December 21, 2022 East Islip

East Islip High School’s wrestling team captured the team title at the Gray/Fitzgerald Holiday Tournament on Dec. 3 and crowned five champions. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

EAC Staff & BCFU Volunteers at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Sign-In Station at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Staying Sober During The Holiday Season

By Christopher Yadron, PhD, CEO at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research

Whether you are newly sober or have maintained your sobriety long-term, you likely know that recovery is a lifelong journey. While challenging, maintaining sobriety is possible – even during the holiday season.

Deemed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can also be quite stressful and triggering for those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The season “to eat, drink and be merry” is often filled with holiday-themed cocktails at work parties, eggnog at friendly get-togethers, and an open bottle of wine at family events. So how does one focus on staying sober during the holidays? The team at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, an addiction treatment facility in Calverton, NY, believes it is by identifying and utilizing appropriate coping skills developed through advanced addiction treatment.

Here are six coping skills that may be helpful for staying sober during the holidays:

• Delay the decision: When feeling triggered or experiencing urges to use alcohol, put off making that decision for just 15 minutes. Many urges will go away if you do not give in immediately. Use that 15 minutes to remind yourself that the strength of the urge will decrease if you remain strong and wait it out.

• Use grounding techniques: Grounding techniques take an individual through their 5 senses, helping them remain in the current moment rather than focusing on the thoughts that are urging them to use. Grounding techniques are a powerful coping skill that allow an individual to remain in the present

moment and tune into their surroundings. Examples might include appreciating a holiday light display, savoring the smell of cookies baking in the oven, or listening to your favorite holiday music.

• Change your thoughts: Managing thoughts about using can help an individual cope with the urges. Some ways to change your thoughts about using are:

- Find new thoughts to challenge the current ones that lead to use. For example, “My track record has proven that I cannot have one drink and then stop.” The more you challenge the thoughts that allow for use, the more comfortable you will get in utilizing this technique.

- Think about the benefits of recovery. Thinking through the positive consequences of not using will help to weaken the urge to use drugs or alcohol.

- Think about the negative consequences. Reminding yourself about what you can lose and how using will negatively impact your future can be helpful in curbing the impulse to use. Some individuals find it helpful to carry a card that lists both positive and negative consequences to serve as a reminder.

• Do something else:

Finding a healthy activity that one can do immediately interrupts the thought process and distracts the individual from the urge to use. Healthy activities can be enjoyable and provide a sense of accomplishment. These activities should occur in a space safe from triggers.

• Utilize deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. It is a wonderful coping skill to prevent relapse as it is discreet, allowing it to be used in a variety of situations.

• Don’t Try to do it Alone: It is crucial that an individual battling SUD has a support system that they can lean on. Having a supportive sponsor or just a trustworthy person to contact can provide the extra needed support. Also, attending support groups such as AA, NA and Smart Recovery during the holiday season can provide a safe place for an individual to discuss their triggers. When attending a holiday event, having someone there to support your sobriety is monumental. It is important to alleviate the pressure of feeling like you’ll have to get through it alone.

Staying sober during the holidays can be an empowering feat, but it is important to remember that recovery is a journey and that relapses do occur. More importantly, a relapse doesn’t mean that you are a failure or that you should give up on sobriety. If you or a loved one are struggling this holiday season, or fear relapse, reach out to our team at Wellbridge at 631.840.0762 for advanced support; we are here to help you.

Eagle Scout Project To Support Hungry For Music

Scouts BSA Life Scout, Hanna R. of Troop 430 Chartered by Amvets Post 76, is working on her Eagle Scout Service Project and is asking for your help. The project includes collecting musical instruments to donate to Hungry for Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides instruments to schools and children in need. The Instrument collection drive is ongoing and all band and orchestra instruments are accepted. If you or someone you know have an instrument you are no longer using and would like to donate, please call or text (631)647-0814 to set up pick up or drop off.

Visit hungryformusic.org for more information about the project beneficiary.

For more information on Scouts BSA in Suffolk County please visit https:// www.sccbsa.org/

For more information on

scouting in the Bay Shore Brightwaters area visit:http:// troop0043bayshore. ScoutLander.com

CHRISTOPHER YADRON, PH.D.

Suffolk County “Hog” Motorcycle Club

Mounts 4th Annual Ride To Bring Holiday Cheer To Families At Ronald McDonald House NY Metro

Approximately 200 members of the Suffolk County “HOG” (Harley Owners Group) made the 40 mile ride from Oakdale, NY to New Hyde Park, NY on their 4th Annual Holiday Motorcycle Ride to bring toys and cheer to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

The ride delivered dozens

of toys that were given out by Santa Claus and raised more than $6,000 for the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House to be located in Suffolk County to serve families there.

The event is the biggest of the year for the Suffolk County HOG group.

“These kids in the

hospital are very sick and their families are under a lot of stress,” said Nicholas Nigro, Organizer of the Annual HOG ride. “They should be able to celebrate for a day. If it brings a smile to their face for one day, that’s all we want to do.”

The event started with a gathering of the riders at the Suffolk County Harley

Davidson, located at 4020 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769. Members packed the toys on a three-wheeled motorcycle “sleigh” and in a group of Jeeps and the convoy of riders departed at approximately 11 a.m.

