June, 5 2024 Bethpage

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As we celebrate remembering our local family members who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, we love seeing so many homes and businesses show their ongoing support with patriotic decorations. We hope that everyone has found their sponsored veteran banner this year that expanded to go along Powell and further up Stewart Avenue. And a special thank you to Steel Equities for sponsoring the new pole brackets!

The Bethpage High School Honors was last month and we were able to give out scholarship awards and certificates from the Chamber Board for excellence in the business curriculum. We hope the four seniors will put the funds to apply for furthering their professional education and wish them the best of luck in their endeavors. Congratulations to Johnny Flores, Miraj Shah, Joshita Singh and Lucas Kamilar!

As the school year wraps up and we shift gears with summer activities like camp for kids, or getting away on vacation, we encourage folks, “Save The Date” for our annual Summer Music series “Music on Broadway” this year. These popular Saturday nights feature a fun night downtown with a bring-your-own-chair event featuring live music from top talent from the Long Island area.

On July 13th we’re bringing back “That Motown Band” who has a full ensemble of musicians and singers that fill the entire stage while performing top hits from yesterday with blues vibes. Then on August 17th we bring back another favorite for a country music theme with SouthBound L.I. by popular demand!

Have a wonderful month, and we’ll be seeing you around town.

Poster Contest Winner Valentina Waqar And The 4th Grade Class At Charles Campagne Elementary Plant A Tree

Ms. Gherardi’s fourth grade class at Charles Campagne Elementary in Bethpage recently gathered outside the school to celebrate their fellow student, Valentina Waqar, who was a winner in this year’s poster contest, “Our town, Our environment,”

and planted a tree with the help of the Town of Oyster Bay and Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino.

Supervisor Saladino presented Valentina with a certificate for her poster and explained why it is so important for us all to work toward saving the environment.

“We are focused on protecting the environment in our town,” said Supervisor Saladino, who explained to the students that we have what is called a symbiotic relationship with trees and that this moment is important for students to

the first amount

remember so that they can lead the way in the future and be the future teachers for our environment.

Valentina said that she was inspired to create her poster because of the trees she has seen dying. She made the poster to show the two sides of what the world will look

like if we do not recycle and care for our environment and what it will look like if we do.

“I wanted to make this poster to help Oyster Bay, and I was really surprised that I won,” said Waqar.

“It feels really good ,” she said of her poster having

won and being recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay and her class.

Valentina shoveled the first amount of dirt for the tree, which Saladino explained is an Apple serviceberry tree that is native to Long Island.

SHOVELING DIRT FOR THE TREE - Valentina shoveling

of dirt for the tree.

POSTER CONTEST WINNER - Fourth Grade Poster Contest Winner Valentina Waqar with Principal Erin Lindsay-DiFiglia, Town of Oyster Bay Superviosr Joseph S. Saladino and fourth Grade Teacher Ms. Gherardi.

FOURTH GRADE POSTER CONTEST WINNER - Fourth Grade Poster Contest Winner Valentina Waqar.

Katherine Miraval Ins Agcy Inc

Kathy M Miraval, Agent

326 Broadway

Bethpage, NY 11714

Bus: 516-433-2929

Grilling is a convenient way to impart flavor on various foods and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine along the way. Many people work hard to hone their grilling skills, including many of the individuals on Father’s Day shopping lists. Grilling is an opportunity for dads to

Great Grilling Gifts For Dad

flex their culinary muscles and deliver plenty of flame-licked foods.

Various organizations that specialize in grilling have found that men are twice as likely to grill compared to women. Therefore, gifts that cater to dads’ grilling gusto can be ideal this Father’s Day.

• BBQ grill tools: Every grillmaster needs a quality set of tools to do the job. Ultimate grilling kits often come complete with spatula, fork, tongs, heat-resistant gloves, skewers, and additional grilling gear.

• Digital food thermometer: Cooking food to

the correct internal temperature is vital for safety and flavor. Various food thermometers are on the market, but ones that can remain in the food and then send temperatures back to an app via Bluetooth can keep grillers apprised of the cooking progress minute-by-minute.

• Engraved cutting board: Laser-engraved cutting boards can be customized with special messages or monograms so that Dad will feel extra-special serving up his grilled feast.

• Premium wood chunks: Foods can be enhanced with extra flavor when grillmasters utilize wood during cooking. Put together a gift package with woods like hickory, apple and maple.

