October 2, 2024 Bethpage by Long Island Media Group

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s back! The Bethpage Harvest Festival returns to the hamlet’s downtown to kick off October. We are hosting the Carnival, and the Central Park Bethpage Kiwanis are hosting the Street Fair! We at the Bethpage Chamber board hope that you come down on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the fun-ﬁlled weekend right here in the community.

Our board has been busy behind the scenes partnering with the Town of Oyster Bay and the familiar organizations we all know and love to help make stronger connections and keep the momentum going for our local economy.

We’d like to announce that our 2024 Business of the Year is Twin Flame Crystal Boutique, owned by Sean & Jessica who are also residents of Bethpage and members of the Central Park Bethpage Kiwanis too. Please send them a huge congratulations on their achievements this year which has been phenomenal as a new business that was also featured on News 12’s Main Street segment this past summer! They will be honored at the Nassau Council legislative breakfast on October 25th among the rest of the Nassau County chambers and local representatives in attendance.

Happy Fall, it’s time to switch to sweater weather!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• BETHPAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CARNIVAL

• KIWANIS STREET FAIR

• CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK

• SCAM AWARENESS SEMINAR

• Rx DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

• NARCAN TRAINING FORUM

The cool, crisp days of autumn have arrived. As fall foliage creates a colorful display and kids frolic in leaf piles on the lawn, you may want to pay some mind to a few lesser known facts about this beloved time of year. Autumn may call to mind Halloween and the return of school, but there are other factors that make this season unique.

1. The first day of autumn is known as the autumnal equinox. On this day, the number of hours of daylight and darkness are equal. This is because the sun is aligned with the center of the Earth between the north and south of the planet.

2. In Greek mythology, autumn was a time when Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, was abducted by Hades, the god-king of the

Fresh & Fun Facts About Autumn

underworld. During this time, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, was distraught, and the ground grew sparse and cold. When Persephone returned in the springtime, plants and life bloomed anew because of Demeter’s happiness.

3. Those who live closest to the equator, which is the center of the planet, never experience the season of autumn. Around the equator, the temperature remains consistently warm.

4. Yellow, orange and variations thereof always reside in the pigmentation of tree leaves, but they are just overpowered by the abundance of green from the chlorophyll in the leaves. Come autumn, however, when the sun weakens and

days grow shorter, the amount of chlorophyll in leaves diminishes, allowing the other pigments in the leaves to show through.

5. Red and purple leaves are actually caused by the presence of sugars from sap that is trapped inside of the leaves.

6. Fall is a peak migration time for many species of birds. During autumn, birds will fly to other

areas as they seek more hospitable climates. The Arctic tern journeys about 11,000 miles each way for its annual migration. That is like going all the way across the United States about three and a half times

7. Contrary to popular belief, squirrels who have spent the entire autumn collecting acorns and other foods

do not hibernate for the winter. Rather, they spend the majority of their time in nests they built to shelter them from harsh weather. When squirrels do come out in winter, they are usually tunneling under the snow to find the food they buried during the fall.

8. Several cultures have ancient traditions that coincide with autumn. For example, the Chinese celebrate the Moon Festival to give thanks for a successful summer harvest.

9. Halloween is a large part of autumn. The concept of wearing masks and costumes hails from ancient Celtic tradition. The Celts believed ghosts roamed on Halloween, and people wore disguises to hide from the spirits.

10. You’re bound to see pumpkins as part of autumn decor. The pumpkin was first named by the Greeks. They called this edible orange item “pepon,” which means “large melon.”

11. Evergreen trees will not lose their leaves like deciduous trees. Their leaves, also called needles, are covered with a thick wax. This wax protects the inner components of the needles, preventing them from freezing.

12. Autumn also signals another colorful spectacle apart from the tree leaves. The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, tends to be visible this time of year.

Katherine Miraval Ins Agcy Inc

Kathy M Miraval, Agent

326 Broadway

Bethpage, NY 11714

Bus: 516-433-2929

As the days become shorter and the weather cools down, a new crop of allergy symptoms can arise, turning the autumn season into one marked by sneezing, scratchy throats and itchy eyes. Medications can alleviate such symptoms, but allergy sufferers may want to investigate some natural ways to beat allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, ragweed is one of the more common triggers of autumnal allergies. Ragweed contributes to “hay fever,” which is a term to describe allergic rhinitis that occurs as a symptom of ragweed pollen in the air. Ragweed releases pollen in midAugust, and it can continue to be problematic until a deep freeze arrives. Other sources of fall allergies include leaf mold and pollen that is present on fallen leaves. This gets circulated when people begin to

Natural Ways To Fight Fall Allergies

rake or blow fallen leaves. Classroom pets and chalk dust in schools (although chalkboards are largely a thing of the past) are other autumn allergens.

