read, and how he has since persevered over the years.

Guest speaker Chris Memoli was involved in a car accident at 16 and suffered brain injuries as a result of no wearing a seatbelt. He communicates through a typing device and shared his story about how he overcame tragedy to earn his master’s degree in computer science. Hashim Garrett, another guest speaker, is a former gang

member who is paralyzed from the waist down. He spoke about forgiveness, overcoming adversity and learning from mistakes.

Students, joined by 13 faculty chaperones, spent the night in the school in sleeping bags and on air mattresses in classrooms. Awareness Weekend ended at 10 p.m. on Saturday night with goodbyes and hugs. Special education teacher Jason McGowan, who coordinated the event,

said it was an inspirational weekend for both the students and the teachers.

“We try to create an environment where students feel comfortable and make this a safe place where students take that chance to speak about what’s happening in their lives,” Mr. McGowan said. “It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but once the students buy in, it really becomes a wonderful time.”

AWARENESS WEEKEND BRINGS STUDENTS TOGETHER - Several students at Amityville Memorial High School spent some time together in school as they participated in bonding activities and listened to inspirational speakers during Awareness Weekend from Nov. 18-19. Photos courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District

Eggplant Parmesan

Branzino Oreganata

Scampi Con Rico: Garlic, Butter, White Wine And Lemon Served Over Rice

Bistecca: Grilled Steak Topped With Asparagus And Melted Mozzarella In A Barolo Sauce Served With Onion Rings

Sole Portofino: Parmesan Encrusted In A Lemon White Wine Saucem Risotto

A Dementia-Friendly Holiday Season Pitfalls To Avoid Falling Into Debt

Continued From 3

based and person-centered approach and incorporate what the person can do and what they choose to do now, rather than dwelling on what they used to do. Focus on those things that bring joy and let go of activities that seem too stressful.

Involve the person in the planning and preparations. Whenever possible, involve the person by asking what traditions are important to them—it keeps them active and involved and helps you prioritize and plan appropriately. For example, if they always sent out holiday cards or

baked holiday cookies and still want to do so, do it together with them. If they can no longer shop for gifts for their loved ones, invite them to help with wrapping the gifts so that they feel they are contributing.

The AFA Helpline is available seven days a week to help provide additional information about creating dementia-friendly holidays or any other caregiving questions. Connect with a licensed social worker by phone (866-232-8484), webchat (www.alzfdn. org) or text message (646586-5283). The web chat and text message features can serve individuals in more than 90 different languages.

High consumer debt can compromise individuals’ financial futures and have an adverse effect on their overall health. Debt has long been an issue that threatens individuals’ wellbeing, but the good news is that certain debts seem to be on the decline.

According to the “Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit” that was released in May 2021 by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card balances were $157 billion lower by the end of the first quarter of 2021 than they had been at the end of 2019.

Authors of the report credit that decline to paydowns by buyers and

reduced consumption opportunities related to the pandemic.

Individuals who want to avoid debt can keep an eye open for these pitfalls.

• Retail credit cards: Many retailers offer their own credit cards. Consumers may be enticed to sign up for such cards by the opportunity for instant, and often significant, savings. For example, a home improvement store may offer an immediate 25 percent discount to customers who sign up for a store credit card and use the card to make a purchase. As enticing as such savings can be, consumers should recognize that a recent

study by CreditCards.com found that the average retail credit card APR is 25.9 percent. That’s more than 6 percent higher than a general purpose credit card. Consumers who cannot pay balances in full each month could end up paying much more in interest if they use retail credit cards instead of general purpose cards.

• Too many accounts: A 2019 study from the credit reporting agency Experian found that the average American has four credit cards. Though many consumers can effectively manage that many cards, the more cards an

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From 15

individual has, the easier it can be to lose track of spending. More cards also means a greater potential for more debt, as each card has its own limit that is unrelated to the limits on other cards.

• Bonus hunting:

Pitfalls To Avoid Falling Into Debt

Another pitfall to avoid is the temptation to use credit cards instead of cash in an effort to accumulate more travel miles or cash back bonuses. Consumers should aspire to use cash over credit whenever possible. Doing so ensures consumers

are not spending money they don’t have, which is one of the most common ways that individuals build significant consumer debt.