• Smoker: Expand Dad’s outdoor setup by buying him a smoker. Smokers enable low-and-slow cooking and are ideal

for making briskets, pork roasts and ribs. Some smokers come as combination models that have a grill on one side and a smoker box on the other.

• Meat grinder: Whether it’s a free-standing appliance or an attachment for a stand mixer, a meat grinder enables a person to make his own custom blends of ground meats to use in burgers or sausages. This allows full control over the quality of the meat

cuts used.

• Personalized grill mat: This type of mat will add a personal touch to the grilling area. These mats look good, and many are made with anti-slip backing to ensure they stay in place. Standing on the mat can be more comfortable than standing on concrete or pavers.

Dad deserves the best for Father’s Day. For men who enjoy manning the grill, grilling accessories can heat up gift-giving.

ABBLE AWNING CO. INC.

In The Spotlight

Highlighting Local Businesses

TLC Companions Home Care is family-owned and operated by Greg and Robin Massimi. Two entrepreneurs that have dedicated their time and efforts to the home care industry. Together, they have established a business that cares for its clients and beloved family members alike.

In an industry where it can be intimidating to leave loved ones in the care of someone unknown, Greg and Robin have made it their mission to ensure a strong caregiver to patient relationship. When they first opened their doors, their priority was to make the experience more personal than just sending a caregiver to someone’s home. “We really are involved with our aides, and we try to really match somebody with the client.” said Greg. “That was one thing that I felt was lacking in the industry.”

TLC offers long and short-term care on an hourly or live-in basis. Their caregivers will come to your home or assisted living facility, providing you with peace of mind knowing your loved ones are in good hands. All caregivers are thoroughly screened, background checked and bonded. They also assist in meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, post-surgery/rehab care, and short-term relief for vacations or family functions.

In an instance where a client is not happy with their caregiver, actions are taken to ensure comfortability for both the client and their family. Someone is always readily available to answer the phone 24/7. They also offer routine client checks and surprise checks as well to make sure their employees are meeting TLC standards. “Everyone talks about aging and wanting to age at home which is what we’re trying to help people be able to do.” said Robin “To

stay in their own homes if not until they pass but at least for as long as their families are able to keep them there.”

TLC accepts long-term insurance as well as private pay. They are active members of several local Chambers of Commerce and are A-plus-rated members of the Better Business Bureau. They are compassionate about their commitment to care for their clients and strive to go the extra mile to do so. Aside from the efforts of owners, Greg and Robin, their business would not be possible if not for their incredible team. “We’re very good to them and they’re very good to us. It goes both ways.” said Robin. “They’re good to the clients and good to the people that they’re there to take care of.” TLC offers their employees holiday bonuses, 401k, and opportunities to win employee of the month. They pride themselves on having a one on one personal relationship with all their aides.

Greg and Robin also operate two organizations, Rock Our Vets and Homecare For Heroes, which offer support to veterans and their families, offering various programs and opportunities as well as home care needs. “It’s important for us to give back to the community whenever we can.” said Greg.

Compared to other companion agencies, TLC is one of the largest on Long Island, providing home care services from Montauk to Manhattan. They have five locations, located in Bethpage, Sayville, Forest Hills, Hudson Valley and New Jersey. Their team of caring professionals believe that every individual regardless of their age, physical or mental condition, deserves to live in the environment of their choice. Whether it’s caring for the elderly or individuals with disabilities, TLC Companions Home Care is at your service to provide professional and friendly caregivers to family members in need.

COMPANIONS HOME CARE

Gift Ideas For Graduates

The class of 2024 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads. Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Streaming TV device

While it's certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at home, in a dorm room or on vacation.

Secured credit card

Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But it can be challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit

card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Gift-givers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.

Framed memorabilia

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, gift-givers can provide special memories of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorates a graduate's glory days at their alma mater.

Travel accessories

Graduates may want to go on a trip before they take the next step in their lives. Quality travel gear is a worthy investment. Select luggage that won’t exceed airport carry-on limits so

grads can cut the baggage check lines when they dart away to locales near or far. Carry-on bags also fit easily in bus cargo areas or in the trunks of cars. Pair the gifts with standard or digital luggage tags.

Wireless earbuds or headphones

Upgrade grads’ audio with the newest wireless earbuds or headphones. This way they can take them to the gym or use them to listen to shows or music while sharing spaces with others, including college roommates.

Smartphone wallet case

Teenagers are seldom without their phones. A smartphone wallet case enables graduates to stash IDs, credit or debit cards and some cash into specially designed pockets built into the phone cases. This keeps all essentials in one spot.

