November 30, 2022 East Islip

Tis The Season For Giving

On Monday, November 21, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team launched a Holiday Donation Drive, benefitting the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that strives to end homelessness on Long Island, and to alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping others, but more specifically assisting the homeless is really important to me,” said Noelle, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “When you strip away all the excess and get down to the basics - the minimum that one should have in order to put their best foot forward every day - what remains is a home, along with food, and the like. There are countless people struggling and facing homelessness right now on Long Island and it just feels like the right thing to do to help them.”

The drive will run through December 19th and has five drop-off locations throughout Long Island. “This year the organization is desperately in need of non perishable food and personal care items,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with The Bryn Elliott Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “They’re also looking for clothing, socks and winter coats. We’re hopeful that this drive will make a difference by helping people who need it; especially during the toughest time of the year to be homeless.”

Every donation truly does make a difference. “We thank everyone in advance for their participation,” said Noelle. “We’re so appreciative of each business that has let us use their establishment as a drop-off location.” If you have any questions, please contact Noelle Lambert at 631.478.3819 or Bryn

About The Fish Store: The Fish Store is a family run business that opened its doors in 1978. Their market and restaurant in Bayport offers fresh food options and is beloved by many. They are the proud winners of Bethpage Best of Long Island’s #1 Best Fish Market on Long Island for 9 years in a row.

About USA Auto Body: USA Auto Body is a fullservice auto body repair shop in East Patchogue. Their trained professionals can complete your automobile restoration to manufacturerspecified standards and they are ready to make your car shine!

About Long Island Media Group: Long Island Media Group is a locally owned and operated media company that has been publishing since 1953. Today they publish the South Bay’s Neighbor, Neighbor Newspapers, Seasons Magazine, along with many other specialty products. They also offer digital marketing services.

About Douglas Elliman Real Estate: Douglas Elliman leads the New York real estate market by sales volume, and ranks as one of the nation’s largest independent residential real estate brokerages by the same measure. From sales, rentals and new development to mortgages and title insurance, their agents are relentless advocates for their clients.

Red Ribbon Week At East Islip’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School

CRYSTAL 10 year old female Husky. Gentle and good natured. Loves slow walks.

OLD MAN JENKINS 8 year old Labrador mix. Sweet boy who makes for a great companion.

FLOWER 8 year old female Collie mix. A shy beauty ready to find her forever home.

LOUIE 10 year old male Doxy mix. Armed with a lively spirit and a clever, intuitive mind.

RED RIBBON WEEK - East Islip High School SADD students visited John F. Kennedy Elementary School at the end of Red Ribbon Week to speak to fifth graders on the importance of making good, healthy choices. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

381 East Main Street East Islip, Contact Judy Moccio at (631) 581-9200 ext. 123 email:jmoccio@eipl.org

The Board of Trustees of the East Islip Public Library will hold their Board Meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor in the North Meeting Room, all are welcome.

THE BOHLSEN GALLERY

The Gallery will host a dual show in December, featuring the work of Paul Jay Edelson of Poquott and Vito Marrone of Centereach. Mr. Edelson is known for striking paintings that capture the mood and vibrancy of the natural world. Mr. Marrone, a photographer and watercolorist, concentrates his talents on landscapes and wildlife. He has a passion for Yellowstone National Park and much of his work is focused there.

The display cases in December will feature Kathleen Gremli. Beach lovers will get an additional treat when Kathleen Gremli returns to our Display Cases with the magnificent creations she composes of materials discovered along our coastline. Come and see these wonderful, Island inspired pieces. For more information, contact the East Islip Public Library at 631-581-9200 x105.

ART SALE

We are always looking for talented local artists to display their work in the Bohlsen Art Gallery on our 2nd Floor. We are taking applications for artists wishing to show their work. Please email Judy Moccio (jmoccio@eipl.org) for more information.

Career Counseling East Islip Library cardholders can schedule a consultation with the library’s professional

Career Counselor. Get help with career changes, resumes, cover letters and your job search. To request an appointment, send an email to help@ eipl.org, including your name, telephone number and the email address at which you want to be contacted. The Career Counselor will contact you to set up a virtual or in-person appointment at your convenience.

3D Snowflake Workshop (eia373) R Thursday, December 1 at 7 p.m.

