AUGUST HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
2:00PM-3:30 PM
PRE-RETIREES, RETIREES, AND PART-TIME RETIREES WORKSHOP
Are you embarking on retirement while others closest to you are still entrenched in their careers, or focused on other things? You are not alone. This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights and suggestions to help you thrive in this next chapter of your life. FREE, IN-PERSON WORKSHOP: Rockville Centre Library, 221 N. Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Use the link below to register: https:// www.rvclibrary.org/ or call 516-766-6257
6:00PM-7:00PM
GARDEN LECTURE
You can have garden interest 12 months a year! Experience a pictorial tour through the garden to see how interest can keep going during any season, even in the winter! Presented by Lee Miller, Landscaper Designer and author of 4 books. Hosted by the Paumanacke Garden Club at the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue Wantagh. FREE. For more information, please contact paumanackegc@gmail.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
9:00AM-2:00PM
CHILDREN'S SNAPPER DERBY
Children's Snapper Derby in partnership with NY Coalition for Recreational Fishing at Captree Fuel Bait & Tackle, 3500 East Ocean Parkway in Babylon. For more
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
information, please Contact Senator Monica R. Martinez's Office at 631-341-7111
10:00AM-4:00PM BLOOD DRIVE
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce a partnership with New York Blood Center to host a Blood Drive in honor of Bridget McElroy, who lost her battle to cancer at just 35-years old. The drive will be held at Marjorie Post Park Community Center, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa. To make an appointment, visit https://donate. nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/316344
10:00AM-1:30PM
KIWANIS CLUB OF WANTAGH FOOD DRIVE
King Kullen, 1340 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Non-perishable foods and baby essentials are all needed. A list will be given out before entering the store to residents that are interested in participating. Cash donations are always welcome. The food drive will benefit two Wantagh food pantries: St. Francis Food Pantry and St. Jude Episcopal Food Pantry.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
11:00AM-6:00PM
31st LIMM ANNUAL
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Don't miss Long Island Maritime Museum's Premier Event, 31st Annual Seafood Festival. Featuring
Live Music, Crafts & Seafood! The festival is held on the grounds of the Long Island Maritime Museum located at 88 West Avenue in West Sayville. The Seafood Festival is the Long Island Maritime Museum’s premier annual fundraiser. Find out more at www.limmseafoodfestival. org, or call 631-HISTORY, 631-447-8679
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
10:00AM-3:00PM
HONEY BEE EXPERIENCE
Join Pinelawn for their 6th Annual Honey Bee Experience as they demonstrate the wonders of honey bees! With 6 hives on the property, Pinelawn explains the importance of honey bees in our environment and provides a safe, up-close look at these marvelous insects. Takes place at Pinelawn’s Lowuis Natalie Mall, West Gate 3 Entrance. For more information, please call 631-249-6100
SATURDAY AUGUST 31
2:00PM-5:00PM
DAHLIA EXHIBITION AND PHOTO SHOW
The Long Island Dahlia Society will hold its annual Dahlia Exhibition and Photo Show at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Carriage House, 440 Montauk Highway in Great River. Show is free with entry in the park. For further information visit WWW. LongIslandDahlia.org or email LIDSPHOTO22@gmail.com for the Photo Show
Reading, Wellness, And Innovation: A Day Of Endless Possibilities Volunteers Engage Farmingdale Students On Community Impact Day
A Day of Service, A Lifetime of Impact. On Tuesday, August 6, KPMG LLP celebrated its 3rd Annual Community Impact Day, allowing employees to connect and support the most passionate causes, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. KPMG volunteers dedicated their time to engaging with early 200 students enrolled in Farmingdale School District’s Summer Literacy Program.
Volunteers spent the morning collaborating with Farmingdale School District teachers and administration, creating a day centered around how students can maintain mental wellness, stay active, and cultivate
a passion for reading. Students at Saltzman East Memorial and Woodward Parkway Elementary Schools were treated to a bookstore where they could ‘shop’ for new books and school supplies for the upcoming year.
Volunteers organized reading circles, ran a mental wellness-themed activity where they created calming jars, hosted a yoga session, and explored programmable robots called Ozobots in the school’s Innovation Lab.
