February 1, 2023 Bethpage

Bethpage has a long and distinguished history, and the Bethpage Water District has played an important and critical role within this prideful community. This is a milestone year for the District, as the Bethpage Water District will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary as an established water service provider. Commissioners and staff of the District are finalizing plans for a series of events and activities to take place in 2023 to commemorate the special anniversary.

The Commissioners of Bethpage Water District lauded the efforts of all past and present staff for their dedication and hard work that has made the District one of the most respected water services providers on Long Island.

In a statement released by the Bethpage Water District Commissioners, “This is a special year and it’s the perfect time to look back on all that we’ve accomplished, and what we plan for our future. We have fought hard to ensure we deliver an uninterrupted supply of quality water and we’ve designed and constructed the most advanced water treatment systems in the country. At the Bethpage

Water District we have a storied and successful past, and we continue to evolve as an eminent leader in water delivery.”

During this year, the District will be hosting special events and participating in a number of community activities. Commissioners and staff will be sharing historical information, images and videos as well as providing information about current treatment systems and drinking water delivery operations. Educational programs for students will also be expanded for this year. For more information and news about the 100 year anniversary celebrations, please visit the District’s website in the months to follow at www.bethpagewater.com.

The Bethpage chapter of the Science National Honor Society recently held its induction ceremony in the Bethpage High School auditorium. Fifty Bethpage High School students were officially welcomed into the organization during the special evening.

Family and friends filled the auditorium to support the new inductees. They heard from Bethpage High School Principal

Nicholas Jantz, Director of Science

Chris Pollatos, faculty adviser Michelle Maio and Science National Honor Society President Umesh Ponugupati. Ponugupati, along with the other officers, conducted a candle lighting ceremony to highlight the Science National Honor Society’s principles of character, citizenship, leadership, scholarship and service.

At the conclusion of the event, all fifty inductees took an oath to uphold the purposes of the Science National Honor Society. The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates all the new members.

Bethpage Crowns Middle School Spelling Bee Champion

Twenty-seven Bethpage students from John F. Kennedy Middle School took the stage on Jan. 6 to compete in a schoolwide spelling bee. Hosted by Valerie Filbry, director of literacy and English Language Arts, along with seven teachers, the spelling bee was held after school in the John F. Kennedy Middle School auditorium. Family and friends filled the audience to cheer on the students as they showcased their spelling skills. The students who participated were the winners of their respective classroom spelling bee which was held in their English classes last month. One by one, students walked up to the microphone and were given a word to

spell. If they spelled their word incorrectly, they were eliminated. As the competition continued, 27 spellers dwindled down to 13, seven, four, three and then eventually the final two.

Eighth grader Anthony Miranda placed third in the competition, while seventh grader Karanpreet Singh took home second place. Eighth grader Zachary Kontorinis was crowned the spelling bee winner. Both Kontorinis

and Singh will now move on to the regional spelling bee. The champion of the regional spelling bee will be awarded with a one week, all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. where they will train and compete against other national finalists.

The Bethpage Union Free School District wishes Kontorinis and Singh the best of luck as they progress in the competition.

SPELLING BEE - Director of Literacy and English Language Arts Valerie Filbry (left) opened John F. Kennedy Middle School’s spelling bee on Jan. 6. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

STUDENTS SHOWCASED THEIR SPELLING SKILLS - John F. Kennedy Middle School students showcased their spelling skills during the school’s spelling bee. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

KONTORINIS (LEFT) AND SINGH (RIGHT) WILL MOVE ON - Zachary Kontorinis (left) and Karanpreet Singh (right) will move on to compete in the regional spelling bee. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

SINGH PLACED SECOND - Karanpreet Singh placed second in John F. Kennedy Middle School’s spelling bee.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

KONTORINIS PLACED FIRST - Zachary Kontorinis placed first in John F. Kennedy Middle School’s spelling bee.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage

234 Broadway, Bethpage (516) 931-1454

ArthurFWhite.com

Farmingdale

315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale (516) 249-0336

“A Tradition of Caring Since 1923”

Family Owned & Operated

Oldest established business in Farmingdale and Bethpage.