Shrimp Dish Tailor-Made

For Warm Evenings

Lighter fare is more popular when the weather warms up, as many people don’t want to feel weighed down by their diet. Fish is a popular summertime meal for many reasons, not the least of which is that fish tends to be light but still flavorful. In addition, many meals featuring fish can be whipped up rather quickly. Such is the case with the following recipe for “Grilled Garlic Shrimp With a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing). Fresh and simple, this meal can be enjoyed as a change of pace at summer barbecues or simply as a light weeknight meal with the family.

Grilled Garlic Shrimp With A Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Serves 6w

For the marinated shrimp

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 6-inch wooden skewers

For the tomato sauce

3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes

1 small sweet onion, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon honey, preferably sourwood honey

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips (chiffonade is the formal name for this cut), plus more for garnish

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. To marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

2. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

3. To make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water. Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.

4. Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine.

5. Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.

6. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

7. Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce. Garnish with more basil leaves and enjoy!

Central Boulevard Elementary School in Bethpage honored first responders on May 17 with a parade and breakfast.

Central Boulevard Elementary Hosts First Responders Parade And Breakfast

Organized by the PTA and the Student Council, the school community gathered outside to hold up their personally crafted signs with words and pictures of gratitude to the approximately 40 first responders in attendance who were either family members of students or staff.

Principal Dominique Siebert and Assistant Principal Julianne Inghilterra also worked with the PTA and Student Council to conduct an apparel sale where they raised more than $1,000 to donate to the Tunnel to

Towers Foundation. The check was presented to the organization during the morning’s ceremony.

“We’ve been thinking about this for the last two years,” Inghilterra said. “I am a daughter of a retired FDNY Lieutenant and my

brother is with the NYPD. Bethpage is home to a lot of first responders and we are happy to honor them.”

Inghilterra added that the Student Council and PTA did a fabulous job running and organizing

the event and she would like to extend special thanks to Student Council advisers Ms. Monoyos and Ms. Turano for helping to make this event so special.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage School District

Concerts begin at 8:00 PM unless otherwise noted. No seating prior to 4:00 PM.

Pre-movie activities begin at 6:00 PM. Movies begin at sundown. There are no rain facilities. All shows will be held outdoors, weather permitting. For

CONCERT SERIES SPONSORS:

Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, Extreme Auto Body, Action Auto Wreckers, Complete Basement Systems, The Gucciardo Law Firm, Catholic Health St. Joseph Hospital, Ridgewood Savings Bank and Moe’s Southwest Grill

MOVIE SERIES SPONSORS:

Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, Extreme Auto Body, Action Auto Wreckers, Complete Basement Systems, Webster Bank, Northwell Health’s Plainview & Syosset Hospitals, The Gucciardo Law Firm, Long Island Speech, Zorn’s of Bethpage, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Royal Events Princess Parties

A Cold Beverage Ideal For Summer

Summer is a season synonymous with relaxation. Sitting poolside or relaxing on a patio with a cold beverage is a great way to escape the daily grind and make the most of a warm evening, and the following recipe for “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing) is tailor-made for summer nights.

Summer Cantaloupe

Makes about 1 quart

1 fifth (31/4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka

4 cups cantaloupe chunks

1 cup Simple Syrup (see below)

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

Directions:

1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything.

2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days.

3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

4. Stir in the Simple Syrup.

5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

Simple Syrup

Makes 3 cups

2 1/4 cups water

21/4 cups granulated cane sugar

Directions:

Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.

Summer is a great time to enjoy recreational activities that take advantage of the great outdoors. This year summer arrives on June 20 with the summer solstice, which features the most hours of daylight of any day for the entire year. Celebrants who want to usher in another summer of fun in the sun can embrace these ideas for commemorating the start of summer.

• Watch the sunrise. Get up early and watch the sun come up on the longest day of the year. Then be sure to catch the sunset to enjoy every minute of daylight.

• Host a cookout. Memorial Day, Canada Day and Independence Day get most of the barbecue glory this time of year. But there’s nothing that says the first day of summer shouldn’t be a reason to

Fun Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

gather friends and family for a cookout. June 20 falls on a Thursday this year, so the solstice provides the perfect excuse to take a four-day weekend and celebrate the official arrival of summer.

• Light a campfire. Traditional Mid-summer’s Eve/summer solstice celebrations featured bonfires. Hold on to the tradition by gathering people around a campfire or backyard firepit. S’mores make the perfect complement to a campfire scene.