As Community Impact Day drew to a close, the smiles on the students’ faces were a testament to the event’s success. The day fostered a love for reading and introduced students
to new and exciting ways to engage with technology and wellness practices.
The collaboration between KPMG volunteers and Farmingdale School District proved that we can create meaningful and lasting change when we come together with a shared vision.
KPMG LLP is the U.S. branch of the global KPMG organization, offering audit, tax, and advisory services. Operating in 144 countries with over 236,000 employees, each KPMG firm is legally separate. KPMG is known for its positive work environment, commitment to community service, diversity, and fighting childhood illiteracy.
KPMG volunteers collaborated with students from Farmingdale to craft calming jars during Community Impact Day. Photos courtesy of the Farmingdale Union Free School District
Students from Farmingdale who enrolled in the summer literacy program received complimentary books on Community Impact Day.
Farmingdale School District Plans Street Renaming Ceremony To Honor Late Educators
Community To Celebrate The Legacy Of Gina Pellettiere And Beatrice Ferrari With Special Event Featuring Marching Band
The Farmingdale School District, in collaboration with the Town of Oyster Bay, will hold a special street renaming ceremony on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. This event will honor the late Farmingdale educators Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice “Bea” Ferrari, who tragically passed away on September 21, 2023, when a charter bus carrying 40 members of the Farmingdale High School marching band overturned on Interstate 84 in Orange County on their way to a band camp in Pennsylvania.
“The Farmingdale School District is pleased to share the news of the upcoming Street Dedication Ceremony celebrating Bea and Gina,” stated Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. “As the district and the Town of Oyster Bay come together to unveil the new street signs, it will serve as a symbolic gesture of the everlasting impact that educators can have. These signs will stand as beacons of hope and inspiration and will forever
honor the extraordinary lives of Bea Ferrari and Gina Pellettiere.”
Event details:
• Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini will lead the ceremony, which will showcase the Farmingdale High School Marching Band, Dalerettes, and Daler Guard, along with District Officials, the Board of Education, Family Members, and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, along with members of the Oyster Bay Town Board.
• The ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm on the turf field at Farmingdale High School.
• Woodward Parkway at 11th Ave in Farmingdale will be named in honor of
• Beatrice Ferrari. 10th Ave at Woodward Parkway in Farmingdale will
be named in honor of Gina Pellettiere.
• During the ceremony, there will be speeches celebrating Gina and Bea’s contributions, anecdotes from those who knew them well, and an exceptional musical performance by the renowned Farmingdale High School Marching Band.
• Attendees are encouraged to wear Daler gear and come together as a community to
Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Hand. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Hand noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but high-quality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@oysterbay-ny. gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
pay tribute to these exceptional educators, whose influence will continue to inspire future generations.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “We are proud to honor the life and public service of beloved
educators, Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice Ferrari. While these amazing women left us too soon, we will forever remember them as caring, compassionate, joyful, and selfless professionals that inspired students to reach their full potential. Their legacy will forever live on in our hearts, as well as at this special place in the Farmingdale community.”
Beatrice “Bea” Ferrari was a dedicated global studies teacher for 36 years, 32 of them in the Farmingdale School District. Despite retirement, she remained involved, joining the high school marching band every year at band camp. Woodward Parkway at 11th Ave in Farmingdale will be renamed “Beatrice Ferrari Way” in her honor.
Gina Pellettiere, known as “Ms. P” to her students, was the longtime band program director at Farmingdale High School. Her profound impact on students through her passion for music and teaching is immeasurable. 10th Ave at Woodward Parkway in Farmingdale will be renamed “Gina Pellettiere Way” as a lasting tribute to her legacy.
In the event of inclement weather, a rain date of October 16, 2024, has been scheduled.
For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www. farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @ FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
PUBLISHER
ASSISTANT
CIRCULATION
Bonnie Schifano
Lucille Moran
Terry Rydyzynski
Noelle Lambert
SCAN
Stephan Schulze
MARKETING
From The Desk Of Mayor Ralph Ekstrand
UPDATES & UPCOMING EVENTS:
Farmingdale Music on Main - Thursdays: 8/22 & 8/29 (new date), 5-9 pm along Main Street downtown. Free admission, bring family & friends. Enjoy music, outdoor dining, shopping & fun downtown along Culinary Quarter Mile. Note: Main Street will be closed downtown for these events. Weather permitting, rain date 8/29. Thank you to the Farmingdale Business Improvement District and event sponsors!