The good news is that many natural remedies work just as effectively as overthe-counter medications in regard to combatting ragweed and pollen problems. Here’s how to beat the fall allergy blues.

• Stay Away From Pollen. Stay away from pollen and prevent it from being tracked indoors. Remove shoes when walking through the door. Take off clothes worn outside and launder them promptly, showering to wash pollen off of the body. Use an air conditioner or keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.

• Increase Omega-3

Fatty Acids. It is well documented that fatty acids are good for brain health and cardiovascular wellbeing, but these acids also may help with allergies. A German study linked foods high in omega-3 fatty acids with the ability to fight inflammation, which is a hallmark of allergy suffering. Foods that are high in fatty acids include walnuts, flax, eggs, and cold-water fatty fish.

• Rinse Off Pollen. Use a mild cleanser to rinse the eyelids and eyelashes of pollen, as this is where it tends to congregate after being outdoors. Use saline spray to clear nasal passages of excess pollen as well.

• Take Natural Supplements. A study published in the

journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy found participants who used tablets of the herb butterbar showed significant allergy relief after only one week. Select herbs from reputable manufacturers who certify them.

• Use Eucalyptus Oil. This oil is great to have in the house to help clear up sinuses and provide nasal congestion relief. Mix a small amount with coconut oil and rub onto the chest. There also is some evidence that adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to cleansing products can help kill dust mites around the house.

• Wear A Mask. When doing housework or yard work, wear a mask to reduce the inhalation of specific allergens.

Gooey Wafﬂes For Breakfast Or Dessert

Waffles can be enjoyed any time of the day. While traditionally breakfast fare, waffles can be a sweet or savory dessert as well.

When waffles are paired with the flavors of a traditional Banana Foster dessert, they can be a decadent breakfast or impressive evening treat. Enjoy this recipe for “Kentucky ‘Nanners Foster Waffles” from “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith.

Directions:

Preheat a waffle iron, and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 170 F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Add the butter, vanilla, and cinnamon, and whisk.

Add the wet mixture to the dry, and whisk until there are no lumps.

Scoop 1⁄2 cup batter onto the waffle iron, close the lid, and let cook until golden brown and crispy. Repeat until all the batter is gone.

Put the waffles on a sheet pan and place in preheated oven.

To make the topping, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute.

Add the sliced bananas and cook for a few seconds. Add the bourbon (or apple juice, instead), and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often with a light hand so the bananas do not break up.

Meanwhile, place 1 to 2 waffles on a plate and top with a scoop of ice cream. Once banana sauce has thickened, spoon over ice cream and waffles. Repeat with remaining waffles.

Kentucky ‘Nanner Foster Wafﬂes

Serves 4 to 6

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 1⁄2 cups milk, any variety

1⁄2 cup butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping:

1⁄4 cup butter

1⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed

1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 bananas, sliced thick

3 teaspoons bourbon

Favorite vanilla ice cream

Whipped cream (dairy or non-dairy), optional

Did You Know?

If the 1927 song “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream” by Howard Johnson, Billy Moll and Robert A. King is correct, then the world has been a noisy place for quite some time. Though the exact origins of ice cream are unknown, historians agree this popular treat has been around for a very, very long time. The International Dairy Foods Association says the origins of ice cream may reach as far back as the second century B.C. Though he wasn’t around back then, the fifth Roman Emperor Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 A.D., might have been so fond of iced treats that he routinely sent runners into the Apennine Mountains to retrieve snow that he would then flavor with fruits and juices. That tale might be apocryphal, but there’s no denying ice treats have been enjoyed for a long time. Based on a recent report from Grand View Research, Inc. that projected the global ice cream market would reach roughly $79 billion by 2025, it’s fair to say ice cream will remain popular for a long time to come as well.

High School Hosts College Fair

ABBLE AWNING CO. INC.

Three talented studentmusicians from Bethpage High School have been recognized for their exceptional skills by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and selected for the prestigious 2024 All-State Conference. This recognition is a significant achievement, as only the top studentmusicians from across New York State are chosen to participate.