Proud members of both Farmingdale & Bethpage Chambers of Commerce and Historical Societies, Farmingdale Rotary Club, St. Kilian Women’s Guild, Farmingdale Junior League and the Knights of Columbus.

Owner/Operator - Nancy J. White

Manager - William D. Parsons

Funeral Directors - Stephen J. Mahoney, Kevin R. DeFriest & Jayme R. Elia

Happy Valentine’s Day

The Local Experts

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The Bethpage Union Free School District is proud to announce its new partnership with Northwell Health to create a community of care for its students and families. Bethpage joins several other Long Island school districts who have also connected with Northwell Health to support students’ mental wellbeing.

Starting on Feb. 1, students that reside in the Bethpage School District will have access to Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health Center in Mineola. Here, students will be able to receive care in a timely manner for any mental health crisis that they are going through. Aside from the in-school efforts and supports already in place by the Bethpage Union Free School District’s pupil personnel team, the center will be readily available for any student that needs it. It

School District Partners With Northwell Health To Support Students And Families

will also eliminate the need to visit an emergency room in urgent situations.

“Sometimes we need to extend that support outside of our walls and find ways for families to connect to the healthcare field so that they get the proper care that they need,” said Bethpage Superintendent of Schools David Schneider.

Lisa Lucchesi, Bethpage’s executive director of PPS and special education, echoed that statement, noting that the partnership will provide “that extra support, more than what we can do within the school system.” The Behavioral Health Center will provide short term crisis care, including medication management and urgent access to psychiatric assessments and referrals for those in crisis. This is critical as it sometimes takes months for families to be connected to providers for ongoing care.

“Follow up care can take 6-8 weeks to get,” said Bethpage Director of Guidance Thomas Kenny. “That’s not a good thing for our students and families so this is the bridge to that.”

The Mineola facility is one of three Behavioral Health Center’s that Northwell has. Unlike an emergency room, the center is warm and inviting.

“The goal is for patients and families to come in and have a place where they feel comfortable to talk… not feel like their first entry into mental health care is in an emergency room or very clinical environment,” Northwell Health Assistant Vice President Gina-Marie Bounds said during an information session with the Bethpage community.

In addition to the Behavioral Health Center, the new partnership allows for Northwell Health resources to be shared within

the Bethpage community. Northwell hosts community sessions and will provide a monthly newsletter for the district to share with its residents which will highlight relevant topics and resources. It also has a new mental health advocacy program for high schoolers

called Cohen’s Strong. Students can be trained to support one another with the help of Northwell Health employees.

The partnership is a true collaborative effort as Northwell Health will provide professional development for Bethpage staff and be

there for guidance when supporting the mental health of its students. The Bethpage Union Free School District thanks the board of education for supporting this partnership and it looks forward to seeing the positive impact it has on students and families.

THREE POB ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT - The Bethpage Union Free School District and Northwell Health have formed a mental health partnership to support students and their families. From left, Superintendent of Schools David Schneider, Executive Director of PPS and Special Education Lisa Lucchesi, Northwell Health administrators Dr. Vera Feuer and Gina-Marie Bounds and Board President James McGlynn. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Bethpage Residents,

On behalf of the Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank everyone in Bethpage community for coming out for our annual Christmas tree and Menorah lighting event. We had a great turnout for this year’s event and it was so good to see everyone there.

A New Year and new excitement for the coming year. Up first is Valentine’s Day. Maybe find a gift from one of our local shop owners or enjoy a romantic dinner with that special someone at any of our local venues. Many will have Valentine’s Day specials so check them out.

In March we have our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the first Sunday, March 5th at 1pm. It’s a great way to beat the winter blues by getting out and seeing all of your neighbors as we look forward to Spring. In addition this year, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will be hosting a celebration to honor this year’s Grand Marshall Rose Marie Walker. She is not only our County Legislator but a great supporter and friend to Bethpage. The event will be held at Michael J. Hartigan Hall in Bethpage. It will include dinner, full bar, bag pipers, entertainment and basket raffles. All are welcome. For more information contact the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

As we look forward to Memorial Day, we will again be putting up the banners of our local veteran hero’s throughout the town to show our appreciation. If you have a family member from the Bethpage Community who is a veteran and you would like to have a banner made for them please contact the Chamber.

