May 3, 2023 Bethpage

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Bethpage Residents,

We’re as busy as a beehive this Spring! Our chamber board is preparing for the upcoming events starting with the Spring Street Fair May 21st and the Memorial Day Parade May 29th. Keeping those in mind we’re planning beautification projects around town along with a membership drive too. If your business is a current member please join a committee, we could use a few more chamber volunteers this year!

There are so many great reasons to belong to a chamber these days but we’re ensuring that our members get access to more incredible opportunities for small business benefits that can really help their business and the community as a whole. Perhaps a Member Benefits Workshop is in order? Let us know if you’re interested and keep in mind that there would be no charge as it explains the chamber membership benefits.

Did you get to read the April issue of South Bay Neighbor? Our chamber installed the new board for 2023 and the new chamber president wrote a message to the community of Bethpage! If you missed it there’s an online version of the paper published monthly by Long Island Media Group here: South Bay Neighbor Bethpage

As a reminder, we’d like to encourage members to send in their seasonal or monthly events for inclusion in this newsletter. We currently send this e-blast out twice a month with one or two mini-updates or special announcements so please email a PDF or JPEG image of your Bethpage specific promotion at least 2 weeks prior to the date of it happening. Our subscriber list is always getting longer with better than average readership so that means more folks can see your info!

Check out what’s happening in Bethpage this month and book your space at the Spring Street Fair by emailing us at bethpagechamber@gmail.com so that we can ensure your business gets special pricing to participate.

Our members, and those folks interested, have been invited to hear an update directly from the Sands New York project at the Nassau Hub at an inperson meeting at Nassau Community College. It will also be viewable on Zoom and registration is required to attend see the flyer below.

Have a great weekend!Looking ahead, our chamber is really excited about the upcoming events for this year which have become annual favorites by many residents here and nearby, and of course our chamber members. The summer music events and street fairs that we are involved in are already being worked on along with some additional projects for beautification and membership. We welcome every Bethpage business to join us or renew and get on a committee to help make 2023 the greatest year ever!

Stay Bethpage Strong!

Lisa Moffa

Learn The Meanings Behind Popular Mother’s Day Flowers

Mother’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household.

While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day, giftgivers may want to select flowers for Mom that convey specific messages. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. Though perhaps not as heralded as it once was, flower symbolism persists today. Here’s a look at some of the meanings behind certain types of flowers to help guide Mother’s Day gifting.

• Amaryllis: These plants start as bulbs and are naturally spring-blooming flowers. The name comes from the Greek word

“amarysso,” which means “to sparkle,” and they symbolize pride.

• Aster: These daisylike flowers are delicatelooking perennials. Asters make great gifts because they symbolize love and daintiness.

• Begonia: There are more than 2,000 types of begonias, and the flower symbolizes deep thoughts. Begonias were made famous by French horticulturist Michel Bégon, who thought the blooms looked like beautiful girls.

• Bleeding heart: These flowers are red and pink blossoms that look like the perfect heart shape with a teardrop at the bottom. They’re beautiful and symbolic of love and affection.

• Buttercup: These are associated with

youthfulness and cheerfulness and can call to mind childhood days spent picking buttercups and holding them under chins to reveal that you like butter. The flower is known for its beauty and innocent charm.

• Camellia (white): White camellias stand for purity and innocence, but they also symbolize admiration and respect. Camellias make beautiful additions to any bouquet.

• Daisy: Daisies are happy-looking flowers, and according to Norse mythology they represent motherhood and children.

• Delphinium: Delphiniums come in pink, white, and blue varieties and embody youth and renewal. They’re a good pick to convey a continued or renewed affection for a person.

• Tulip: Tulips with an orange hue are thought to represent understanding and appreciation. They can express appreciation for Mom or another special

person. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness, while pink tulips are symbolic of love. Red blooms should be reserved for sweethearts.

Various flowers symbolize feelings people want to express to their mothers, grandmothers, and other special women on Mother’s Day.

Feast On Traditional Mexican Cuisine This

Cinco de Mayo is a festive occasion that celebrates Mexican culture and food. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a minor Mexican victory over France that took place on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. While it has never been a big deal in Mexico — especially in comparison to celebrations of Mexico’s independence — Cinco de Mayo has become a festive phenomenon north of the border.