Weekly Farmer’s Market
On the Village Green by Schneider’s Farm: Sundays, 6/2 – 11/24, 10am – 2pm, weather permitting, 361 Main St.
Colored Colors presents Second Sundays Art Crawl in Downtown Farmingdale, along Main St. The next date is 9/8, 12 - 4pm, weather permitting, free to attend. Sponsored by The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Farmingdale
Business Improvement District & other sponsors. Farmingdale Kiwanis / Nassau County Fairs presents a Craft & Gift Fair - 8/24 & 8/25 - On the Village Green, 361 Main St Runners Edge Main Street Mile - Saturday, 8/31, races start @ 8:30am. The Runner’s Edge Main Street Mile to support Pat La Fontaine’s {CiC16. org) foundation benefits pediatric patients in area hospitals and has become a great kickoff to Labor Day weekend for thousands of Long Islanders. ARE YOU IN??
The Farmingdale FD Hook, Ladder, & Hose Co #1 is hosting a Casino night fundraiser on Saturday, 8/31, 361 Main Street, Farmingdale. Parking in Municipal Lot. $55 Advance Ticket Order or $65 at the Door. Entry includes $200 worth in Play, Food, 2 Beverage Tickets and 1 Entry into Door Prize Raffle. Farmingdale’s 13th Annual Art in the Park
- Sunday 9/15 - On the Village Green
Ongoing: The Farmingdale Public Library has many in-person and virtual community events & activities, visit the website for details: https:// www.farmingdalelibrary. org/ - Congratulations on serving the community for 100 Years!
Stay tuned for more event updates Village Hall / Village Green - 361 Main Street, 516-249-0093
Dine & Shop in the Village while in town
Farmingdale - Home of Culinary Quarter Mile
Town To Host Blood Drive
In Memory Of Cancer Victim
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce a partnership with New York Blood Center to host a Blood Drive in honor of Bridget McElroy, who lost her battle to cancer at just 35-years old. A regular blood donor herself, it was Bridget’s wish for her family and friends to donate blood in celebration of her birthday. The drive will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10AM – 4PM at Marjorie Post Park Community Center, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
“Bridget McElroy was an amazing young woman who lost her life to a rare form of cancer far too soon. Even during
her darkest days, Bridget was focused on helping others and requested that her family and friends give the gift of life by donating blood. Now that she’s sadly passed away, we’re continuing her legacy by hosting “Bridget’s Birthday Blood Bank,” a blood drive in her honor. Please join us in donating blood on August 24,” Supervisor Saladino said.
In July of 2020, amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Bridget was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer. She was just 33 years old.
While being treated for her cancer, she received many blood transfusions, experiencing firsthand
Fall/Winter Youth Ice Hockey Registration
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier has announced that registration for the Town’s 2024 Fall/Winter Youth Ice Hockey Program will begin soon. The program features a House League, which includes full House League games, a practice schedule, and playoffs for boys and girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14/16U age groups. Clinics spanning 10 weeks in duration are also available, including all girls clinics, 6U clinics, adult learn to play clinics and advanced skill clinics. Programs will begin on September 27th, 2024.
“The Town of Oyster Bay’s Youth Ice Hockey Program is one of the best games in town, and features many respected coaches dedicated to teaching this outstanding sport to the many boys and girls enrolled in the program,” said Councilwoman Laura Maier. “With a variety of leagues and clinics, there’s something for everyone,
and we are committed to fostering a love for the game in a supportive and fun environment.”
The House League includes full House League games, a practice schedule, and playoffs for boys and girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14/16U age groups. The registration fee is $400 for residents and $500 for non-residents. Additionally, the program offers various clinics, including an All Girls Clinic and an Adult Learn to Play program, both consisting of two 10-week sessions (Fall- Session I and
Winter- Session 2). The Boys & Girls 6U Clinic includes 10 sessions every other week for 20 weeks (SeptemberMarch). The fee for all clinics is $150 per session.