Your patronage along with our major sponsors Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Steel Equities, helps the Chamber pay for all the events it runs throughout the year. This includes Music events on Broadway, Seasonal Fairs, Parades, Flags and Holiday Festivities not to mention scholarships for Bethpage High School graduates.

So come out and enjoy this season’s events! Bethpage is Our local community and we love it! Let’s keep it this way by continuing to support our local businesses.

Sincerely,

Don Schiavetta President Bethpage Chamber of Commerce

OURPAINTNIGHT

Three Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School students recently signed their athletic letters of intent. The signings mean the students are headed to play for the colleges of their choice: Andrew Lenski will play baseball for Iona University, Rachel Krogman will be playing softball for the University of New Haven, and Alexa Hospodar is headed to play softball for Stonehill College.

Andrew has been a member of the Hawks varsity baseball team since his sophomore year and has earned three varsity letters. During his career, he helped the Hawks to a county final in 2021 and a conference championship in 2022. During his junior season, Andrew batted .379 with 2 HRs and 21 RBIS. Rachel has earned five varsity letters for the Hawks as a softball standout. She helped the team to back-to-back Nassau County semifinal appearances for the first time in school history. She is currently the all-time leader in doubles with 18, and she is eighth all-time in hits with 70. As a junior, Rachel batted .324 with 5 doubles and 11 RBIs. She has also earned

Three POB Athletes Sign Letters Of Intent

two All-County honors for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Alexa, also a sterling softball player, has earned five varsity letters for the Hawks and has been the team’s starting pitcher since she was in 8th grade. She has helped the Hawks to back-to-back Nassau County semifinal appearances for the first time in school history. As a junior, Alexa won 8 games with a 2.75 ERA and had 161 strikeouts. Alexa owns the school record for most strikeouts in a single season with 161, and she is the school record holder in career ERA with 3.45. She is currently 2nd all-time in wins (22); strikeouts (381); and walks and hits per inning pitched, or WHIP (1.41). She also is 13th all-time in hits (58) and 8th alltime in RBIs (39). She has also earned two All-County honors during her career for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

“These athletes have made their families and coaches proud,” said POB Director of Phys. Ed, Health, Athletics and Recreation, Joseph Braico. “These colleges are lucky to have them, and I know they will go on to successful and rewarding athletic careers in the NCAA.”

Hospodar. Photo courtesy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

United States Air Force Thunderbirds To Headline

19th Annual Bethpage Air Show At Jones Beach Taking Place May 27-28, 2023

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State’s largest credit union, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to announce that the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 19th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach taking place on Saturday, May 27, 2023 and Sunday, May 28, 2023. This will be the demonstration team’s 9th performance at the Bethpage Air Show.

It was announced at the annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention yesterday that the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the United States Marine Corps F35B Lighting II will be performing, along with the world famous Skytpers, Long Island’s David Windmiller and Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot.

“Last year, we were very grateful that the Thunderbirds changed their schedule to perform for us on Memorial

Day, after the Saturday and Sunday weekend shows were rained out,” said George Gorman, Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Suffice to say, we couldn’t be happier to welcome the team back to Long Island for our 2023 show!”

“The Bethpage Air Show continues to be one of New York’s most treasured events,” said Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “After 19 years, the pilots and performers, show organizers and fans have grown to become a big family. We look forward to organizing a very special show for our fans this year.”

It was also announced that the United States Navy Blue Angels will return as headliners for the special 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, which will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 and Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Additional 2023 performers will be announced shortly.

Bethpage High School Hosts First Science Research Alumni Panel

More than 15 Bethpage High School alumni returned to the school on Jan. 6 to participate in the school’s first science research alumni panel. Current science research and AP research students were invited to the special after school event to gain advice from the alumni who also went through

Bethpage High School’s science research program.