When it comes to food and beverage, many people see Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to indulge in a few margaritas and dine on tacos. Those who prefer more authentic fare may want to explore further. Pork loin is a quintessential Mexican dish. It can be prepared in many ways with rich spices. This recipe for “Stuffed Loin of Pork” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood, and Marina Filippelli, is stuffed with a ground pork mixture to make it even more savory.

Stuffed Loin of Pork

Serves 6

3 to 31⁄2 pounds boneless pork loin, butterflied and ready for stuffing

For the stuffing

1⁄3 cup raisins

1⁄2 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

11⁄4 pounds ground pork

2⁄3 cup vegetable stock

2 tomatoes

1⁄2 cup chopped almonds

1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Make the stuffing. Put the raisins and wine in a bowl. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes over low heat.

2. Add the cloves and cinnamon, then the pork. Cook, stirring, until the pork has browned. Add the stock. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes.

3. While the pork is simmering, peel the tomatoes. Cut a cross in the bottom of each tomato, then put them both in a heatproof bowl. Pour in boiling water to cover. Leave the tomatoes in this water for 3 minutes, then lift them out on a slotted spoon and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. Drain. The skins will have begun to peel back from the crosses.

4. Remove the skins completely, then chop the flesh.

5. Stir the tomatoes and almonds into the pork mixture, add the raisins and

wine. Cook until the mixture is reduced to a thick sauce. Let cool.

6. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Open out the pork loin and trim it neatly. Season the pork stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Spread on the surface of the meat in a neat layer, taking it right to the edges and keeping it as even as possible.

7. Roll up the pork loin carefully and tie it at intervals with kitchen string. Weigh the pork and calculate the cooking time at 30 minutes per pound, plus another 30 minutes.

8. Put the stuffed pork loin in a roasting pan, season with salt and pepper, and roast for the calculated time. When the loin is cooked, transfer it to a meat platter, place a tent of aluminum foil over it, and let it stand for 10 minutes before carving and serving it with the roasted vegetables of your choice.

Students Showcase Clubs At Bethpage BOE Meeting

Charles Campagne Elementary School in the Bethpage School District has something for everyone, and students highlighted the expansive club offerings during a presentation at the April 18 board of education meeting.

Student government officers served as the emcees of the program. Club members and faculty advisers gave a brief description of each extracurricular activity and shared pictures from the year.

The Music Lab Club is open to third graders who want to express themselves creatively and better understand musical concepts. They experiment with sounds and compose pieces using Google Chrome Music Lab. The Cultural Diversity Club, for third and fourth graders, learns about the languages and traditions of cultures from around the world.

Students also complete a country research project.

The Kindness Club spearheads school and community service projects and the Sports Club promotes physical fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork. The fourth grade TV Production Club gives students experience with broadcasting while producing their own school news show, Wake Up CCS.

Students looking to create can join the STEM Club, which combines elements of science, technology, engineering and math, or the FIRST Lego League Explorer Robotics Club, which participate in robotic competitions. Math Olympiads, for fifth graders, is also competition-based, with students participating in five math contests this year that promote out-ofthe-box problem solving.

Student government officers also shared their

work, which includes service projects and school spirit initiatives.

The school also unveiled new art pieces in the cafeteria. The eagle mosaic

murals, one on each side of the stage, were created with metallic and glass

tiles. It was a schoolwide collaboration as every CCS student added a few pieces.

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE EXPLORER ROBOTICS CLUB - Fourth and fifth graders from the FIRST Lego League Explorer Robotics Club discussed the competitions they have participated in this year. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

EMCEES FOR A PRESENTATION - Student government officers from Charles Campagne School were the emcees for a presentation on the school’s clubs at the April 18 board of education meeting. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

TV BROADCASTING CLUB - Students from the TV Broadcasting Club talked about creating a school news show. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

CULINARY PERFECTION IS COMING TO LONG ISLAND

Where would you like to dine tonight? At one of New York’s trend-setting establishments like Rao’s, Jean-Georges, or estiatorio Milos? Or possibly the culinary creations of celebrity chefs like Lorena Garcia and Tetsuya Wakuda will be more to your palette’s delight. Whatever exceptional culinary experience you can imagine, you’ll find it at the Sands’ planned Long Island destination resort.

