YOUNG ENGINEERS REV UP AT MASSAPEQUA ROBOTICS CAMPS
Robots big and small have been built and tested at Massapequa High School this summer during a pair of robotics camps. Members of the high school robotics team took part in a camp from Aug. 28-31 to start preparing for this year’s competition season. They will compete against other schools and this year’s challenge will be to use the robot to place blocks into goals throughout the 12foot by 12-foot competition field.
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The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Bloom Pilates Studio, located at 1129B North Broadway in North Massapequa. Stop by and experience the transformative power of Pilates. Back row L to R: Assemblyman John Mikulin; Thomas Antonetti (Board of Directors); Anthony Migliorelli (Board of Directors). Front Row L to R: Jenna Muscarella (Board of Directors); Karen Gawrych (Treasurer); Owner Isabella Gerone; Robin Hepworth (President); Sal Polito (1st Vice President); Randi Jankowski (Board of Directors); Isabelle Rapacciuolo (Board of Directors)
Young Engineers Rev Up At Massapequa Robotics Camps
Robots big and small have been built and tested at Massapequa High School this summer during a pair of robotics camps.
Members of the high school robotics team took part in a camp from Aug. 28-31 to start preparing for this year’s competition season. Technology teacher Matt Swanson supervised students as they built the robot for the VEX Robotics events, which begin in November. They will compete against other
schools and this year’s challenge will be to use the robot to place blocks into goals throughout the 12foot by 12-foot competition field.
Their goal was to complete the robot build over the four-day camp so they can focus on programming and practicing once the school year begins.
Junior Caiden Kacharaba, who has been working with robots since middle school, enjoys the fast-paced nature of the events. Each match is
typically two minutes, with four robots in the field at a time in a 2 v. 2 format.
“I like the challenge of it,” Caiden said. “It’s really complex, what we’re doing this year. Every year, the competition is a little different.”
The following week, 35 students entering grades 6-9 attended the Lego Robotics Camp in the high school cafeteria. The annual camp took place from Aug. 4-7 for five hours a day. Students worked with Mr. Swanson
and technology teachers
Matt Anderer and Mike Spiritis while developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The participants used Lego Spike kits to build their robots, with several yellow bins filled with pieces for them to use. They worked in small groups to create, program and test their robots throughout the week. There were minichallenges like search and rescue, in which the robots had to go out, retrieve a
Lego, and bring it back to the starting point. The week ended with a battle bots competition.
“We want them to get a taste of robotics and engineering,” said Mr. Anderer, who advises the Berner Middle School robotics clubs. “Everybody’s a big Lego fan, so introducing them to the world of robotics through something they already have an interest in is pretty neat.”
It wasn’t an introduction
for everyone, like incoming ninth grader Gianna Barravecchio, who attended the camp for the fourth summer. She enjoys building upon her skills each year, trying the different challenges and learning from the knowledgeable and supportive teachers.
“I like robotics and I like the coding,” said Gianna, who hopes to pursue a career in engineering. “It’s really fun for me. I like the challenge.”
The Massapequa School District hosted a four-day Lego Robotics Camp for students entering grades 6-9 in the high school cafeteria.
Technology teacher Matthew Swanson and high school Robotics Team members, from left, Ethan Simon, Thomas Flynn, Caiden Kacharaba, Dylan Raghubeer and Robert Meilak, started work on their robot at the end of the July for the upcoming VEX competition season.
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan talked to Jaxon Vessalico, left, Corwin Chen, center, and Alex Gallucci about their robot they were building. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
AUGUST HAPPENINGS
SAT., AUGUST 23rd
10:00AM–3:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH THRIFT SHOP/YARD SALE
(Rain or Shine) Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00) Many new items in all categories. 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. New and gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and shoes as well as home goods. For more information, please call 631-2427530
6:00PM-10:00PM
STONY BROOK FIRE DEPARTMENT COUNTRY NIGHT FUNDRAISER
Live music, line dancing, food, drinks, Raffles & fun! General Admission $35. Food, Beer, Water/Soda included in ticket purchase 1410 Stony Brook Rd. Stony Brook, NY 11790. For more information, visit https://stonybrookfdfundraisers. squarespace.com/
SAT., AUGUST 23rd
SUN., AUGUST 24th
10:00AM-5:00PM FARMINGDALE VENDOR FAIR ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
361 Main St. in Farmingdale. Free Event. Family shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516-442-6000
SUN., AUGUST 24th
1:00PM-5:00PM OPEN HOUSE
Join Us for the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center's 21st Anniversary Celebration Open House. An amazing day featuring special guest speakers,
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 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
introductory meditation sessions, vegetarian cooking demos, yoga demonstrations, live music, a tour of the garden & grounds, an outdoor picnic, and more. Open to all and free of charge. For more information, please call 631-8227979, Infotristate@sos.org. Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Road in Amityville.