• Failure to budget: A budget is the most effective way for individuals to gain control of their spending. That lesson seems to

Experiential Gifts

Shopping is foremost on the minds of many people come the holiday season. When considering loved ones and acquaintances while making holiday shopping lists, tangible gifts, such as clothing or items for the home, may be the first things that come to mind. However, experiential gifts also merit consideration. Experiential

gifts are those that focus on experiences rather than items. These can include anything from a horseback riding adventure to a spa day to concert tickets to getting behind the wheel of a race car. Experiential gifts can be tailored to people’s interests. A study by researchers at San Francisco State University showed people tend to realize greater well-

being from life experiences and consider them to be a better way to spend their money. Overall satisfaction tends to be greater with gifted experiences than with material things. Furthermore, the Harris Group found that 72 percent of millennials actually want to spend more money on experiences rather than things.

resonate more with young people than older men and women. A 2019 poll from Debt.com found that 74 percent of consumers between the ages of 23 and 38 use a budget to govern their spending, while only

67 percent of consumers between the ages of 39 and 54 use a budget. A failure to budget can increase the risk of spending impulsively and make it hard for consumers to see what’s coming in and

what’s going out. That’s a recipe for accumulating debt.

Avoiding certain pitfalls can help consumers avoid accumulating debt that can adversely affect their financial futures.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Christmas Eve is viewed differently by different people, even those who live under the same Santaready roof. Adults may see Christmas Eve as crunch time when they must prepare food for the next day or set up presents for their children to open in the morning. Children, on the other hand, are focused on Santa’s visit and little else.

Parents naturally want to make Christmastime as special as possible for their children, and that may involve ensuring that Christmas Eve is just as memorable as Christmas Day. The following are some ways to impart more magic on Christmas Eve celebrations.

birth of Christ when the calendar switches over to December 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thoughtprovoking for kids and a unique experience, unlike any other.

Bake Fresh Cookies

Children like to leave out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. That makes Christmas Eve a perfect time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Explore different recipes to come up with a unique offering each year.

Read a Christmas story

mood.

Make A Batch Of ‘Reindeer Dust’

Why should Santa’s reindeer be left out when it comes to receiving treats? Reindeer dust, made from a combination of oatmeal, rice cereal, dried fruits, and glitter (if desired), is purported to attract Santa’s reindeer and provide them a nibble at the same time. Plus, it’s generally safe for other animals in the yard to eat.

Go Caroling

Planning For Retirement

(NAPSI)—It’s never too early—or late—to start planning for retirement. Including life insurance to supplement your savings can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Learn more from the experts at Bankers Life Insurance at www. bankerslife.com.

Treehouse For Kids

(NAPSI)—Treehouse is a nonprofit committed to youth in foster care achieving a degree or other career credential, living-wage job and stable housing. The organization partners with thousands of youth to provide access to childhood experiences and critical resources as they plan for the future. Learn how you can get involved at www.treehouseforkids.org.

Attend Mass

At Midnight Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include lateevening or midnight masses that celebrate the

Watching television or looking at a tablet or mobile phone before bed can be too stimulating when it’s time for children to wind down for bed. Choose a holiday tale or tales that can be read as a Christmas Eve bedtime story. Reciting the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)” is a great way to set the Christmas Eve

Caroling may not be the norm, but some families may want to revive it. Close-knit communities can organize family-centric caroling opportunities and roam the cul-de-sacs and other pedestrian-friendly areas singing popular songs.

Christmas Eve is a great time to embrace various traditions that help to make the season even more special.

LEGAL NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS

Notice is hereby given taxpayers of the Town of Babylon, that the Undersigned Receiver of Taxes has received the 2022/2023 Tax and Assessment Roll and Warrant.

She will accept payment for taxes at her office in the Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, N. Lindenhurst, N.Y. 11757 or by mail, beginning December 2022 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Tax Office will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. First half taxes are due December 1, 2022 payable to January 10, 2023 without penalty.

After January 10, 2023 one percent per month will be added on the first half to May 31, 2023 after which date, additional interest will be charged by the County Comptroller at his office at County Center, Riverhead, N.Y. 11901.

The Town of Babylon Tax Office will be accepting partial payments with penalty. We offer e and credit card payment through a telephone service or by the internet which includes American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. For payments by telephone call 1-800-2PAY 9829) or visit the web site at www.acipayonline.com. At the prompt, use Jurisdiction Code 4232. You must have your item number and tax amount available. Transaction fees will be charged to the taxpayer based on the amount of the total charge. Total amount Warrant to be collected by the Receiver of Taxes for the 2022/2023 tax year is $809,266,455.48.

Taxes become a lien December 1st of each year. First and Second half payments may be made at the same time.

JENNIFER

MONTIGLIO

RECEIVER OF TAXES

DATED AT BABYLON, N.Y.