Science research teacher

Nicole Dulaney opened the panel by warmly welcoming the alumni back and explaining the importance of this new event which the science research program hopes to make an annual tradition.

“The goal of the panel

is to further strengthen our science research community and to establish a strong alumni network,” said Dulaney.

“My hope is for current research students to make connections with the alumni and learn about their journeys and how science research has helped shape them in

their college and career choices.”

The alumni sat at a long table at the front of the room and introduced themselves to the Bethpage High School students. They shared their names, when they graduated Bethpage High School, where they attended or are currently

attending college and if applicable, what they are doing as a career.

The current research students had the opportunity to ask questions which ranged from topics about college life, overcoming obstacles and finding what career path you want to pursue after high school. The

alumni shared valuable advice, reflecting on their own time in the school’s science research program and how it prepared them for college and beyond. The event was a positive way to connect current students and graduates together through their love of research.

Students Strengthen Their Computer Science Skills

Elementary students throughout the Bethpage Union Free School District put their coding skills to the test during the district’s seventh annual Hour of Code event. All students in grades 3-5 from Central Boulevard, Charles Campagne and Kramer Lane elementary schools participated in their classrooms with the help of some special guests over a live broadcast.

Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider, Assistant

Superintendent for Instruction Michael Spence, Director of Technology Andrew Choi and members of the Bethpage High School Robotics Team, Regal Eagles, guided the classes through the coding event through a live broadcast from the television studio inside Bethpage High School. Using their Google Chromebooks, the elementary students completed exercises and had the opportunity to code their own

Minecraft game. Throughout the event, they were able to ask questions through Google Classroom which were answered by one of the administrators or Regal Eagles members through the live broadcast.

The hour-long event was a great way to introduce students to the world of computer science in a fun and inviting way and brought the Bethpage school community together.

ALUMNI RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL - Bethpage High School science research alumni returned to the school to speak to current science research students about what they are doing now. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

ALUMNI RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL - Bethpage High School science research alumni returned to the school to speak to current science research students about what they are doing now. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

HOUR OF CODE EVENT - Charles Campagne fifth grader Ethan Bachman participated in the Bethpage Union Free School District’s Hour of Code event. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

HOUR OF CODE EVENT VIA A LIVE BROADCAST - Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Michael Spence helped guide students through the Hour of Code event via a live broadcast. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Wins 2022 UKG Aspire Innovation Award

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 15th largest in the nation, has been awarded a 2022 UKG Aspire Innovation Award from UKG, a prominent workforce management company. Recognized for its achievements in creating meaningful and connected experiences for its members and employees, the Customer Innovation Award for HR Transformation was presented to Bethpage’s Human Capital Management System (HCMS) Team.

A tremendous recognition for Bethpage, UKG is a prominent workforce management company. Its Innovation Award celebrates customers using UKG People Technology (UKG Pro) in innovative ways to solve complex problems, create empowering workplaces and drive exceptional business outcomes.

“This is quite an achievement for our Human Capital Management Systems team,” said Melissa Feeney, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “UKG receives thousands of award nominations yearly. The impact of the UKG Pro has not only benefitted our HR processes, but has been crucial to our Employee Experience efforts, helping us invest in our teams and adapt our employees’ needs beyond work life.”

Bethpage utilizes UKG People Technology to leverage quicker turnaround times for interviews and hiring decisions for a better candidate experience. It has also established a new digital hire program and developed a seamless compensation process, managing and digitizing HR documents. “Bethpage strives to create a positive employee experience, beginning

with the hiring process itself, continues Feeney. “It has tremendously helped us overcome many manual challenges.”

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a premier community financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees, and the communities it serves for the past 80 years. Bethpage is the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 15th largest in the nation.

As a not-for-profit credit union, Bethpage is committed to its members and the communities it serves. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of great rates and low fees, the Bethpage Cares program invests heavily in local, high-impact community programs that serve with an eye towards creating better communities through diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Voted the Glass Door Top Place to Work for Small & Midsize companies, Bethpage is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 dollar membership account. Bethpage offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. Bethpage is a part of the national CO-OP network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers the best-in market rates, lowest fees and world-class service, plus a full menu of personal and commercial financial services. For more information on Bethpage’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.