You’ve admired the snowflakes hanging throughout the library and now is your chance to learn to make them yourselves. They are easy to create and look beautiful hanging in a window, on a wall, or from the ceiling. A nice addition to the winter and holiday season.

Create Holiday Greeting Cards with Canva (eia325) R Monday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. In this hands-on class, learn how to create beautiful holiday greeting cards using Canva, a free online graphic design program. This class will show you how to add photos, select colors, design fonts or use one of the many free Canva templates to easily create your own holiday cards. Basic computer skills are required for this course.

Cooks Among The Books Holiday Cookie Exchange (eia129) R Wednesday, December 7 at 7 p.m. The Cooks Among the Books

are hosting their annual Cookie Exchange! Each cook will bake enough cookies for everyone to share, allowing everyone to take home a tray of various cookies. Please let us know if you are attending, so we can let you know how many cookies you need to bake for everyone to take home at least 5 of each type of cookie. Multiple copies of your cookie recipe are required.

Chocolate Dipped Winter Butter Cookies Take and Make (eia622) R $ Friday, December 9 at 2 p.m. YouTube Video Fee: $2 Join Chef Rob in making Chocolate Dipped Winter Butter Cookies that are perfect for the Holidays. The $2 fee can be paid at the Circulation Desk and kits can be picked up beginning Wednesday, December 7. Registrants will be sent a link for the pre-recorded video.

Senior Advocate (eia201) R Monday, December 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Senior advocates educate seniors on the benefits they may be entitled to and assist them in applying for those benefits. Emphasis is on programs that foster economic independence such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Call the Reference Desk at East Islip Public Library to schedule an appointment. 631-581-9200 ext. 5.

Islip Honors Board Of Education

The Islip School District celebrated School Board Recognition Week at the board of education’s Oct. 25 meeting, honoring the board members for their dedication to Islip’s students and school community.

Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz worked with the district’s art teachers to create letter templates for each Islip student to mark or sign in some way as a representation of their gratitude to the board

members for their service. Commack Road Elementary School, Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School and Wing Elementary School each “signed” one letter, while Islip High School and Islip Middle School both signed two. In total, the eight letters spelling out “thank you” contained the mark or signature of nearly every student and administrator in the district. After the signatures were gathered, the letters were placed in frames and presented to the

board trustees by students representing the building responsible for each.

“These students and their classmates are the reasons we volunteer,” board trustee Matthew Clareen said. “It was really exciting,” added board President Philip Dineen. “It really reinforces as a board collectively as a team, the common denominator is that we always want to see students succeed.”

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Islip Food Drop: Over 20,000 Donations

Because of the absolutely amazing generosity of St. Mark’s parishioners; the Islip community-at large and Islip businesses, some food insecure families will have Thanksgiving dinner.

On Saturday, November 19, St. Mark’s Parishioners, Islip residents and businesses, as well as various boy, cub and girl scout troops brought in over 20,000 food donations, monetary contributions and supermarket gift cards.

The event was held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 754 Montauk Highway, Islip NY.

All donations went to God’s Provision, an

affiliate of LI Cares-Harry Chapin Food Bank. God’s Provision, headed by Dana Jahn, distributes food to church pantries, shelters and senior communities throughout Long Island.

Following are some highlights:

• Boy Scout Troop 151 held a food drive all day until 8:30 PM at Stop ‘n Shop in Bay Shore. It yielded over 20 bags.

• Cub scout pack, 438, Bohemia, brought in over 20 bags. They also got the boy scout troop involved.

• Laura Rogacki, CEO of Little Angels Center, has six locations which

all did a food drive. Total bags, 20.

• South Shore University Hospital conducted their own “food as health” drive–then shared their donations with three HUGE tote bags full, as well as sheets on healthy recipes and an upcoming job fair

• Welcome Mat Yoga, Islip conducted a drive all month long, by placing a box for donations. Owned by Toni Panariello and Samantha Buser, all donations were sent to us to forward to God’s Provision.

Bella Fantauzzi Named National Merit Semifinalist

East Islip High School senior Bella Fantauzzi was recently named a Semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. She was recognized for her exceptional academic performance on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test during the last school year.