• Grab some ice cream. Cool off on the summer solstice by visiting a nearby ice cream shop and indulge in a sundae or triple-decker cone.

• Go on a nature hike. Enjoy the great outdoors with a relaxing hike through a park or nature trail.

• Participate in a beach clean-up. Make a beach trip even more enjoyable by signing up for a cleanup to clear the sand of litter. Organize an impromptu beach cleanup session either solo or with some like-minded friends.

• Pick fresh fruit. Many berries come into season in the summer. Head to a nearby pick-your-own farm and grab fresh fruit to enjoy right away or utilize your pickings in recipes.

• Plant a flower garden. Clean up garden beds or go to the nursery and grab some colorful annuals to spruce up areas around the yard.

The summer solstice is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of summer and all the fun that comes with it.

6 Tips For Planning A Graduation Party

Graduation season is a festive time of year. Each year, graduating students close a notable chapter in their lives. But as one chapter closes, another opens. Many families commemorate graduation with a celebration.

Planning a graduation party requires some work, but the efforts can be well worth it in the end.

Here are six tips for planning a graduation party.

1. Start early with planning

Graduation season is a busy time of year. Many notable events take place in spring. In addition to graduation, Mother’s Day, weddings, communions, make up many people’s spring social schedule. Each of these special events will

be competing in a relatively small window of time for the same vendors and services in various communities. Set a date for the graduation party as soon as possible so that all other components of planning can fall into line. Also, it would be wise to send out invitations well in advance so guests can plan ahead and make it to the festivities.

2. Set a budget

Graduation season can stretch families’ budgets. Graduation caps and gowns, travel, gifts, and special occasion attire will need to be to purchased. It is important to budget accordingly if you plan to throw a party. Budget will dictate whether yours is a large affair or something more intimate. Realistically assess what you can afford before you make any promises.

3. Plan easy food options

Food is not the focal point of a graduation party like it is during a wedding reception. Therefore, hosts have more leeway with the menu when planning a graduation party. Choose finger foods and others that can be grabbed and eaten on the go, as people will want to mingle and have time to congratulate the graduate.

4. Choose the right venue

Budget may dictate the type of venue. Having a graduation party at home can work, provided you have the space. If your graduate has requested a theme, then the party location can align with that theme. For example, a luau theme may work best around a pool or at the beach. If you will be hiring entertainment, make sure there is enough space and electrical hookups for equipment as well. Give neighbors a heads-up if you’ll be hosting at home.

5. Consider an open-house event

Various graduation parties may be going on at the same time, particularly on weekends. Consider an open time frame for guests to drop by and then leave when they desire. This makes it easy for the graduate’s friends to stop by when they can, rather than having a fixed schedule for the party.

6. Personalize decorations

Set the party apart with some personalized decorations that fit the theme. This can include using school colors, photography, the graduate’s name, or specific quotes or interests of the graduate on banners and more. Personalized decorations also mean that the grad can save something to serve as a memento of this exciting time in his or her life. Graduation season is on the horizon, and it’s best to start thinking about parties as soon as possible.

3

ENTRÉE:

Cheese Is The Focus Of Classic Comfort Dish

Much like bacon, cheese makes many meals more flavorful. When cheese is the centerpiece of a dish, cheese lovers know it will be tasty and potentially even a little addictive. Such is the case with macaroni and cheese. Many people have a go-to mac and cheese recipe in their culinary repertoire that they pull out anytime they desire some cheesy goodness. For those looking for a new mac and cheese recipe, “Crusty Mac and Cheese” from “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press) by Neal Corman is comfort food at its finest. This version has a little spiciness for an added flavor kick.

Crusty Mac and Cheese

Serves 4-6

1 pound elbow macaroni

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄8 teaspoon ground white pepper

1⁄2 cup chicken stock

3⁄4 cup heavy cream

1⁄2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1⁄2 tablespoon hot sauce

1⁄2 tablespoon Creole mustard

11⁄4 cup Cheese Wiz®

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

2. Boil the macaroni in a 2-quart saucepan filled the water, until it is al dente, or still has some snap when you bite it. Strain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Set aside.

3. Combine the remaining ingredients, except for the shredded cheese, in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The mixture should be barely simmering. Whisk periodically. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese sauce with the pasta and about one-third of the shredded cheese. Transfer to the baking dish, covering with the remaining shredded cheese, and bake covered for 10 minutes.

5. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more, or until the top is golden brown.

