October 4, 2023 Farmingdale South

protect We America’s

critical infrastructure with the world’s most advanced security

Our nation’s critical infrastructure has become an increasingly common target for cyberattacks. Google is working with organizations across the country to help protect the infrastructure we all rely on.

We’re joining forces with national defense agencies to deploy advanced AI technology to ensure our nation’s digital defenses remain secure.

We’re securing patient data for hospitals across the country with industry-leading threat detection and response, speeding up cyber threat response time to hours instead of weeks.

We’re protecting student and teacher data in school districts nationwide with Chromebooks and Workspace for Education, which are secure by default.

We’re working with local governments across the country to protect public infrastructure and keep critical systems online 24/7.

Explore how Google is keeping more Americans safe online than anyone else at safety.google/cybersecurity

Your Autumn Family Getaway Awaits

Get Ready For Medicare Open Enrollment Season Free Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance Through FCA

By Barry Klitsberg, Nassau County Medicare Counselor, FCA

Medicare is a federally run health insurance program for people who are 65 years of age or have collected Social Security Disability for 24 months. It is also available for individuals with permanent kidney failure or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you have to apply for Medicare during the three month period before your 65th birthday. You may apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or on-line at: https://www. ssa.gov/medicare/. If you are already collecting Social Security, you will receive your Medicare card automatically in the mail.

Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to change their current health plan during the yearly Open Enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). Navigating Medicare and choosing a plan that best meets your needs can be tricky. Our health care needs change over time, so you should carefully consider your foreseeable health care needs each year. A plan that worked for us previously may not be the best choice going forward.

As we head into the Medicare Open Enrollment season, it is important for people to read mail from their current health plans to see if there are any changes that might

compare available plans.

Free Help Available Through FCA

impact them for 2024. You should have this notice by October 1. Plans frequently change their premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and formularies. Providers may leave or be added to a plan’s network. It is important to keep informed about your coverage. The Medicare & You 2024 booklet, which arrives in homes of all eligible for Medicare by late September, contains valuable information about Medicare benefits and a description of changes for next year. Medicare beneficiaries should review their coverage during the Open Enrollment period to determine if their current coverage is still the right one for them.

Medicare beneficiaries who are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO) and don’t change their plan by December 7th will have an additional opportunity to switch Medicare Advantage plans between January 1 and March 31.

The Medicare website (www.medicare.gov) can help you reevaluate and

If you don’t have ready access to a computer otherwise need assistance, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) can help guide you through the process with free help available by calling its Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 516485-3754. One of our counselors will be happy to assist you. FCA’s HIICAP is a free service that has trained counselors who can provide you with unbiased expertise on what Medicare plan can best meet your individual needs. HIICAP counselors can help you switch plans, in many cases over the phone. In person appointments are also available.

The HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program) is supported in part by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, and the New York State and Nassau County Offices for the Aging.

FCA can help. Answers to your Medicare questions are just a phone call away. Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City and an Aging Services Program Specialist at US Department of Health and Human Services.

Republic Airport Commission Meeting

The next Meeting of the Republic Airport Commission, which is open to the public, will be

held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm at 7150 Republic Airport, Rm 201, Farmingdale NY.

For information, call 631752-7707 or email info@ republicairport.net .

BARRY KLITSBERG

Your 90 Day Plan To End The Year On A High Note

By JoAnn Cilla

As we edge toward the final weeks of 2023, the days seem to accelerate. Before you know it, the holiday season arrives, and the year wraps up in a blur of activity. But the last 90 days can be a time for reflection, productivity, and setting the stage for a stronger future, both personally and professionally. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

In Business

1. Audit Your Finances: Use this time to evaluate your financial records, trim down unnecessary expenses, and look for opportunities. Look at your budget and make plans for 2024.

2. Review Your Goals: Did you set business goals for this year? If so, will you hit them? If yes, set new, higher targets for next year. If not, you might need to adjust your plans for 2024. It’s always helpful to have at least one other person review your goals with you. They might see or read something that you miss.

3. Network: It’s a great time to renew old business acquaintances and make new connections. Make sure you thank the people who helped you achieve your goals this year and plan to stay on their radar screens in 2024.

