November 2, 2022 Deer Park

THEN NOW

TOMORROW ALWAYS

We are Good Samaritan University Hospital

Here, “University” means so much more. For more than 25 years, we’ve been educating the next generation of physicians in the latest, most innovative medicine, all while providing the most advanced capabilities along with the most compassionate care. Now, our name reflects that commitment to Long Islanders today — and for generations to come.

Learn more at goodsamaritanuniversity.org

PARK SOUTH BAY’S

CraftHolidayFair

Ascension Lutheran Church will host their Annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 19, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Many great gift items. All items sold at the fair are handmade.

Ascension Lutheran Church is located at 33 Bay Shore Road in Deer Park, New York 11729.

For information, please call (631) 667-4188.

Did You Know?

(NAPSA)-Regardless of your age, there are advantages to creating a personal my Social Security account. It gives you complete access to your personal information, including your lifetime earnings and estimated retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Thrift Shop Christmas Fair

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church located at 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park, will host its Thrift Shop/Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 5th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00)

New and gently used women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and shoes as well as home goods. Something for everyone!

The event will take place in the church hall and outdoors.

For more information, please call (631) 242-7530.

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.

Your Vote Is Your Voice Special Presentation To The Deer Park Fire Department

By Lisa Scott President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County

As a member of the League of Women Voters (LWV), a 102 year old nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, this is my “busy season.” With my LWV colleagues, all volunteers, I speak to groups, answer countless questions, organize and moderate debates, and write articles; all as outreach during election season. Additionally, we encourage all citizens to vote responsibly in every election in which they are eligible, whether that be fire districts, libraries, school districts, local, state or federal. Your vote is your voice and I urge you to use it this Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. Below is some significant information to keep in mind:

• Be sure you are registered to vote prior to heading to the polls.

• Because of redistricting, mandated by the US Constitution after the (2020) census, some of your district numbers may have changed! You can find your polling place easily on the NYS Board of Elections (BOE) website at www.voterlookup. elections.ny.gov. If you don’t have access to the internet, go to your local public library, where you can find assistance to get on one of their computers. Your information is private.

• You may have applied for an absentee ballot. If you plan to vote this way, the same website allows you to track your ballot to be sure it’s been received and will be counted by your county’s BOE. With a new tracking system now in place, if you have applied for an absentee ballot, but you decide you’d rather vote in person, you will not be able to cast your vote in a machine during early voting or on Election Day. Instead, you’ll be given an “affidavit ballot” and the BOE will check your records

to confirm whether or not your absentee ballot was received. This is to ensure no one’s vote is counted twice.

• This year you’ll be voting for your local member of the House of Representatives, one US Senator, NYS Governor and Lt. Governor and your local member of the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly. In Suffolk County, you’ll also vote for County Comptroller and County Clerk. There may be some local races on the ballot too.

• There is a NYS Environmental Bond proposition on the back of your ballot. If approved, this would allow the NYS Comptroller to issue and sell $4.2million in bonds to be used to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. This is not a tax, investors buy NYS bonds.

• Suffolk County also has a countywide proposition clarifying the wording of the term limits law and four Suffolk townships have local propositions too. Nassau does not have a county proposition on this year’s ballot.

Please plan ahead; learn about the candidates and know what’s on your ballot. You can visit www.vote411. org, enter your address (no need for your name or personal info) and you will see the offices, candidates, and propositions that will be on the ballot.

All candidates were sent questions and given the opportunity to answer them on the site; sometimes candidates refuse to respond, this is indicated. No one ever should be too busy, too disinterested or even too frustrated to vote. Your vote is your hard-earned right, but also your obligation as an American citizen.

Important Contact Information:

Suffolk County Board of Elections: 631-852-4500

Nassau County Board of Elections: 516-571-2411

On Saturday, October 22nd, the Deer Park Fire Dept. received a special honor from Peter & Rose Baggio. One year ago, their four-year-old son at the time, Joseph Baggio was recovering from a very aggressive brain tumor that was fully resected. When he first came home after a 3 month stay at Cohens Children Medical Center after receiving intense chemotherapy, they reached out to the Deer Park Fire Dept. and asked if they could help put a smile on their sons

face by doing a car parade with all the fire trucks and engines for their son. When Mrs. Baggio spoke to Chief Rob Macaluso, he said they would do anything they wanted to put a smile on their son’s face. “My family and I are honored for the noble act they did for my son, and not to mention to this day they mean so much to us. They truly hold a special place in our hearts. I still remember that day when every Deer Park Fire Dept. Member, Chief and Assistant Chief stood on the side of the

road and clapped for every emergency vehicle that passed. Till this day I shed a tear. All the members of the Deer Park Fire Department mean so much to my family and I, and they should be recognized and honored.”