2:00PM
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SERIES AT BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM, GREAT RIVER
Islip Arts Council and Studio Theater of Long Island Shakespeare Troupe present "Much Ado About Nothing," a comedy by William Shakespeare. This limited engagement will be performed FREE. *Schedule subject to change Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through a grant from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information visit Isliparts.org, or call 631-888-3525
TUES., AUGUST 26th
12:15PM FREE BROWN BAG CONCERT SERIES Tuesdays at the Bay Shore Band Shell, 80 East Main Street in Bay Shore. Chasing Time / Music of the 60's 70's and 80's. For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council 631-888-3525
WED., AUGUST 27th
5:00PM-8:00PM
DROP-OFF DRUG EVENT
International Overdose Awareness Day. The Lindenhurst Moose Lodge, Lindenhurst Community Cares, CASJ, and Suffolk County Police C.O.P.E.
have joined forces to create a united front in preventing addiction and overdose deaths in our community. Please bring your prescription medications for safe disposal to: Lindenhurst Moose Lodge #1421, 883 South Broadway, in Lindenhurst. Anyone who drops oft medicine will receive a raffle ticket for a prize! Together we can make a difference!
THURS., AUGUST 28th
6:00PM-7:00PM
PAUMANACKE GARDEN CLUB PROGRAM
Pauley the Plant Man will speak on 'Early Fall Gardening.' No preregistration necessary. Refreshments served after the program. Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh Questions? Contact paumanackegc@gmail.com
SAT., AUGUST 30th
12:00 Noon
AMITYVILLE PORCH MUSIC DAY
Go porch-to-porch in the Village to hear live music! See map of porch/ band locations at Amityville.com. To sign up a band/porch email us at Mayor@amityvil le. com. For more information, please call Village Hall 631-264-6000
THRU SAT., AUGUST 30th
DURING LIBRARY HOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY EXIBITION at the East Islip Library. Perspectives in Photography” is a diverse visual interpretation of the world as seen by Rick Jacobs. East Islip library, 381 East Main St, in East Islip. 2nd fl. The event is free. For more information, please call 631-581-9200
Plumbing Contractors Association Of Long Island Sponsors Pizza Lunch For Children At Sunrise Day Camp
For the fourth year in a row, the Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) proudly sponsored a pizza lunch for the campers and staff at Sunrise Day Camp, a no-cost summer camp for children battling cancer and their siblings.
This year’s lunch, which fed several hundred campers and 200 staff members, was held during one of the most anticipated events of the summer Color War, a spirited tradition that brings joy, energy, and friendly competition to the camp community.
Sunrise Day Camp provides a much-needed escape for children facing serious health challenges, allowing them and their siblings to enjoy the fun of summer in a supervised, emotionally supportive environment all free of charge. The camp is a sanctuary for healing,
laughter, and connection.
The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island has remained a proud supporter of this mission, with long-time PCALI member Larry Levine of Par Plumbing playing an instrumental role in fostering the relationship between PCALI and Sunrise Day Camp over the years.
Jeff Connelly, President of PCALI, shared his thoughts on the organization’s ongoing commitment: “It’s an incredible privilege to support Sunrise Day Camp and the amazing kids who attend. Seeing their smiles and energy reminds us why we do this year after year. We’re honored to play even a small part in helping these kids just be kids.”
Deborah Lom of Sunrise Day Camp says, “We are grateful for the support that PCALI gives to Sunrise and the Levine Golf Classic. It’s because of supporters
like you that Sunrise can continue providing free-ofcharge summer and yearround programming to as many children with cancer and their siblings as we are this year.”
PCALI is deeply grateful to Sunrise Day Camp for the opportunity to give back and looks forward to continuing
this meaningful tradition for years to come.
About Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) advances the plumbing industry, promotes the overall welfare of plumbing contractors in
Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and works collaboratively with the leadership and members of Plumbers Local 200. PCALI works tirelessly to raise public awareness about utilizing licensed plumbers only.