Combined with the local restaurant scene, the Sands New York culinary experience will transform dining on Long Island to a must-experience destination. Plus, Sands New York’s five-star concierge service will be directing visitors to local restaurants, bars and attractions, benefitting the entire region. This is just the start. There is much more to come.

Lorena Garcia Tetsuya Wakuda

Walsh Welcomes Plainview-Old Bethpage Girl Scouts To Town Hall

GIRL SCOUTS WELCOMED TO TOWN HALL - Councilwoman Vicki Walsh recently welcomed Plainview-Old Bethpage Girl Scouts from Troops #3672 & #3673 to Town Hall in Oyster Bay. To earn their government badge, the girls learned about the role of the Supervisor & Town Board, the different branches of government and their purpose, and how Town Government operates. Councilwoman Walsh led the Troops on a tour of Town Hall and discussed the importance of community service, volunteerism, and doing good deeds to help others, including through Town programs like Dune Day and Beach Cleanups. For more information about scouting in the Town of Oyster Bay, please visit oysterbaytown.com/scouting.

Plainview Water District

Reminds The Plainview-Old Bethpage Community To Have Backflow Prevention Devices Tested Testing Must Be Facilitated Annually By A Certified Backflow Tester

With spring already here and residents are getting started on projects in their yards and gardens, the Plainview Water District would like to remind homeowners to have their backflow prevention devices tested. Backflow prevention devices protect the public water supply from external contaminants such as lawn fertilizers. Testing these devices to ensure they are functioning properly before the high-demand irrigation season begins is vitally important to protect our water quality.

“Annual testing and maintenance of backflow devices when home sprinkler systems come back online plays a huge role in ensuring high-quality water continues to flow to the homes and businesses we serve,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind “Additionally, for your protection, the Plainview Water District encourages customers to inquire if a tester is both licensed and insured.”

Backflow prevention devices keep potentially contaminated water out of the public water supply in the event that

pressure drops due to fire emergencies, watermain breaks or other unexpected instances of differential pressure. Testing is particularly important before irrigation systems are turned back on and is often the most economical time to have the test performed.

“The PWD has always stressed the importance of taking preventative measures within your home, as it is impossible to predict an emergency,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “We ask that everyone take part in backflow testing as it is

best to be prepared for any possible situation that may arise and can cause an adverse effect on our community’s water supply.”

To avoid potential fines, the District encourages residents to arrange for a New York State (NYS) Department of Health certified backflow tester to test your backflow prevention device to make sure it meets all mandated guidelines.

The Plainview Water District has a list of New York State certified testers available on the Districts website for those residents

who are unsure of who to contact. Any homeowner who has questions about having their device tested is encouraged to contact the District to learn more about the process.

“All residents and businesses throughout the POB community should always do what they can to ensure that our water supply remains safe for future generations and routine backflow device testing is one way to do just that,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We ask our community to take part in this simple action

that provides a factor of safety to the health and well-being of our community.”

If you have general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater. org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive District updates by visiting www.plainviewwater. org and also follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ plainviewwater.

Students Win Northwell Medical Marvels Contest

A team of student researchers from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School took home first place in the 2023 Northwell Health Medical Marvels Contest. Haley Brodzansky, Sophie Hu, Zahara Naqvi, Chloe Ng and Abigail Rajan were up against 120 freshman and sophomore students from across 19 schools in New York City and Long Island in a contest that sought research solutions to climate change.

As part of the contest, students were tasked with submitting research papers, designing posters that illustrated their research and giving presentations on their novel solutions to tackling climate change. They were judged by a panel of scientists, clinician and health care administrators, who evaluated their work on the basis of clarity, approach, innovation and measurement of success.

The solutions Haley, Sophie, Zahara, Chloe and Abigail proposed included a multifaceted approach to converting algae into biofuel; reimagining corporate social responsibility structures when it comes to climate change; and a partnership with Ecosia, a search engine that plants trees using with its ad revenue. The team will split an $1,800 scholarship.