Online registration opens for residents on August 27th and 28th at 9 AM. Non-residents can begin registering online on August 29th at 9 AM. Registration can be completed by visiting oysterbaytown.com/sports. For more information, please email tobhockey@ oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 433-7465, x8234.
Tanger Outlets Deer Park And Riverhead Invite Local Schools
what a life-saving gift blood donation can be. She was in the hospital on what would be her very last birthday, with a visitor limitation due to COVID restrictions, battling severe illness and a poor prognosis, yet her smile beamed through her unimaginable pain when she heard that so many people were rolling up sleeves to donate blood in her honor. Bridget passed away 3 months later at the age of 35. The blood transfusions she received extended her life and helped her to live more comfortably for the time she had left.
To make an appointment, visit https://donate.nybc.org/ donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/316344.
To Apply For 2024 Tangerkids Grants Program Through Oct. 18
Tanger Outlets Deer Park and Tanger Outlets Riverhead announce the launch of the 2024 TangerKids Grants Program, continuing a long history of investing in the local community by supporting educational resources that help area students succeed. Applications are now open through Oct. 18, and Long Island educators are encouraged to apply at grants.tanger.com. The platform invites teachers and leaders within the community to identify their needs and request funding to enhance programs and better serve students as they
work to create a more productive and inclusive learning environment.
Throughout the program’s history spanning nearly 30 years, Tanger has contributed more than $3.4 million to schoolfocused initiatives in the communities it serves.
In 2023, Tanger awarded $168,000 to fund over 140 grants to schools and programs across the U.S., supporting equipment upgrades, inclusion initiatives, interactive learning spaces, hygiene and clothing closets, literacy efforts, STEM and more.
This year, Tanger has earmarked 70% of total
grants for support of underserved schools, accessibility programs and student needs. Faculty members at public and private schools from pre-K to grade 12 are eligible to participate in the annual program.
Tanger Deer Park and Riverhead shoppers will again be invited to help choose grant winners in their community through Member’s Choice voting, which will be open Dec. 2 – 13. Award recipients will be announced in January 2025 and celebrated at the center’s annual TangerKids Day.
Labor Day weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer. Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.
Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekended preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.
• Wake up early if you intend to travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from
Tips For A Memorable Labor Day Weekend
the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people planned to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2023, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance, can help you avoid traffic jams.
• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance. The popularity of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many people
to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and
other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations
months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/ or nothing to eat come Labor Day weekend.
• Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.
• Go with a summer theme. Even if the kids are already back in school and your summer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to revive the spirit of summer one last time. If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer. Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some pre-weekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.
Town Earns 9th Credit Rating Upgrade & Positive Outlook From Wall Street
Praised For Record Breaking Improvements And Vastly Improved Governance And Operational Management
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board proudly announce that the Town of Oyster Bay has earned its ninth credit rating increase and a positive outlook designation from Wall Street credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service. Moody’s upgraded the Town to an Aa3 rating, from its A1 rating, and designated the Town’s outlook as ‘positive.’
This high grade is just three notches from a perfect score, the highest credit rating that any municipality can earn. These continual upgrades illustrate the enormous financial improvements made by the Saladino
administration since taking office in 2017, when the Town held a junk bond rating from Wall Street. In fact, Moody’s Investors Service reported, “Financial operations have materially improved over the past decade leading to a substantial improvement… improved financial operations have allowed the town to reduce the debt load…and improved governance and operational management is a key driver of the rating action.”
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Independent Wall Street agencies continue to award the Town of Oyster Bay with upgrades for our
commitment to the finest administration of government and watching the bottom line. This has been done successfully to protect your wallet while delivering the highest quality services the Town has ever seen. Despite inheriting a junk bond rating from the prior administration, our success and financial turnaround is breaking records as Wall Street continues to recognize the Town of Oyster Bay’s commitment to restricting spending, paying down debt and strong financial management practices. This ninth Wall Street credit rating upgrade will save residents substantial
money as the Town will pay significantly less money in interest expenses when bonding for road repaving, park improvements and other critical infrastructure work.”