“It was exciting,” Fantauzzi said about learning she had qualified via her guidance ounselor, Christopher Boehler. “The funniest part was that it came right after Mr. Boehler was saying that scores aren’t what defines you. Standardized test scores aren’t the end all and be all, but I’m really happy about it, and it’s great because it gives me scholarship opportunities.”

Now in its 68th year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation annually announces the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists who go on

BELLA FANTAUZZI

to compete for 7,250 scholarships, totaling more than $28 million. More than 90 percent of those students are expected to earn Finalist standing

and approximately half will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar.

Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

ISLIP HONORS BOE - The Islip School District celebrated School Board Recognition Week at the Board of Education’s Oct. 25 meeting. Photo courtesy of Islip School District

FOOD DROP - Left to right, Laura Rogacki, CEO with Karen O’Malley, Administrator, traumatic brain injury department, Little Angels Center. Kneeling is Karen Pearsall, St. Mark’s parishioner and den leader, Cub Scout #438, Bohemia. They are all flanked by various cub scouts. Photo courtesy of Irene Ross

FOOD DROP STAFF - Left to right: Leah Lindstrand, Laurel Questel, Karen Pearsall, Irene Ross (organizer), Reyna and Christi Boyd. Not shown: Breanna Questel. Photo courtesy of Irene Ross

By Noelle Lambert

www.mhaw.org

Opportunity Council (EOC) of Suffolk, a Patchoguebased social services organization.

Mary worked with

Wellness (MHAW).

Among its wide range of mentalhealth-related services, MHAW offers many forms of assistance for veterans in Suffolk County. These offerings address affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, peer support, and other services.

To allow readers to get a humanscale picture of the real-life ways that MHAW supports local veterans in need, here are the stories of “John” and “Mary.”

“John” had served our country for more than eight years as a Marine, including witnessing the aftermath of the Beirut barracks bombings in 1983 that had killed 241 American personnel and dozens of others.

He proceeded to face major difficulty adapting to post-service life, and used food to help him cope. John became significantly overweight and homeless, with a hotel as his residence for two years. It was nearly impossible to find a house that accommodated his needs until he connected with “Housing Our Homeless Heroes,” an initiative that helps veterans regain their sense of independence with supportive housing.

Happily, John is now living in a stabilized environment with dignity and respect.

As a second example, “Mary” had been discharged from the service last August, had no income, nowhere to go, and unfortunately was living in her car. She reached out to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, run in collaboration with the Economic

the SSVF team to locate and obtain permanent housing. She also worked with a case manager and a health care navigator to apply for the VA’s service-connected disability program, where she was approved for 100-percent compensation. Mary was also connected to the Northport VA Medical Center, where she began receiving health care. In addition, Mary worked with an employment specialist who assisted her with her resume, job search, and interview prep.

As a result, Mary ultimately secured a full-time job. She has expressed her gratefulness to MHAW and to EOC of Suffolk for the critical assistance she received at the time when she needed it most.

After all they have given to America, our veterans deserve support from all of us here in Suffolk County and across the nation. With this in mind, we urge you to play a role in introducing local veterans in need to MHAW.

If you know such a veteran, have them contact Marcelle Leis, MHAW’s Director of Veteran Services, by calling 631-946-0147, or by emailing mleis@ mhaw.org. If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

East Islip Art Student Creates Patriotic Mural For VFW Post

East Islip High School student Kiersten Galli, a member of the school’s National Art Honor Society, spent her summer painting a stunning patriotic mural with her mother and grandfather at VFW Post 2937.

“I really enjoyed creating the flag mural with my mother and grandfather,” Galli said. “I am grateful to be part of the efforts to memorialize and honor Army Staff Sgt. Keith Bishop, who was killed in action in Afghanistan.”

“We are so proud of Kiersten,” art teacher Heather Toomey said. “During her summer vacation, she used her artistic skills to take a rustic shed and turn it into a patriotic mural to beautify the local community and honor our veterans. We love that she worked with her family in a collaborative mural. This is the epitome of what art service is and why we have a National Art Honor Society here at East Islip High School.”

Governor Hochul Announces Partnership To Enhance Iconic Jones Beach Summer Concert Venue With Multimillion Dollar Private Investment

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that Live Nation Entertainment will make a multimillion dollar investment to improve the concert-going experience at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. The improvements will ensure the Jones Beach State Park venue remains a top entertainment destination for another generation of concert-goers.