CONTESt - POBJFKHS student researchers Chloe Ng, from left, Haley Brodzansky, Sophie Hu, Abigail Rajan and Zahara Naqvi won

courtesy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

Treat Mom To A Classic Pasta Dish

Moms often work tirelessly to care for their families, with many juggling careers and time spent at home. It’s a balance that is sometimes tricky to manage, and at times mothers need to have their loads lightened.

Children or spouses who learn to cook can take some pressure off of Mom. Mother’s Day is a prime opportunity for other members of the household to spend time in the kitchen. Pasta dishes generally are easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Such is the case with this recipe for “Carbonara” from “Rachael Ray: Memories and Meals From a Sweet and Savory Life” (Ballantine Books) by Rachael Ray.

Carbonara

Serves 4

1⁄4 cup approximately EVOO

1⁄3 pound chunk of meaty pancetta or guanciale, cut into 1⁄4-inch dice

4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced or chopped

1 1⁄2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

1 cup white wine

6 large egg yolks

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus more to pass

Salt

1 pound bucatini or spaghetti

1⁄2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (a fat handful of leaves)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, heat the EVOO, four turns of the pan. Add the pancetta or guanciale and render for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper and stir 1 minute more. Add the wine and reduce by half (about 7 minutes), then reduce the heat to low.

In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and grated cheeses to the liberally salted boiling water and cook to 1 minute less than al dente per the package recommendation.

Remove about 11⁄4 cups of starchy cooking water from the pot and whisk it into the egg yolks in a steady stream to temper them. Reserve an extra 1⁄2 cup of starchy water just in case.

Drain the pasta or transfer it with a spider or tongs to the pan with the pancetta and garlic. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tempered egg yolks and parsley. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thin, return the heat to the lowest setting and, stirring constantly for 2 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add salt to taste.

Note: Many recipes for this dish include heavy cream. Such recipes may be delicious, but they’re not authentic. The creamy consistency here comes from tempering the eggs and emulsifying them with oil, cheese and cooking water.

Make Your Barbecue A Success

Summer unofficially starts with the arrival of Memorial Day at the end of May. Although it is a holiday designed to honor American military personnel who have died in various wars, it also serves double-duty as a chance to gather with friends and loved ones and enjoy the return of the warm-weather entertaining season. Barbecues are the centerpieces of Memorial Day celebrations. It may have been awhile since the grill was fired up, so anyone can use a little refresher course in barbecue etiquette. Here are some tips for making the most of Memorial Day parties.

Ready the grill

If your grill has lain dormant for several months, it’s wise to inspect and thoroughly clean it in advance of Memorial Day. Insects like spiders may have built homes inside, and grease and grime may be lingering from last year. Ensure the grill is in top form before cooking for guests.

Keep food safety in mind

A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found more than half of study participants don’t try to wash their hands when preparing food. Wash hands thoroughly to ensure guests do not get sick at the barbecue. Keep food refrigerated until it is ready to be cooked or served. Use a food thermometer to cook to the required internal temperature to make sure bacteria is destroyed. Do not use the same utensils that touched raw meat to remove cooked food from the grill.

Arrange for shade

It can get quite warm outdoors even in May for many areas of the country. Therefore, prepare a

spot where guests can escape the sun. If you don’t have enough table umbrellas, consider light netting or canopies for shade. Shift them as needed as the sun moves across the sky.

Develop a signature rub

Set your food apart with unique flavors. Create a summer food rub using the herbs and spices you prefer. Make a big batch to use throughout the grilling season.

Don’t leave food sitting

The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service advises that food should not be left out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90 F. Keep buffet-style food covered so that insects do not land on the items and run the risk of contamination. Promptly move leftovers indoors if you plan on keeping them.

Offer a variety of beverages

It’s important to stay hydrated when the weather is warm. Stock the cooler with plenty of water, juices, iced teas, and the like. If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages, keep them separate from the non-alcoholic items so that children do not have access.

Make it a pot luck

If you will be hosting, reduce some of the work by having the main foods available and ask guests to bring the sides and beverages. This will defray the costs and relieve some of the pressure.

Memorial Day barbecues can be successful with some planning and simple safety measures.