The Baggio family reached out to Councilman McSweeney who is a 22year member of the North Babylon Fire Co, an 18year member of the FDNY and serves as chairman of the Town of Babylon’s public safety committee. Councilman McSweeney said to the Baggio family “I’m not surprised by the actions of the Deer Park Fire Dept. The fire service has always been one to say “Yea we can do that” and Chief Macaluso and his department put that on display for the Baggio family. These men and women are hero’s not only for the job they do when called to duty but they are also giants to the young boys and girls in this community because of their selflessness.”

Chief of Department Macaluso, 1st Assistant Chief Ken Rios, & 2nd Assistant Chief Vincent Jackson accepted the plaque on behalf of the members of the department.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for November is Association for Mental Health and Wellness

On Friday, November 11, Long Islanders join all Americans to mark Veterans Day, a day to honor those who’ve served our country and protected our freedoms.

In this spirit, our Charity of the Month for November is one of Long Island’s leading advocates for the interests of our veterans, the Ronkonkoma-based Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).

While MHAW serves all residents in Suffolk County by offering comprehensive services and advocacy that focus on mental health as well as overall health and wellness, the organization places a major focus on assisting Suffolk County’s veteran population.

MHAW provides a high-level of support for our community’s veterans regarding affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, reintegration skills, and other necessary supportive services. MHAW truly serves a surprisingly large number of veterans.

Home to more than 800,000 veterans, New York State has the fifth-highest veteran population of any state nationwide, and some 72,000 veterans reside in Suffolk County, the most of any county in the Empire State. Indeed, that Suffolk County figure is 18 percent higher than the number for Erie County, which ranks number two.

Sadly, our country’s veteran population, which includes our local veterans, face substantial mental health challenges. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the rate of major depression among military veterans is five times as high as

that of civilians, and the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is nearly 15 times higher. Left untreated, these invisible wounds can

have devastating effects on veterans and their families. According to the RAND Center, a non-profit, public policy, research organization, people affected with depression, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury can exhibit higher rates of other unhealthy behaviors, higher rates of physical health issues, and higher rates of suicide than those who are not affected.

MHAW tackles these challenges facing veterans in several strategic ways. In future columns this month, we’ll explore four of their standout initiatives: One significant component of MHAW’s veterans services is the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, named after an Army medic from Mt. Sinai who succumbed to PTSD upon his return from Iraq. A second element is MHAW’s work in providing permanent housing with support services to veterans. A third program is called Supportive Services for Veteran Families, which functions in partnership with EOC of Suffolk, Inc.

And a fourth component are MHAW’s food pantries and its efforts to battle food insecurity

If you are a veteran, if you know a veteran in need, or if you just want to lend a hand, MHAW encourages you to contact them at (631) 471-7242 x1502 or email mleis@mhaw.org.

Together, let’s help our veterans. MHAW urges you to step forward and support the valiant veterans living right here in our community, and to help them live fulfilling lives.

Deer Park Honors Frank Vertullo Jr.

Frank Vertullo Jr. was honored at the Deer Park School District’s board of education meeting on Oct. 26. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly was on hand to present Vertullo with a proclamation.

The Deer Park High School alumnus, who recently served as grand marshal of the Deer Park homecoming parade, founded the Frank and Michael Vertullo Faith & Hope Foundation in 2016 as a living tribute to his son

Michael, vowing to always raise enough funding to help enrich the lives of children and young adults living with special needs.

Since the organization’s inception, all the money raised has supported student tuition for summer camps; updates to the district’s PAES Lab, which is a resource for students in learning and mastering specific skills to be used outside of their academic careers; updates to the Falcon Academy life skills apartment, which

helps to reinforce skills needed for independent living; awarding annual senior scholarships; and funding the Unified Sports programs within the district, which currently includes a Unified Basketball team and the upcoming Unified Bowling team.

“He is a humble man with a huge heart and we are lucky to have such an angel amongst us,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said.

THINKING OF SELLING?

IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE

Deer Park Secondary Students Explore Hispanic Literature And Culture

Deer Park secondary students and teachers recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with readings from contemporary and historical Hispanic literature. Students in ELA classes at Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School participated in different activities

celebrating Hispanic writers, including browsing and reading Latino young adult literature, writing poems modeled on historical authors, and even letting guest readers perform Spanish-language poetry while analyzing translation.

“It was gratifying to see all students making

connections to their lives, to their peers and to the current day,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, District Administrator for Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. “It is important to recognize and celebrate the ways that culture is such an integral part of learning.”

DEER PARK HONORS FRANK VERTULLO JR. - Frank Vertullo Jr. was honored at the Deer Park School District’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 26, and presented with a proclamation by Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District

On The 80th Anniversary Of The Sherman Tank, The Museum Of American Armor Seeks Those Who Crewed These Legendary Vehicles

On the 80th anniversary of the iconic Sherman tank that spearheaded America’s liberation of Europe during World War II, the Museum of American Armor is seeking to honor those veterans who crewed these legendary vehicles along their families.