This recent upgrade marks the ninth credit rating increase earned by Supervisor Saladino and the Town Board since taking office in 2017. In this short period of time, the Supervisor and Town Board have cut property taxes while reducing debt and eliminating the operational budget deficit. Since cutting property taxes in 2018, the subsequent six budgets – in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 – were frozen
and sustained the $1.3 million property tax cut. As a result, $9.1 million is in the pockets of taxpayers rather than the coffers of government. This ‘taxpayer first’ plan successfully froze property taxes during both the worldwide pandemic and the highest inflation our nation and the Town of Oyster Bay has ever seen. In this same time, total Town debt also declined by $181 million – a 24% net decline in debt.
Earlier this summer, independently-audited financial results indicated that Supervisor Saladino and the Town Board produced the sixth straight surplus budget
under this governing board. While impressing the Wall Street analysts, cutting and freezing taxes for seven years, and bringing about the finest quality of services, the Town of Oyster Bay has also increased it road repaving program, upgraded dozens of sports fields and parks, improved its facilities, purchased new garbage and highway trucks, and a long list of other improvements, including investments to better our environment. The Town of Oyster Bay is truly a better place to live, work and raise a family. Not only does Wall Street know it, but their report makes it very clear to the public.
Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Announces
First Annual Thin Mint Sprint 5K And Family Fun Walk
Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) announced today that their inaugural Thin Mint Sprint 5K Run and Family Fun Walk, will take place on Saturday, September 15th, 2024 at Jones Beach State Park on Field 1. This event will offer avid runners, walkers and families a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Jones Beach during Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend, all while raising money for the GSNC Family Partnership giving campaign.
“The Thin Mint Sprint has been something we’ve wanted to have for a while now, and we are excited to finally announce that registration is officially
open!” said Rande Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts Nassau County. “We hope that this event will inspire families to gather in support of empowering the next generation of leaders as they enjoy the beauty of one of New York’s state parks. We hope to see this event become an annual funfilled tradition. Whether it is running in the 5K with friends, walking one mile with your family, or enjoying the activity fair, any participation will help provide girls with experiences that build courage, confidence and character.”
All proceeds from this event will benefit Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s
Family Partnership giving campaign to ensure all girls can participate in Girl Scouting regardless of background or economic status to provide for membership fees, uniform components, books, badges and supplies for girls in need.
The 5K Thin Mint Sprint is open to runners of all ages and will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registrants for the in-person option will receive a Thin Mint Sprint event t-shirt, Thin Mint Sprint finisher medal, Thin Mint Sprint race bib, a timing chip, entry into the family activity fair, and most importantly, a box of Girl Scout Cookies. Those who choose to participate
virtually will receive a Thin Mint Sprint event t-shirt and a Thin Mint Sprint finisher medal via mail. Both options have a registration fee of $45 through August 25th, with the fee increasing afterwards. The Family Fun One Mile Walk is open to all ages and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registrants will receive a Thin Mint Sprint event t-shirt, entry into the family activity fair, and of course, a box of Girl Scout Cookies. The fee for the family walk is $25 through August 25th, with the fee increasing afterwards.
The Thin Mint Sprint will help Girl Scouts of Nassau County continue their mission to help build a better world. By participating in
the event, families will give girls the opportunity to discover their passions and make lifelong friendships through the Girl Scouts of Nassau County community. To participate or become an event sponsor of the Thin Mint Sprint, please visit www.gsnc.org/thin-mintsprint.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the many events they hold throughout the year, or to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate visit www.gsnc.org.
We are Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs in Nassau County, across
Long Island, and from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges— whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alum, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.gsnc.org.
Benefits Of Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health.
Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
“Alzheimer’s Walk In The Park” At Eisenhower Park Will Raise Awareness And Funds To Support Families
Affected By Alzheimer’s And Research Toward A Cure
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting residents to its Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park on Saturday, September 28 from 9 am to 12 pm at Eisenhower Park on Long Island (Field 6, 1899 Park Blvd., East Meadow, NY). New York baseball icon Dwight Gooden will be on hand to greet the walkers and participate in the opening ceremonies, as well as sign autographs and take pictures with eligible participants.
The walk is free to attend, however, walkers are encouraged to raise funds, either individually or as part of a team, through the walk website at www. alzfdn.org/walk. Proceeds raised will support AFA’s programs and services
for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and research toward better treatment and a cure.