“New Yorkers have visited the historic Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater for years to see their favorite artists perform, and this investment will fund critical improvements to this iconic venue,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to this partnership between New York State and Live Nation Entertainment, we will create an even better experience for concert-goers and ensure that this theater remains a premier concert venue for years to come.”

Live Nation will make a series of improvements to the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater over the next five years to significantly improve the concert-viewing experience, including:

Installing a new entrance that enables seamless entry into the venue.

Constructing a new plaza that will include local food and beverage options and multiple seating areas for fans to enjoy the full experience of Jones Beach.

Upgrading the experience in all concourses and plazas and adding even more food and beverage destinations.

Remodeling all restrooms and increasing restrooms by 20 percent.

Improving resilience and sustainability with new seawalls to protect from high tides, new energyefficient LED lighting, and solar-powered street lighting

Replacing several thousand upper-level seats and adding more restrooms

The improvements will be made under the New York State Parks’ 20-year operating agreement with Live Nation Entertainment for the theater.

Regional President of Live Nation Northeast Geoff Gordon said, “The Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre is a spectacular venue where millions of live music fans have traveled from near and far to see their favorite artists in concert for decades. Experiencing a live show at Jones Beach is a rite of summer for Long Islanders. We are excited to work closely with our partners at Jones Beach State Park to enhance the fan experience further and continue to create memorable experiences for our fans and their favorite performers.”

Chief Operating Officer of

Live Nation’s Venue Nation

Tom See said, “Our plans for the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater will add even more modern conveniences that fans enjoy while staying true to the character of this historic venue. We look forward to sharing the first phase of improvements with our fans next summer and will continue to create an impact for years to come.”

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “For 70 years, the Jones Beach Theater has been the goto place for world-class musical performances in an unparalleled setting. We look forward to working with our partners at Live Nation to make Jones Beach State Park an even more exciting and welcoming place to enjoy unforgettable performances for many more audiences to come.”

State Senator John Brooks said, “I am very grateful

for the initiative being undertaken to improve the safety and preserve the history of Jones Beach Theater. A staple within the Long Island community for decades, these improvements will not only ensure greater enjoyability of the venue during events they will also encourage tourism and create muchneeded job openings — both of which will in turn help stimulate our economy. I look forward to viewing the project through all its phases of completion and am appreciative at the steps being undertaken to ensure that these renovations will ensure that the venue is resilient to the devastating effects we have witnessed from climate change.”

Assemblymember David McDonough said, “The State’s partnership with Live Nation for improvements at the Jones Beach Theater is very welcome news for all

who have and will continue to enjoy this facility and the world class performers that appear there.”

Live Nation is committed to always improving the fan experience at the theatre. In the past season, Live Nation installed new 17.9-feet high by 31.6-feet wide large-screen digital video boards. Live Nation also added Taste NY food and beverage options throughout the venue, and expanded menu items at the theater, including signature cocktails and the Questlove’s Cheesesteak made with Impossible Meat. With a focus on sustainable operations, additional improvements include offering mass transportation to concerts with the Nassau Inter-County Express bus service, Zero Waste Stations, elimination of plastic straws, water refill stations and a composting program.

ART STUDENT CREATES PATRIOTIC MURAL FOR VFW POST - East Islip High School National Art Honor Society student Kiersten Galli painted a stunning patriotic mural with her mother and grandfather at VFW Post 2937. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

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The Long Island Flute Club is pleased to continue its tradition of presenting its annual Holiday Concerts. Once again the Flute Club will be presenting two concerts, one at each end of the Long Island community. Both concerts will feature a variety of seasonal classics that are guaranteed to put you in the spirit of the season. The sixteenmember flute ensemble will feature all members of the flute family from piccolo to bass flute. The ensemble, directed by Lauren Osnato will play a variety of festive classics such as “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Let it Snow” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It is a holiday celebration for children of all ages!

The Suffolk County Concert will be Saturday, December 10, 2022, at

Holiday Harmonies From Festive Flutes!

3:00 pm at the United Methodist Church of Lake Ronkonkoma. This will be the thirteenth time the Long Island Flute Club will present a holiday concert at this charming church in Lake Ronkonkoma.