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July Fourth Celebrations Across The United States

July Fourth is a day of celebration across the United States. The Fourth of July commemorates American independence and millions of people throughout the country celebrate the day with family and friends. Communities host their own celebrations on July Fourth. Some celebrations are relatively simple, while others are must-see events for any patriot. The following are some of the more noteworthy Fourth of July celebrations that will entertain millions in person or on television this year.

• Washington, D.C.: It should come as no surprise that the capital of the United States hosts an especially awe-inspiring Fourth of July celebration. In addition to a concert featuring well-known musical acts on the National Mall, the festivities in the nation’s capital are marked by a fireworks extravaganza that will impress anyone seeking a unique way to celebrate the holiday.

• Boston: Estimates suggest roughly half a million individuals take in the Fourth of July festivities in Boston. A hotbed of patriotism during the American Revolutionary War, Boston embraces that spirit each July with a celebration on the city’s Charles River. The Boston celebration spans two days and includes a popular performance by the Boston Pops.

• Philadelphia: Another city with deep ties to the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia celebrates the nation’s independence against the backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is one of the city’s more notable and recognizable buildings. Individuals along both sides of the Delaware River can view the impressive fireworks display.

• San Diego: Notable celebrations of American independence are not exclusive to the eastern portion of the

country. The Big Bay Boom fireworks over San Diego Bay can inspire any patriot, while across the bay on the island of Coronado celebrants can enjoy a parade and family-friendly concert before settling in for a fireworks show in the evening.

• New York, NY: Perhaps no Fourth of July fireworks celebration is as well-known as the one hosted by the Big Apple. Typically taking place on the East River, the New York City fireworks display can be viewed from various points throughout the city. Individuals looking for a unique way to take in the show can book a spot on a boat sailing in New York harbor.

There’s no shortage of Fourth of July celebrations. In addition to these noteworthy spots to celebrate American independence, the cities of Portland, Ore.; Chicago; San Antonio, Tex.; and Atlantic City, N.J. host their own unique celebrations.

A Celebration Of The Sea At Bethpage’s Annual Maritime Festival

At the annual Maritime Festival, third grade students travel to Bethpage High School for an afternoon of interactive activities and demonstrations to learn about maritime culture. With high school musicians playing maritime inspired tunes, including a student favorite, “Spongebob Squarepants,” the third

graders rotated amongst activities including a fish dissection demo, rope making tutorial, fish printing and more.

High school students in

forensics and environmental courses helped guide their younger peers through each lesson, combining fun with important information about sea life on Long Island.

The day not only allows younger students to gain an appreciation for their local Long Island environment but allows their older peers an opportunity to inspire them to be excited about the opportunities that await them at the secondary level.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage School District

Kramer Elementary Third Graders Participate In Butterfly Program

Bethpage School District third graders at Kramer Elementary School participated in a program about butterflies on Wednesday, May 15, hosted by Nassau BOCES Naturalists Bette Bass and Fanny Kleisler. The children learned about the difference between a moth and a butterfly, pollinators, the parts of a butterfly, why butterflies are so important and what they need for survival. Two student volunteers dressed up as a butterfly and moth and the class was able to experience how these

insects see with special glasses. Third graders also learned a song to help them remember the parts of a butterfly and took part in a game about what helps or hinders a butterfly’s survival.

“This is something we do every year, it’s an amazing program,” said third grade teacher Mrs. Cavallo.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage School District

“They already have schema on butterflies but this program takes them to the next level and they get to learn more about the full metamorphosis.”

High School Students Recognized By Nassau County

Five Bethpage High School students with a dedication to community service and kindness have been recognized by Nassau County with the Students Build Bridges Award. Presented during a Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration at Adelphi University, students received their awards after hearing from Holocaust survivor Leo S. Ullman.

Students Zachary Fradella, Devaanshi Kawatra, Lily Kovac, Emma Krittman and Abigail O’Hara were each nominated by BHS social worker Sarah Glassman, who described them as “a good showcase of giving back and community service. These are cream of the crop kids who are doing good and spreading kindness.”

“They really have done an outstanding job of bridging gaps within the community and within the school building,” she said.

Zachary, co-president

of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, had led several initiatives to raise awareness for mental health concerns. His nomination stated “his dedication extends to mentoring students with special needs and serving as a student ambassador for suicide prevention programs.”

Devaanshi Kawatra is an aspiring physician with a “passion for making a difference.” According to her nomination, she “actively engages in community service and recently secured a grant to create Care Kits for Kids aimed at promoting mental health.”