About Sunrise Day Camp Sunrise Day Camp brings the joys of childhood to
Families Can Make The Most Of Summer’s End
children with cancer and their siblings on Long Island. They offer a welcoming, inclusive summer day camp, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. To learn more visit https://www. sunrisedaycamp-longisland. org/
It seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. After many months of fickle weather, summer’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine can be that hug from Mother Nature people need. But soon summer will be coming to an end, making room for apples, corn and pumpkin spice. Even though summer will soon be singing its swan song, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.
Catch a concert Summer is a time of year when many artists go on tour and sell out everything from arenas to ampitheaters to more intimate venues. Find a singer the entire family enjoys and grab some tickets.
Pick fruit
Peach season varies depending on where you live, but May through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards to the peach-picking public. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities.
Watch some fireworks
Those who didn’t have an opportunity to catch a fireworks display already this summer, or who enjoyed it so much that they want more, can find out when the next big display will take place. Some beachside towns and even amusement parks regularly host fireworks shows on the weekends.
Climb a lighthouse
National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7.
Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. For example, Sandy
Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey, which was lit for the first time in 1764, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.
Pick a day to re-do
Ask all members of the family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddleboarding in a lake or taking a scenic drive. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again.
Head to a state fair
State fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock.
Watch balloons rise
Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground.
Enjoy an outdoor movie
Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen can be an actual outdoor screen or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick.
Camp out
Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars.
Visit a garden or arboretum
Plan a day trip to a botanical garden or
arboretum to view the various trees, flowers and shrubs in bloom. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in nature.
Families can wind down from summer by engaging in various enjoyable activities before a new school year begins.
The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) proudly sponsored a pizza lunch for the campers and staff at Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights, a no-cost summer camp for children battling cancer and their siblings.
Senator
Steve Rhoads To Host Inaugural Veterans Valor Walk
Senator Steve Rhoads will host the first-ever Veterans Valor Walk—a patriotic community event and food drive— on Saturday, August 23rd at Eisenhower Park. The event will feature a 0.5-mile walk around Salisbury Lake to honor local veterans and support those in need.
Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit a local veterans’ food pantry.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotic spirit. Following the walk, registered participants will enjoy
a complimentary bagel breakfast and refreshments.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged using the following link, but walk-ins welcome: https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ LSe3Ok8fNMcXS3zWE
Free
8Ma5MEMnWE1mP8Vt mavCKzACF03LLBTTw/ viewform
Senator Rhoads invites the community to come together to honor those who served and ensure no hero goes hungry.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in partnership with the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066, is hosting a Free Veterans’ Appreciation Pancake Breakfast and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa.
Veterans will be treated to a complimentary pancake breakfast and provided with valuable information from over 20 vendors on issues such as healthcare, housing, education, legal services, and other veteran support services. This free event is open to all veterans who live in or belong to a veteran’s organization in the 9th Assembly district.
Discover The Orthodox Christian Church (English Language Services)
The Orthodox Church offers you the authentic Christian Tradition maintained without innovation since Apostolic times, which fulfills life on a daily basis, not just on Sunday. We welcome all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. The Divine Liturgy
is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. All services are conducted in English. Additional information and schedules can be found on the parish website, www. htocem.org, or by email, htocem@gmail.com.
Residents of the United States and Canada celebrate Labor Day or Labour Day each September on the first Monday of the month to acknowledge the contributions of each nation’s workers. The holiday can be traced to the late nineteenth century, when labor activists campaigned for a federal holiday to recognize hardworking employees and their accomplishments.
Although the holiday originally was crafted by the labor movement, not much labor occurs on Labor Day each year. Rather, Labor Day is a time when most workers enjoy a well-deserved day off, and various recreational events take place. Individuals can explore these tips to enjoy a memorable, fun and safe Labor Day.
Grilling time
Grilling is a centerpiece of many Labor Day
Enjoy A Safe And Fun Labor Day
celebrations. Although guests may look forward to familiar fare, such as burgers and hot dogs, introducing some interesting menu items into the mix can elevate the event even further. Explore options with seafood and vegetables or even experiment with different flavor profiles. Replace chicken with shrimp on kabobs or swap beef for lamb in burgers for even more variety.
When grilling, always emphasize safety. Never leave the grill unattended, and ensure that the grill is located away from the main action and far enough from the house so that nothing will catch fire.