The picturesque church is located at 792 Hawkins Avenue, in Lake Grove. The concert is free of charge. In the spirit of the holiday season, they will be taking up a collection to donate to the ALS Association.

The Nassau County Concert will be Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Red Ballroom of Old Westbury Gardens. The Gold Coast-era Mansion will be decorated for the holidays, and there will even be an appearance from Santa Claus himself. The concert is free with admission to Old Westbury Gardens.

The Holiday Flute Choir is made up of members of the

the flute and enjoy sharing music. The members of the 2022 Holiday Flute Choir are Lauren Osnato - Conductor of Massapequa, Amanda

Aweh of Brooklyn, Michele Aweh of Glen Cove, Nicole Davidson of Massapequa, Alana De Stefano of Bellerose, Maria Di Natale Scotto of Port Washington, Amy Kempton of Glen Head, Charlotte Loake of Levittown, Francesca Piazza of Islip, Nicole Rode

of Deer Park, Debra Schild of Saint James, Jennie Schwinn of Holbrook, Barbara Sherwin of Farmingdale, Concetta Stevens of East Islip, Leslie Strait of East Northport, Edna Susman of Kings Park and Sandra Vigliotti of Westbury.

Holiday Bazaar & Luncheon

The ECW of St. Mark’s Church will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar & Luncheon on Saturday Dec. 3rd from 9:30am - 3:00pm at 754

Montauk Highway, Islip, NY (adjacent to Rt.111). Holiday crafts, ornaments, baked goods, wreaths, vintage items, jewelry items, gifts, raffles and

much more.  Homemade soup, sandwiches, hot dogs and desserts served. And a visit from Santa Claus !!! For Details call 631-5814950 or 516-459-2976

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

There’s not a better place to be than together. Start thinking of your winter get - togetherings now to ensure you can celebrate at America’s BEST Family Resort (USA Today - 2019, 2021, 2022!)

Long Island Flute Club. The group is a mixture of players of all ages who play at an advanced level. They are professional players, teachers, and students who all love

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist

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

BUYING? SELLING?

RENTING?

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

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Repr esentatives will as si st y ou. We c an help y ou with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv erti si ng program for you. Y ou'll be gl ad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

Thirteen Islip Seniors Set To Play College Sports

Thirteen Islip High School seniors committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level next fall, signing letters of intent during a Nov. 9 ceremony in the school cafeteria with their proud families looking on. The student-athletes who signed were Connor Dobson, who will play lacrosse at Pace University; Maggie Hayes, who is set to join the volleyball team at SUNY Cortland; Lars Heimlich, who is slated to play lacrosse at Fairfield University; Katelyn Hicks, who will play lacrosse at St. Bonaventure University;

Dylan McKenna, who is set to play baseball for Lockhaven University; Kenneth Pastrana, who will join the baseball team at Baruch College; Chase Rogers, who will play lacrosse for Yale University; Sarah Scheidel, who is set to play lacrosse at Pace University; George Trimigliozzi, who will play baseball at Manhattan College; Jack Trovato, who will join the lacrosse team at Dickinson College; Michael Zecchini, who will play lacrosse at Adelphi University; Brielle Zink, who is set to play soccer at the College of St. Rose; and

Riley Wallace, who will join the lacrosse team at Mercy College.

“I’m so very proud of all of you, and you should be very proud of yourselves because you worked hard, both academically and in sports,” Assistant Principal Lisa Ward said.

“We recognize your efforts and commitment to your sports, to your schools, to your coaches and to your families,” Athletic Director John Sparacio said. “You’re all going to play your sport at the next level, which is an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations to everyone.”

THIRTEEN ISLIP SENIORS SET TO PLAY COLLEGE

SPORTS - (Top photo) Islip High School seniors Connor Dobson, Maggie Hayes, Lars Heimlich, Dylan McKenna, Kenneth Pastrana, Chase Rogers, Sarah Scheidel, Jack Trovato, Michael Zecchini, Brielle Zink and Riley Wallace signed letters of intent to play college athletics during a Nov. 9 ceremony. (Photo left) Islip High School seniors Katelyn Hicks and George Trimigliozzi. Photos courtesy of Islip School District