Lily Kovac is a fellow co-president of SADD and was selected as a Sources of Strength Peer Leader. According to her nomination, she is “dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and wellness within her school community.”

Emma Krittman is vice

president of SADD and her nomination stated her “selflessness extends beyond school as she actively assists her peers and participates in community service initiatives.”

Abigail O’Hara is also vice president of SADD and she was described in her nomination as having a

“welcoming demeanor and commitment to community service,” specifically noting her work with special needs students and Girl Scouts. Students also heard firsthand from Holocaust survivor Leo S. Ullman. Kawatra shared the impact that this experience had on her, saying “Hearing the

Holocaust survivor recount his story from his childhood, I felt it was very moving because we learned about it in school and we hear stories about it, but hearing it from him first hand, seeing him go through the emotions when he was presenting, that’s a completely different experience and I feel like I

learned a lot.” Award winner Zachary shared his excitement at being selected, saying “It’s an honor to win this because all the hard work we put in to make the community better and get everyone involved, its nice to feel like someone notices it.”

RECOGNIZED

STUDENTS

BY NASSAU COUNTY - School social worker Sarah Glassman, students Devaanshi Kawatra, Lily Kovac, Emma Krittman, Abigail O’Hara, Zachary Fradella and Assistant Principal Charlotte Hirsch-Beckman. Photos courtesy of the Bethpage School District

Bethpage

Farmingdale

234 Broadway, Bethpage

234 Broadway, Bethpage (516) 931-1454

Farmingdale

ArthurFWhite.com

315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale (516) 931-1454

315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale (516) 249-0336

ArthurFWhite.com (516) 249-0336

“A Tradition of Caring Since 1923”

“A Tradition of Caring Since 1923”

Family Owned & Operated

Family Owned and Operated

Oldest established business in Farmingdale and Bethpage.

Oldest established businesses 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.

Proud members of both Farmingdale & Bethpage Chambers of Commerce and Historical Societies, Farmingdale Rotary Club,

Owner/Operator - Nancy J. White

Manager - William D. Parsons

Funeral Directors - Stephen J. Mahoney, William J. Dowling & Jayme R. Elia

St. Kilian Women’s Guild, Farmingdale Junior League and the Knights of Columbus.

Saladino & Rhoads Celebrate 100th Birthday Of Bethpage Resident

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads celebrated the 100th birthday of Bethpage resident Dolores Stewart. The celebration took place as family and friends gathered at Parish Hall at St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage. Supervisor Saladino and Senator Rhoads wished Dolores well and presented her with citations as she celebrated her special centennial birthday. Dolores shared her secret for longevity, “walk a lot and have a shot of brandy every night before bedtime!”

A Summertime Staple

Peaches are a summertime staple. This sweet fruit is at home in desserts, salads, on top of cereals, and all on its own. Peaches thrive in warm climates with lots of sunlight. Peaches are native to northwest China, and they are believed to have been domesticated and cultivated since 2000 B.C. Later, they were widely grown in the region known as Persia, which is now called Iran. As a result, the scientific name for the peach species is Prunus persica. China continues to be the world’s largest peach producer, followed by Spain, Italy, Greece, and the United States. In the United States, even though Georgia is known as “The Peach State,” it is not the country’s biggest producer of peaches. Georgia is beat out by California and South Carolina. New Jersey also produces its fair share of peaches. Nectarines and peaches are similar fruits. In fact, nectarines are a type of peach. Peaches have a dominant allele for the fuzzy skin, while nectarines have a recessive allele for that fuzz. In regard to flavor, peaches and nectarines are very similar, but some experts say nectarines are slightly sweeter and firmer. According to the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, nectarines also have considerably more potassium and twice as much vitamin A as peaches.

A Day In Clay At Bethpage’s Charles Campagne Elementary

Charles Campagne Elementary students were given a pottery demonstration and handson experience on May 2 and 3 as visiting artist, Mr. Cliff Mendelson took grades K-5 through the process of creating a piece of pottery from a lump of clay. The classes contributed their individual ideas to

the design of either their vase or pitcher and learned a little history and science behind their collective creation. The children were particularly excited when they were able to come up to the front of the room and contribute their own unique designs using ancient sgraffito techniques with the

sgraffito feathered tool.

“I think it’s wonderful that the children have the opportunity to experience the making of pottery up close through this handson demonstration while also learning the history of pottery in one short session,” said art teacher Danielle Hermann.

Mendelson

Campagne