Factor in traffic
Traffic is a common complaint during the summer, but especially during holiday weekends. AAA booking data showed overall domestic travel over
Labor Day weekend 2024 was up 9 percent compared to the year prior. In many locations, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins, so roadways tend to be congested. The transportation data experts at INRIX recommend car travelers avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times tend to be the busiest. Leaving early on Thursday or Friday or departing on Saturday afternoon will help travelers avoid most traffic and begin their weekends less stressed. Plus, drivers are less likely to drive aggressively when they build in a time buffer.
Head to the water
Water sports, boating, swimming, and other water-based activities are entertaining ideas for Labor Day. Life jackets are essential on boats and other watercraft, and inexperienced swimmers
may want to wear them as well. Everyone should avoid alcohol consumption while boating or swimming. Try to stick to areas that have lifeguards on duty.
Firework smarts Fireworks can cap off
a summer of fun. Instead of lighting fireworks at home, head to an event organized by pyrotechnics experts for the safest situation. Pets can become skittish during loud noises associated with fireworks, so keep them indoors in a
quiet room where they can remain calm and are less likely to run away and get lost outdoors.
Labor Day tends to be summer’s curtain call. Make the most of it this year, but remember to always play it safe.
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FREE HEALTHY HIKES For Long Islanders, Sponsored By AARP Long Island
Join the Long Island Health Collaborative, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, and AARP Long Island at 9 AM on the last Friday of August, and September for HEALTHY HIKES, free community hiking events! Physicians will briefly discuss tips for better health before accompanying attendees and a trail guide on a hike where you can hike and talk with the doc! Please register in advance so we can best accommodate. Take a hike with us on this summer and early fall for better health, no matter what your age or experience level.
AUGUST Healthy Hike: Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Address: 4090 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Lead Physician: Konstantinos Spaniolas, MD, Director of Stony Brook Medicine’s Bariatric and Metabolic Weight
Loss Center; Professor of Surgery at Stony Brook University
Lead Physician: Olufunmilayo C. Eleanya MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman LI School of Medicine
What makes our hikes so healthy? In addition to the many physical and mental health benefits of hiking, our Healthy Hikes are held through the LIHC’s Walk with a Doc chapter. This means our hikes are led by a physician who will deliver health education about a different topic every month before joining walkers on the hike. Walk with a Doc is a national program that offers free physician-led walking events in communities around the world, and we’re proud to bring these events to our Long Island neighbors. Get in some steps, talk with our docs along the way, and learn about the actions you can take now to live a healthier life for good.
For more information about Walk with a Doc, contact Brooke Oliveri, Manager of the Long Island Health Collaborative at boliveri@nshc.org or call 631-963-4167.
Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings
12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information e-mail or call: Donna526@aol.com or (631) 835.8788; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org
Did You Know?
The Donor Alliance® reports that just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation. Organs that can be donated include the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. Eye and tissue donations also can have a profound impact, potentially saving and healing more than 75 lives.
Saladino And Blakeman Announce Free $25 Farmers’ Market Coupons For Senior Citizens
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announce that incomeeligible adults aged 60 and over can now receive free $25 coupon booklets from the New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). These coupons can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers’ markets and farm stands.
“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is an excellent initiative that helps seniors maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the fresh produce our local markets have to offer. It is important for us to provide opportunities that support the well-being of our older adults, and this program does just that by making nutritious food more accessible.”
The $25 Farmers’ Market
coupon distribution will take place on Thursday, August 21st from 10 AM to 12 PM at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Ave., North Massapequa. Coupons will be distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis, with a limit of one booklet per person per year.
Coupons can be used at the Country Fresh Farmingdale Farmers’ Market, located at Village Green, 316 Main Street, Farmingdale, open Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM (June 1 - November 23), at Deep Roots Farmers’ Market, located at 100 Garvies Point Road, Glen Cove, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM (May 31 –November 1) and at the Seaford Farmers’ Market, located at Seaford LIRR Parking Lot 3, Sunrise Hwy. & Washington St., open Saturdays from 7 AM to 12 PM (June 7December 27).
“By participating in this program, our seniors
can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, while supporting the local economy. I encourage all eligible seniors to take advantage of this wonderful program and experience the health benefits of fresh, locally sourced produce,” added County Executive Blakeman.
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Mobile Farm Stand are sponsored by the Nassau County Office for the Aging, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. To find additional farmers’ markets participating in the SFMNP Coupon Program, please visit: https://agriculture. ny.gov/farmersmarkets. For more information, call the Nassau County Office for the Aging at (516) 2278900.
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