The Armor Museum has put out an “All Points Bulletin” for Sherman tank families to join the Armor Museum in observing the milestone anniversary on Thursday, November 10th at 12 Noon, on the eve of Veterans Day 2022.

“Sadly, we recognize that many of the Sherman tank crews are gone but their legacy is lasting. The invitation is out to all surviving Sherman tankers but we are also asking the families of Sherman veterans to join us in ceremonies that

mark the 80th anniversary of when this iconic tank was introduced into combat,” stated Kevin Carroll, the Armor Museum’s Community Affairs Director.

Armor Museum’s founder and president Lawrence Kadish stated, “The Armor Museum continues to offer a powerful presentation that keeps alive the legacy of our nation’s military and the gift of freedom they have given all of us. The Sherman tank is an important part of that story and so we are asking tanker veterans or their survivors to come forward and help us preserve their legacy.”

In recognition of its considerable importance, the Armor Museum’s acquisition of a Sherman tank was one of the first actions undertaken by Mr.

Kadish when he undertook the creation of the museum.

“You can’t effectively tell the story of American courage during World War II without this particular tank on operational display,” observed Mr. Kadish.

Some 50,000 Sherman tanks were built by nearly a dozen different manufacturers during World War II, making them available to the Allies as well as American forces fighting in Europe and the Pacific. While not as well armed as its German opponents, the Sherman proved to be reliable, relatively fast, and produced in great numbers.

As combat evolved during the conflict American tankers changes their tactics to confront and defeat the Continued On 16

enemy’s superior armor. Michael Sapraicone, Senior Armor Museum Trustee said, “This museum is a unique commitment by public and private sectors to preserve and present a seminal chapter in the history of our world that is still defining current events around the globe. But to put that in perspective, we need to hear from our Sherman veterans and their families as we pay tribute to a weapon that was manned by brave Americans nearly a century ago.”

Sherman veterans or their families are invited to reach out to the museum through its web site, www. museumofamericanarmor. com to confirm their attendance.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:Retiring Early

According to Gallup’s 2021 Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average individual in the United States is retiring earlier than many people might expect. Gallup found that the average retirement age was 62, which is two years earlier than the working respondents

indicated they planned to retire. Canadians are retiring a little bit later than their American counterparts, as Statistics Canada reports the average retirement age in Canada is just over 63 and a half. The average retirement age is worth noting, as studies routinely find that many

working professionals greatest concern about retiring is that they won’t have enough money saved to meet their needs. By recognizing that they may end up retiring earlier than they initially planned, professionals can make a concerted effort to save more money in the years ahead.

Assistant Professor, Public Health (Garden City, f/t, tenure-track) Adelphi University. Among others, teach courses in community health area, lead independent research, and present evidence of emerging research agenda and ongoing communitybased scholarship. Rqts: PhD in Public Health, 2 yr teach/ research exp, active scholarship, etc. For more

apply at https://www.adelphi.edu/ hr/open-positions/

Wanted Help Wanted

Drivers Wanted Full

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE/ HANDYMAN WORKER FULL TIME MONDAY-FRIDAY Main tenance, Repairs/General Upkeep of Buildings & Grounds. Mechanically Inclined, Receive & Load Material & Eq uipment. Knowledge of Operating Fo rklift Valid Drivers License Required, Depend able and Ha ving Reliable Transportation.

EMAIL

CLEANING

631-226-2636, press 276

BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

DO SIDING

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE

YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

BUYING? SELLING?

Call Today and Ask About

Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

3 Boating Safety Tips Just Right For Fall Boating

Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. With fewer other boats on the water (potential Good samaritans) after Labor Day, a float plan ensures rescuers will be notified if you ever fail to check back in after your outing. Additionally, leaving a note under your vehicle’s windshield wiper at the launch ramp can help trigger an alarm.

Got a way back into the boat? Falls overboard may be ranked #5 on the 2021 U.S. Coast Guard’s list of the “Top Five Primary Accident Types” with 273 accidents, but they also led the most number of deaths (170 fatal), as well as more fatalities than all the other 4 top accident types combined (#1 collision with vessel-1226 accidents/31 fatal; #2 collision with fixed object- 508 accidents/43 fatal; #3 flooding/ swamping-461 accidents/55 fatal; #4 grounding-308 accidents/23 fatal).

Your boarding ladder should be functional and accessible as cold water can quickly sap strength. If your boat doesn’t have a built in-ladder, a compact

emergency ladder or even a looped line attached to a cleat, pre-rigged with foothold loops every few inches and hung over the transom, can substitute.

For life jackets, camo styling hides a danger: Dark green, tan and black camo patterns are remarkable at doing exactly as designed, blending you into your surroundings. However, that’s not a benefit if you happen to be floating in the water and rescuers are searching. If possible, make their job easier and wear a life jacket with high visibility. For smaller vessels and paddlers, leaf peeping season is also a really good time to secure the life jacket to your body – that includes using buckle snaps.