Bethpage School District Hosts Junior Hackathon For Young Coders

Bethpage High School hosted the kidOYO Code Conquest Junior Division Hackathon on March 31. Eleven teams from across Long Island participated in the coding event which was held in the high school

gymnasium. This included Bethpage’s own team from John F. Kennedy Middle School, “The Bethpage Blockers.”

Each hackathon team consisted of eight students in grades 7-8. They each

had their own table in the gymnasium where they stationed their laptops and competed in programming challenges against the other participating schools. The students were all given a digital map and

their goal was to complete coding challenges better than their competitors to gain territories. When a team would take over a territory, that section of the map would change to that team’s specific color.

The teams were judged virtually and members of Bethpage High School TV facilitated a livestream of the entire event which included interviews and more. At the conclusion of the event, the winning

hackathon team was crowned, along with the winners of the best team banner, best team logo and best capital defense project.

District

JUNIOR HACKATHON FOR YOUNG CODERS - The Bethpage Blockers from John F. Kennedy Middle School with their coaches Shannon Tedesco (right) and Christopher Attard (left) at the kidOYO Code Conquest Junior Division Hackathon.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School

BROADCASTING STUDENTS - Bethpage High School broadcasting students from Bethpage High School TV livestreamed the Hackathon from the high school gymnasium.

kidOYO CODE CONQUEST JUNIOR DIVISION HACKATHON - Eleven schools from across Long Island competed in the kidOYO Code Conquest Junior Division Hackathon on March 31 at Bethpage High School.

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

New Pickleball Courts Coming Soon

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Steve Labriola announce that new Pickleball Courts are coming soon to parks throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. Due to popular demand, the Town is constructing new Pickleball Courts at John Burns Park in Massapequa, Field of Dreams and Anchor Park in Massapequa, Allen Park in Farmingdale, SyossetWoodbury Community Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, and Centre Island Beach in Bayville. Courts are anticipated to open to the public in September 2023.

“Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s become incredibly popular in our Town, with seniors and families playing daily at our existing courts in Massapequa and Bethpage,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Due to this popular demand, I’m proud

to announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is building new Pickleball courts for all residents to enjoy.”

Pickleball is played with a wooden paddle and lightweight plastic ball and can include two, three, or four players. The dimensions and layout closely resemble a badminton court, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court. Rules of the game are somewhat similar to tennis. These new Pickleball courts come in addition to existing Town courts located at H. Garrick Williams Park in Massapequa and behind the Bethpage Library in Bethpage.

“Pickleball is a very fun, social and healthy activity for the whole family and these new courts will be a welcome addition to the community. So, grab your sneakers and paddle, and get ready to play one of the world’s fastest growing sports at a new court near you!” added Councilman Labriola.

Heavyweight Champion Receives“Key To Town” For Charitable Endeavors

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board presented a Key to the Town to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman, a 2014 graduate of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School, who has gone on to reach the pinnacle of professional wrestling. Known to millions as “MJF,” the Town also proclaimed “Maxwell Jacob Friedman Day” in the Town of Oyster Bay in honor of the Champ, who, despite his international success, is exceedingly proud of his hometown roots in the Town of Oyster Bay and has given back through numerous charitable endeavors.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “We are proud to recognize All Elite Wrestling Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman for his charitable efforts to combat antiSemitism and end Jew hate around the world. A Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School graduate, MJF has demonstrated unwavering determination, skill and showmanship in becoming the AEW Champion, where his prowess in the ring and his undeniable charisma have made him a professional wrestling icon and one of the biggest box office draws in the sport. We are so proud of him and the charitable work he does outside the ring. Go get’em champ!”

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION RECEIVES“ KEY TO TOWN” FOR CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS - Pictured from left to right: Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato, AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca.

Legislator Rose Marie Walker and Legislator Laura Schaefer in partnership with County executive Bruce Blakeman and the Nassau County Department of Human Services Invite you to a Nassau county has been addressing the opioid crisis on multiple fronts, one of them is educating its residents on the use of Naloxone, also known by the trade name NARcAN. This community forum will help people learn the signs of an opiate overdose and how to administer the lifesaving antidote NARcAN that can reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose and save a person’s life.