Students Recognized For Outstanding Research Proposals

Four Bethpage High School science research projects were awarded a $200 mini research grant from the South Asian American Women’s Alliance. One project was submitted by three Bethpage High School juniors, while the three others were submitted by individual juniors. The SAAWA presented 20 mini grants of $200 each to middle and high school students with research proposals in the earth and environmental science field.

The following Bethpage science research students and their projects were recognized: Joy Kim, Sofia Maciel-Seidman and Riya Saha, “Using Arduino Uno to Develop a pH Sensor for Hydroponic Systems;” Diya Sheth, “Building a Water Purity Sensor that Can Test pH, Turbidity, and Dissolved oxygen;” Daniyal Khambati, “The Effective Removal of Microplastics From Drinking Water” and Ankur Raghavan, “Wireless Communication of Agricultural Sensors to a Single Monitoring Station to Allow Realtime Monitoring of Multiple Fields.”

The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates these exceptional science research students on this great achievement.

FOR OUTSTANDING RESEARCH

Pictured left to right: Samantha Portillo, Bethpage Federal Credit Union Payroll & Benefits Specialist, Human Resources; Paula Crovatt, Senior Manager, Human Capital Management System, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Alyssa Renda, Human Capital Management System Specialist, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

RECOGNIZED

PROPOSALS - Six Bethpage High School science research students earned mini grants from the South Asian American Women’s Alliance for their research proposals. From left, Director of Science Chris Pollatos, juniors Joy Kim, Diya Sheth, Ankur Raghavan, Daniyal Khambati, Sofia Maciel-Seidman and Riya Saha and science research teacher Nicole Dulaney. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Appetizers (Choose One)

-Stracciatella Soup -Mozzarella Caprese -Arancini di Riso

-Pasta e Fagoli Soup -Mix or Caesar Salad -Artichoke Oreganata

Note - Choose One Entrée For Any Prix-Fixe Express Lunch Below

Express Lunch Prix-Fixe #1 - $19.95 - Pasta (Vodka or Bolognese or Primavera) Eggplant (Parmigiana or Rollatini)

Express Lunch Prix-Fixe #2 - $24.95 - Ravioli (See Server) - Filet Sole Portofino Pollo (Francese or Parmigiana or Marsala or Grilled)

Express Lunch Prix-Fixe #3 - $29.95 - Bistecca alla Barolo - Branzino Oreganata

Zuppa di Pesce - Veal (Milanese or Marsala or Parmigiana or Sorrentino)

Note - Choose One Side: (Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables, Pasta)

NEW Chef’s Special Wraps & Entrées

Available Mon-Fri

DINNER SPECIAL $39.95

(Sunday-Friday)

**Reservation Required

Appetizers (Choose One)

-Verona Salad -Fried Calamari -Eggplant Rollantini

-Mozzarella Caprese -Caesar Salad -Baked Clams Entrées (Choose One)

Penne Alla Vodka: Shallots, Prosciutto, And Vodka In Tomato Basil Sauce With A Touch Of Cream

Pappardelle Bolognese: Authentic Meat Sauce With Green Peas Topped With Ricotta Cheese

Branzino Oreganata: Fresh Mediterean

Sea Bass Topped With Seasoned

Breadcrumbs In A Lemon White Wine Sauce With Shrimp

Pollo: Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala Or Toscana

Veal: Piccata, Marsala Or Parmigiana, Or Sorrentino

-Cannoli

Eggplant Parmesan: Melted Mozzarella Baked In A Marinara Sauce

Zucchini Linguini: In A Spicy Marinara Sauce

Pork Chop: Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry Peppers Served W/Roasted Potato & Vegetables

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

Desserts (Choose One)

- Flourless Chocolate Cake - Tiramisu

Complimentary Drink (Excludes Sundays)

**Daily Chef Specials Available, Ask Server**