December 12, 2022

2022/2023 TAX RATE ON $100 valuation - TOWN OF BABYLON Valuation of Hamlets and Incorporated Villages

Town Outside of Villages ............................ $187,045,547.00

Village of Amityville...................................... 14,294,553.00

Village of Babylon........................................ 19, 136,222.00

Village of Lindenhurst.................................. 29,217,380.00

A/C/LN/LS/WBN/WBS/B/NB/DP/F - 694 12/21, 12/28/22

2022-2023

TOWN OF BABYLON 2022-2023 Jennifer Montigio, Receiver of Taxes TAXABLE DISTRICTS

Lar Nard ............................... $9.75

Stir-fried broad rice noodles topped with chicken or beef & Chinese broccoli in brown gravy

L 5. Mee Ga-Thi .......................... $8.75

Spicy stir-fried coconut noodle with chicken, baby shrimp, pepper, mushroom, bean sprouts & basil

L 6. Pad Wooson ...................... $11.50 Stir fried clear noodles with shrimp, shitake mushroom, tomatoes & vegetables

L 7. Khao Pad Supparot ............. $9.75 (Pineapple Coconut Fried Rice) Coconut fried rice with chicken topped with ground peanuts & fried onions.

L 8. Pad Ruom Mitt .................... $9.75 House special stir-fried mixed vegetables & tofu with basil & chili paste

L 9. Ma Khue Puag (Eggplant) ........ $9.75 Eggplant stir-fried in sweet chili sauce & lime leaves

L 10. Tua Yau (String Beans) $9.75 String beans stir-fried with dried tofu, scallions, garlic & soybean

L 11. Pad Nor Mai (Asparagus) $9.75

Asparagus with bamboo shoots, shitake mushroom in brown sauce

ENTREES SERVED WITH RICE

L 17. Gai Pad Bai Ga Prow ......... $10.75 (Spicy Basil Chicken)

Spicy basil chicken with pepper, onion and chili pepper

L17A. Mango Chicken ................. $10.75

Mango, red onions, pepper, sweet pea pod, chicken, sweet and sour.

L17B. Garlic Chicken ................... $10.75

Chicken stir-fried with Shitake mushrooms, scallions & bamboo shoots.

L 18. Gai Pat Prik King ............... $10.75 (Chicken with String Bean) Chicken stir-fried with string bean, basil, chili paste & soy bean.

L 19. Gai Kana ............................ $10.75 (Chicken with Chinese Broccoli) Sauteed chicken with Chinese broccoli & baby corn.

L19A. Peanut Chicken ................. $10.75

Chicken with carrot, red onion, pepper, sweet pea pod, peanut and brown sauce.

L 20. Gai Pad Kieng (Ginger Chicken) $10.75

Chicken stir-fried with young ginger, black fungus, scallions, bell pepper, onion, bamboo shoots, carrot, baby corn in a ginger sauce.

L 21. Gai Pad Prik Haeng ........... $10.75 (Cashew Chicken) Chicken stir-fried with mushroom, bell pepper, bamboo shoots & dry hot pepper.

L 22. Gai Pad Nor Mai $10.75 (Chicken or Beef with Asparagus) Chicken or beef sauteed with asparagus with shitake mushroom in oyster sauce.

Expires 12/31/22

CURRY SERVED WITH RICE

L 12. Gaeng Keo Wahn Plak $10.75

Mixed vegetables with green curry in coconut milk

L 13. Gaeng Keo Wahn (Green Curry)$10.75 Green curry with chicken or beef, pepper, eggplants, basil & coconut milk

L 14. Gaeng Masman $10.75 Masman curry with coconut milk, onions, potatoes & peanuts (Chicken or Beef)

L 15. Gaeng Panang (Panang Curry) $10.75 Panang curry with chicken or beef with basil, lime leaf, pepper & coconut milk

L 16. Gaeng Goong Sapparod .. $11.50 (Pineapple Curry Shrimp)

Panang curry shrimp with string bean, pepper, bamboo shoots, basil & pineapple

SEAFOOD SERVED WITH RICE

L 23. Kratieum Prik .................... $11.50 (Thai Garlic Shrimp)

Garlic shrimp with shitake mushrooms, scallions & bamboo shoots

L24. Goong Ta Kria.................... $11.50 (Lemongrass Shrimp)

Lemongrass shrimp stir-fried with pepper, bamboo shoot, basil & chili paste

L25. Gung Pla Murk Pat $11.50

Shrimp & calamari stir-fried with onion, mint, chili & black beans

L 26. Spicy Basil Shrimp $11.50 Stir-fried shrimp with pepper, onion, basil & chilil paste

L 27. Mango Shrimp................... $11.50

Mango, red onion, pepper, sweat pea pod, shrimp stir fried in sweet & sour sauce.

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.