“In the fight against Alzheimer’s, each step counts, which is why we are encouraging everyone to walk with us on September 28,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “The funds and awareness raised will make a tremendous difference for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses in their time of need. We are grateful to Dwight Gooden for serving as our honorary Alzheimer’s Ambassador for the event and invite everyone to help us strikeout Alzheimer’s.”
“When I was invited to be an Ambassador for
this Walk, I immediately said yes because I know about the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has on many families. I am excited to help spread awareness and be a part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Walk to raise funds to help families impacted by this disease and to fund research for a cure,” said Dwight Gooden. “I encourage everyone to join us on September 28th as we attempt to strike out Alzheimer’s disease.”
Walkers who fundraise at least $100 can meet Dwight Gooden and receive an autographed baseball. Those fundraising $250 or more will also receive a professional photo opportunity with the former Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion with the Mets and Yankees.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health issue. More than 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease right now, and that number is expected to more than double by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Locally, approximately 410,000 New Yorkers, including an estimated 60,000 Long Islanders, are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number which is projected to grow in the years ahead.
Those interested in registering and fundraising for the walk can do so by visiting www. alzfdn.org/walk.
General Bereavement Support Group & Loss of Adult Child Group
Will be Offered at St. John Nepomucene 1140 Locust Ave. Bohemia, NY 11716
Each group will be eight weeks in duration beginning Thursday, September 12th
The General Support Group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss at least three months prior to the start of the group. The Adult Child Group has no wait requirement. Each group meets weekly for 90 minutes followed by refreshments and hospitality. There is no cost but a commitment to attend each meeting throughout the program is required. Both groups are offered in a closed and confidential setting with highly trained facilitators and limited to 12 people.
Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited. Please call the number below to reserve your seat. Call 631-589-0540, ext. 250
Wantagh Bird Walk
August 25
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, starting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 25. The Park is on the north side of Merrick Road, 4 blocks west of the
Wantagh State Parkway . The group will meet at the gazebo. Bring binoculars. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge. To register, text your name and contact information to 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains. Text regarding questionable conditions.
Keep Summer Days Fun And Busy When Camp Ends
Many adults have fond memories of attending summer camp when they were children. The American Camp Association reports that each year more than 14 million children and adults take advantage of the camp experience. Summer camp is a place for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, experience being away from home for extended periods of time, and explore new locales. Summer camp program lengths vary. Some children attend local camps that may last a week or two, while others attend sleep-away camps that last a little longer. Since summer vacation typically lasts between eight to 10 weeks, parents may discover there still is plenty of downtime after summer camp ends. Here are some ways to fill the gap between the end of camp and the start of a new school year.
Schedule a vacation
What better way to keep the magic of summer going than by rolling summer camp right into a family vacation? Give kids time to enjoy a few days to relax at home, but then buckle up for the next adventure. This can be a trip away from home, or a series of day trips or activities guided by all members of the family.
Organize a sleepover exchange
Parents of school-aged children can coordinate with one another to fill up a week or more with sleepovers. Each family can take a night or two, and the kids can jump from house to house extending the fun with one another. Sleepovers can occur inside the home or under tents in the yard.
Recreate favorite camp activities at home
Why not take what makes camp entertaining and try it at home? Copy the camp’s
itinerary and engage in similar activities, such as canoeing or nature hikes. On nights when the weather cooperates, everyone can gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows.
Enroll in a recreational program
Some towns offer free or low-fee activities to residents through their parks and recreation departments. If budgeting does not allow for a camp experience, there are likely town-wide activities that can fill the gaps until it’s time for children to go back to school. Some even may offer after-hours childcare options for parents who have scheduling conflicts with work.
When summer camp ends, parents have different options they can explore to keep children engaged and supervised until a new school year begins.
- Large Spacious Facility With Three Dance Rooms, A Comfortable Lobby And Separate Dressing Area
- Full Time Office Staff To Assist You During Class Times
- Ample, Well Lit Parking Area
- Oversized Viewing Windows In All Rooms
- Affordable Tuition, Easy Payment Plans, Multi-Class Discounts
- Professional, Experienced, Adult Teachers
- Recreational Classes Geared Towards Promoting Self Esteem, Social Skills And Discipline
- Intensive Classes Geared For The