Musicians Earn NYSSMA All-State Honors

Samantha Harold, Wrunpat Hattakitkosol and Ava Mirabelli have earned this distinction after excelling at the NYSSMA Solo Festival last spring, where their performances were evaluated by NYSSMA Certified AllState adjudicators. Their hard work and dedication to their craft have paid off with these honors: Mirabelli has been selected to perform with the treble choir, Hattakitkosol will showcase her talents as a violinist with the string orchestra and Harold has been named a percussion alternate, ready to step in if needed. The students will perform in person this

Bethpage High School students Samantha Harold, Wrunpat Hattakitkosol and Ava Mirabelli have been recognized by the New York State School Music Association as an All-State participants and alternate. From left to right: Director of Fine and Performing Arts Brent Chiarello, Ava Mirabelli, Principal Nicholas Jantz, music teacher Kristen Warnokowski (standing), Samantha Harold (seated), music teacher Michelle Kovacs (standing), Wrunpat Hattakitkosol (seated), and music teacher Dr. Eric Kay. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

December at the renowned Eastman Theater at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. The event will bring together the most gifted student musicians from across the state, offering them a unique opportunity to collaborate and perform at a high level.

To be selected for the All-State Conference is no small feat. In addition to

being recommended by their music teachers, each student had to prepare a level VI All-State solo, the most challenging level in the NYSSMA repertoire. The process is highly competitive, making this recognition even more noteworthy.

Bethpage UFSD could not be prouder of these students for their exceptional achievements.

High School Students Named Semiﬁnalists In The 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program

Bethpage High School is proud to announce that seniors Joseph Bashker and Ibrahim Rana have been named semifinalists in the prestigious 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among 16,000 students nationwide to achieve this recognition, placing them in the top 1% of high school seniors in the country.

Joseph and Ibrahim earned this honor through their outstanding performance on their Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. As semifinalists, they now have the opportunity to advance to the finalist stage and compete for one of 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $28 million in total.

Bethpage High School’s National Merit Scholarship Program semiﬁnalists, Joseph Bashker and Ibrahim Rana, with Superintendent David Schneider and Principal Nicholas Jantz. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

The next step for these accomplished students is to submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes their academic records, leadership experience, participation in school and

community activities, and an endorsement from a high school official. Finalists will be announced in February

2025.

We are incredibly proud of Joseph and Ibrahim’s achievements and wish

them the best of luck in the next phase of the competition. Their hard work and dedication

exemplify the academic excellence and commitment to success that define Bethpage High School.

On Sept. 19, Bethpage’s Central Boulevard School kicked off its first Thoughtful Thursday of the 2024-25 school year. This monthly initiative encourages students to give back to their community through acts of kindness, helping to build a more thoughtful and compassionate school environment. Each Thoughtful Thursday features a special lesson, activity, or program that allows students to reflect on themselves or engage in an act of kindness.

This month’s activity focused on promoting joy and positivity. Students created individual tiles with uplifting messages. These tiles will be arranged on the cafeteria wall to spell out “Love Your Passengers,” the first rule from Jon Gordon’s book, “The Energy Bus for Kids: A Story About Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges.” As they

worked, the students from Ms. Christensen and Ms. Sabatini’s fifth grade class listened to joyful music,

inspiring them to spread kindness through their artwork.

For the past few years,

Central Boulevard School Kicks Off Thoughtful Thursday With Messages Of Joy And Kindness

Central Boulevard School has participated in the Energy Bus program, which helps foster a positive school

culture. The first Energy Bus assembly of the year is scheduled for this coming Monday, where the entire

school community will continue their journey toward positivity and teamwork!

Ms. Christensen and Ms. Sabatini’s ﬁfth grade class gather and share their ﬁnished

Passengers”. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Oyster Festival Returns This October

East Coast’s Largest Waterfront Family Festival Presented By Catholic Health, With Support From Optimum & Sands, This Fall In Oyster Bay

The East Coast’s largest waterfront festival will return this fall to the streets of Oyster Bay. Supervisor Joseph Saladino, his colleagues on the Town Board and organizers and sponsors of the 41st Oyster Festival announced the return of the iconic seaside festival this October 19th and 20th. Supervisor Saladino, together with Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Receiver Jeff Pravato; Oyster Festival partner the Oyster BayEast Norwich Chamber of Commerce President Ryan Schlotter and Las Vegas Sands Senior Vice President Tracey Edwards made the announcement along the waterfront at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park.

“The Oyster Fest showcases our beautiful Town and historic sites

in Oyster Bay while helping to raise charitable funds for local non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. So when you’re eating an oyster from our waterways, drinking a beverage from the local brewing company, or shopping in our downtown, you can feel especially good knowing that a portion of your dollars supports local charities,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We’re also putting the local oyster back in Oyster Fest, and we are thrilled that over a dozen Long Island oyster farmers are participating in this year’s festival.” In addition to delicious food vendors, various merchandise exhibits, amusement rides and a waterfront family fun zone, this year’s Oyster Festival will once again take part in the Town’s shell recycling program,

through which the Town collects shells from local partners to strengthen the marine ecosystem. Anyone interested in volunteering to take part in the shellfish recycling efforts during Oyster Fest can contact

the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5752 or email Environmental@oysterbayny.gov.