The group traveled along Sunrise Highway and Ocean Parkway, with a scenic view of the

beach, before turning north toward the Ronald McDonald House, located at 267-07 76th Ave, Queens, NY 11040, arriving at approximately noon.

Riders disembarked and distributed toys to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

“Events like today put smiles on the faces of the

families that stay here and its just so special,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “We will collect enough toys in the last 30 days of the year to last us all of next year. Every time a child comes back to their room there’s something waiting for them.”

Lights On A Christmas Tree

Lights on a Christmas tree may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but people who can’t wait to deck the halls each December may be surprised to learn that this beloved tradition dates all the way back to the late nineteenth century.

Edward Johnson, a friend and colleague of Thomas Edison, introduced

holiday light bulbs in 1882. Prior to that, candles were lit on trees and families would briefly gaze at this awe-inspiring bit of holiday decor before the candles were quickly extinguished. Johnson is credited with being the first to suggest light bulbs, which were invented by his friend Edison, be used to light trees in place of candles.

While many were impressed by Johnson’s eight-bulb holiday display, it remained a novelty until the 1920s, when preassembled lights became more accessible. Since then, Christmas tree lights have taken hold as a must-have piece of holiday decor in households across the globe.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

East Islip High School’s wrestling team outscored returning county champions Sayville and returning county dual meet champions Brentwood to capture the team title at the Gray/Fitzgerald Holiday Tournament on Dec. 3, as well as crowning five champions.

The Redmen were led by returning state finalist and top-ranked junior Sebastian Regis (285 lbs.) Regis made quick work of his opponents, pinning all

East Islip Wrestlers Capture The Crown

four of them, including a pin in the finals against Elmer Crus of Brentwood in 1:05. Freshman Rocco DeStefano (102 lbs.), senior Justin Shayew (138 lbs.), junior Anthony Avitabile (145 lbs.) and senior DeAndre Perez also captured titles at the Sayville tournament in dominating fashion.

Three other finalists for East Islip were senior Stephen Coleman (160 lbs.), junior Nick Groneman (172 lbs.) and

senior James Sturek (182 lbs.). Other place winners were junior Dylan Aristides (118 lbs), eighth grader Gyrffin Alfalla (126 lbs.), senior Chris Trahey (145 lbs.), senior Dan Glynn (160 lbs.), sophomore Christopher Coleman (160 lbs.), freshman Christian Horeis (172 lbs.) and senior Nick Vetrano (189 lbs.).

“It was a great start for the season in one of the toughest tournaments on Long Island,” coach Mike Longobardi said.

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Insurance Tips And Information

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

It’s the holidays…

The holidays are upon us and you’ve maxxed out the Visa card. And, while you won’t worry about how to pay down the debt until after January 2nd, you’ve possibly worried about what can go wrong.

Have you asked:

“Should I buy the extended warranty?”

“Should I buy insurance from the Rental Car agency?”

“Do I need replacement protection?”

“How do I insure this jewelry on my Home policy?”

“Do I need Full coverage on the kid’s used car?

What DOES FULL coverage mean?”

“Why am I buying more crap for my kid? Can’t I just pay for their own insurance?”

Call your insurance agent. (S)He can put your mind at ease and help you have a Happy New Year.

LOOKING TO ADVERTI

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Experiential Gifts

Shopping is foremost on the minds of many people come the holiday season. When considering loved ones and acquaintances while making holiday shopping lists, tangible gifts, such as clothing or items for the home, may be the first things that come to mind. However, experiential gifts also merit consideration. Experiential gifts are those that focus on

experiences rather than items. These can include anything from a horseback riding adventure to a spa day to concert tickets to getting behind the wheel of a race car. Experiential gifts can be tailored to people’s interests. A study by researchers at San Francisco State University showed people tend to realize greater well-being from life experiences and

consider them to be a better way to spend their money. Overall satisfaction tends to be greater with gifted experiences than with material things. Furthermore, the Harris Group found that 72 percent of millennials actually want to spend more money on experiences rather than things.

Legislator Flotteron Honors The 103rd Eagle Scout With Troop 205

REX

4 year old male. Rottweiler. Happy and spunky boy. Outgoing and playful.

LILY & HERMAN

8 year old Lhaso Apso and 5 year old Yorkie mix. Bonded pair. The best of friends.

JUDE 1-2 year old male. A loving ball of mush. Curious, silly, affectionate and energetic.

RAMON

9 year old male. Pomeranian. Confident. Extroverted and inquisitive.

BERTHA

5-7 year old female. Sweet and energetic girl. Looking for her place in the world.

OREO

2 year old male. MinPin. Clever, spirited, and a bit comedic. Loyal and devoted.

COCO

5-8 year old male. Sweet and bouncy. Loves attention and getting lots of pets.

S’MORES

10 year old female. Pomeranian. Sweet girl with an open personality.

EAGLE

10th Grade at East Islip High School

103RD

SCOUT WITH TROOP 205 HONORED - Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized the 103rd Eagle Scout with Troop 205, Joseph Thomas Norrby, of Islip Terrace in a ceremony held at Timber Point Elementary School. Joseph earned his Eagle Scout ranking by completing his service project which was the beautification of the Mary Statue at his church, St. Mary’s RC Church in East Islip. He is currently in the

and has been on the honor Roll since Middle School and excelled in Track and Band.