The Oyster Festival is the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival and

attracts up to 200,000 people from all over the tristate area to Oyster Bay hamlet for this iconic event. This year’s event is presented by Catholic Health and powered by optimum and Sands. For more

information on this year’s Oyster Fest, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay and throughout Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th, visit www.theoysterfest.org.

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Eat Your Fill Of Apple Treats

Come October, everything is awash in orange — including food. Pumpkin products are ubiquitous this time of year, and everything from muffins to cookies to coffees are given pumpkin-infused spins.

Although it may seem like there is no room on the menu for anything other than pumpkin right now, fans of another fall favorite can rest assured that apples will never fall out of favor on the dessert table. Apples come into season early in September but remain tasty staples all the way through the holiday entertaining season in December. That leaves plenty of opportunities to offer apple-based desserts.

Crisps are desserts that have streusel-like toppings, and are close cousins to cobblers, which feature more of a biscuit topping. The crunch of the streusel on this “Apple Crisp” from “Danielle Walker’s Eat What You Love” (Ten Speed Press) is addictive. It replaces a traditional oats or flour-sugar mixture crisp into something those who are gluten-free can enjoy.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cashew flour, coconut flour, arrowroot, maple sugar, coconut sugar, and salt. Mix the ghee into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives, until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand. Add the shredded coconut, and use your hands to toss and squeeze the mixture until large, moist clumps form. Place the bowl in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into large wedges. In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the apples with the orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Remove the topping from the freezer and scatter it over the apples. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, until the top is brown and the sauce is bubbling. Serve warm with whipped cream on top.

Apple Crisp

Serves 8 to 10

3⁄4 cup cashew flour

1⁄4 cup coconut flour

3 tablespoons arrowroot flour

1⁄4 cup maple sugar

1⁄4 cup coconut sugar

1⁄4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1⁄2 cup chilled ghee, or palm shortening

1⁄2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

3 pounds baking apples

Finely grated zest of 1 orange

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice

Whipped cream (dairy or non-dairy), optional

Did You Know?

Without pollinators, more than 100 crops grown in the United States would not be able to thrive. Plants, including various fruits, vegetables, nuts and more, rely on pollinators to ensure to transport pollen. Though many plants are self-pollinating and others are pollinated by the wind or water, many others rely on insects and animals to become pollinated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says birds, bees, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and small mammals all can work as pollinators. Examples of crops pollinated by pollinators include apples, squash and almonds. Animals and insects help pollinate more than 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants, and nearly 75 percent of all crops, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Unfortunately, pesticide use can diminish the number of natural pollinators. Natural gardening and pest-control can help protect the habitats of pollinators.

• ICE CREAM

• CEREAL SHAKE

• SAUCERS

• COOKIE BOWL

• WAFFLE BOAT

(1 SCOOP OF ICE CREAM, 2 WAFFLE STICKS, 3 TOPPINGS)

• WAFFLE YACHT

(2 SCOOPS OF ICE CREAM, 4 WAFFLE STICKS, 3 TOPPINGS)

• BROWNIE BOWL

(1 BROWNIE, 1 SCOOP OF ICE CREAM, 3 TOPPINGS)

EACH CUSTOMIZABLE

• RAINBOW SPRINKLES

• WHIPPED CREAM

• CRUNCHIES

• CHOCOLATE CHIPS

• REESE’S PIECES

• PEANUT BUTTER CHIPS

• CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES

• MINI M&M’S

• FRUITY PEBBLES

• COOKIE CRISP

• CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH

• ICE CREAM ICED COFFEE

• ICED COFFEE

• FROZEN COFFEE

• HOT COFFEE

• AFFOGATO

• ESPRESSO

• CREPES

• ITALIAN ICES

• OREO CRUMBLE

• WET WALNUTS

• CHERRIES

• MINI REESE’S CUPS

• STRAWBERRY

• COOKIE DOUGH BITES

• CRUSHED PEANUTS

• CHOCOLATE SYRUP • CARAMEL

• PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE

• NUTELLA • FLUFF

• RASPBERRY • DOLCE DE LECHE

• COOKIE BUTTER SAUCE

Come October 31, there is extra mischief in the air, and who knows what might be lurking around those dim corners? Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trick-or-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.

• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.

• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen

Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.

Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.

Get Into The Spooky Spirit This Halloween

pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jacko’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.

• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.

• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.

• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some

of the ways to create a scary Halloween feast.

• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.

• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.

• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets

dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will

be viewing.

• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or

Safe Trick-Or-Treating Tips

• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.

• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what

age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.

• Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes

and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.

• Stay on sidewalks. When-ever possible,

trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.

• Eat before trick-or-

store-bought foods and exchange with others. Halloween can be made even more entertaining with some extra activities that appeal to people of all ages.

treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.

• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.

• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.

• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use.

Teri Catapano Black

Bethpage Fire Department Country Music Night

Recently, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads had the pleasure of joining Supervisor Joseph Saladino for

Music Fundraiser, held at the fire house on Broadway. The

bravery of our local first responders. Community members gathered to show

Senator Rhoads, and Supervisor Saladino have for the fire department’s tireless efforts. It was

Bethpage 9/11 Candlelight Vigil

Senator Steve Rhoads along with Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, Assemblyman John Mukulin, Legislator Rose Walker, and Supervisor Joseph Saladino had the privilege of joining the Bethpage community for a poignant candlelight vigil, honoring the lives lost on 9/11. Special thanks to the Bethpage 9/11 Committee for

orchestrating this moving tribute, fostering a greater sense of pride in the community, and highlighting American strength and resilience.

4280 Hempstead Tpke., Bethpage

A Warm Welcome To New Faculty Members

The Bethpage Union Free School District enthusiastically recently welcomed its newest faculty members during the district’s annual new teacher orientation, held in the courtyard of Bethpage High School. The event began with a breakfast reception, where Superintendent of Schools David Schneider, alongside central administrators and directors, introduced themselves, sharing their roles within the district as well as their history with Bethpage Schools.

A memorable moment of the morning was provided by Athletic Director John Franchi, who delighted the gathering with a few magic tricks he picked up over the summer, adding a touch of fun to the occasion.

Superintendent Schneider took the opportunity to encourage the new teachers to actively seek support from administrators and directors throughout the year, emphasizing the value of collaboration and teamwork within the district.

We are thrilled to welcome all our new staff members to the Bethpage family!

Throughout the day, the new faculty engaged in various meetings and familiarized themselves with their respective schools, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

New staff members include:

Anne Baranello (sub, Charles Campagne), Kara Becker (teaching assistant, JFK), Daniel Borysowski (sub, Central Blvd), Nicholas Cavallo (sub, JFK), Brent Chiarello (Director Fine and Performing Arts), Anne Dodge (elementary teacher, Charles Campagne), Kayla Downey (physical education and health, JFK and BHS), Alyssa Durante (math, JFK and BHS), Matthew Frouws (sub, BHS), Stephan Godas (teaching assistant, BHS), Lauren

Itzler (sub, Central Blvd), Kathleen Jansen (teaching assistant, BHS), Vincent LoBosco (sub, BHS), Matthew Malerba (sub, JFK), Jayne Matzelle (sub, Kramer Lane), Sean McSwiggan (counseling, BHS), Destiny Parsons (social studies, JFK and BHS), Chloe Rozenveld (teaching assistant, Central Blvd), Abigail

Posillico (sub, Kramer Lane), Tiffany Salcedo (LOTE, BHS), Annemarie Savage (sub, Central Blvd), Alexa Simeone (teaching assistant, Central Blvd), Madiha Sultana (teaching assistant, JFK), Susan Tangel (teaching assistant, Central Blvd) and Konstantina Tsavaris (teaching assistant, Central Blvd).

Bethpage

Farmingdale

234 Broadway, Bethpage

Bethpage

Farmingdale

234 Broadway, Bethpage (516) 931-1454

315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale (516) 931-1454

ArthurFWhite.com

315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale (516) 249-0336

ArthurFWhite.com (516) 249-0336

“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.

Owner/Operator - Nancy J. White

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.

Manager - William D. Parsons

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

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High School Civics Club Inspires Future Leaders

Members of the Bethpage High School Civics Club recently visited 7th grade social studies classes at JFK Middle School to teach an engaging lesson on the three branches of government in commemoration of Constitution Day.

Led by social studies teacher Rob Fisher, the

event gave middle school students a chance to connect with their high school counterparts, sparking interest in joining the Civics Club when they enter high school. The high schoolers impressed with their ability to explain complex topics clearly and take command of the classrooms they taught.

The Bethpage High School Civics Club fosters character development and leadership skills as well as nurturing relationships within the greater Bethpage community. Club members are committed to making a positive impact in the community through service projects, fundraisers and outreach.

Members

Bethpage High School’s Civics Club teach a lesson on the three branches of government at JFK Middle School. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

JFK Middle School students listen intently to the lesson taught by the Bethpage High School Civics Club members, in commemoration of Constitution Day. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District