In Personal Life

1. Physical Health: As the year ends, renew or start a commitment to your physical wellbeing. Whether it’s joining a gym or taking up a sport, you MUST prioritize physical activity. Find a running partner or gym buddy to keep you moving!

2. Mental Health: Reconnect with loved ones, pick up a longforgotten hobby, or simply spend some

October Happenings

quiet moments to achieve a better mental state.

3. Skill Building: Dedicate time each week to acquire a new skill. Learning doesn’t only have to be professional; it could be cooking, painting, or even knitting.

4. Planning Ahead: Take time to think about what you want for the next year. Setting personal goals now helps you hit the ground running on January 1st.

Home Improvements

To secure your home and possibly even enhance its curb appeal, consider:

1. Safety Upgrades: Install a modern home security system with cameras and smart locks to protect your property.

2. Weatherproofing: Prepare for the winter months by insulating your home, sealing cracks, and installing storm windows.

3. Curb Appeal: Simple landscaping projects can dramatically change the appearance of your home. Plant some flowers, paint the door, or install a new mailbox.

The final 90 days of the year are not just a countdown but an opportunity. Seize it to make meaningful changes in your business, personal life, and home.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

5:30PM

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

All pet owners are invited to bring their pets to the annual Blessing of the Animals on the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Rectory lawn in Lindenhurst. Afterwards there will be people refreshments and pet goody bags. All are encouraged to bring a food donation for the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry. For more information email gtonness@optonline.net.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

7:00PM

LINDENHURST EVENING

HOMEMAKERS UNIT

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Unit at the Amityville Senior Center. Open to all members and newcomers ages 18 years and up. Meet ups start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more information.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

7:30PM-11:00PM

OKTOBERFEST 2023

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus is this years Oktoberfest. Join them for a night of music, dance and the taste of Germany's Oktoberfest. For more information contact Dave Lech at 631-357-0188.

9:00AM 5K RUN & WALK

The Jake Koenigsdorf Foundation Inc. presents a 5K Run & Walk at Heckscher Staet Park in support of the Jake K Foundation which reduces the barriers to recovery from a substance use disorder. For more information please visit hjakekfoundation.com.

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 x211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com.

10:00AM-12:30PM

BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY FUN DAY

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island invites you to join them for a morning of community and fun for children with epilepsy, siblings, and parents. To register, contact Janet Romeo at 516-739-7733 x145 or email at jromeo@epicli.org.

10:00AM-3:00PM

CRAFT FAIR AND YARD SALE

St. Mark's Church of Islip presents their annual craft fair and yard sale. Browse and purchase a special item, buy a raffle or two. Have lunch and help support the vendors and the ECW of St. Mark's. Some of the items that will be available are antiques, holiday crafts, clothing, baked goods and more. For more information contact Robyn LoCricchio at 516-459-2976.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

6:00PM-9:00PM

BINGO FOR BAGS EVENT

The Women's Council of Realtors and Pure Mammography will be hosting a Bingo for Bags event benefiting the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition at The Bristal Assisted Living in Bethpage. $20 per person admission. Call 631-893-4110 for more information.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

9:00AM

2023 WALK TO END EPILEPSY

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island invites you to join them at our annual Walk to END EPILEPSY to support your loved one and all 35,000 Long Islanders living with epilepsy. For more information or to register visit p2p.onecause.com/2023w2ee.

10:00AM-3:00PM

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

The Sunshine Alternative Education & Prevention Center will be hosting their first annual family fall festival. Volunteers are needed. There are many ways you can volunteer, either during the event or in preparation for the event. Community Service Hours Provided. To volunteer please email drcarter.sunshinecenter@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

11:00AM-4:00PM

OPEN HOUSE

Everyone is invited to an Open House at the Central Operating Lines Model Train Club located at 50 A. Carlough Rd. in Bohemia. For more information, call 631.563.0173 or visit www.coltrains.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

10:00AM-4:00PM

HARVEST FESTIVAL & YARD SALE

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Seaford will be hosting a Harvest Festival featuring local craft vendors and more including a pumpkin patch, pony rides and petting zoo. For more information call 516-781-6374.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

10:00AM-4:00PM

NORTH BABYLON LIONS CLUB

FALL FESTIVAL

The North Babylon Lions Club is hosting a Fall Festival at St. Paul's Church at 158 Phelps Lane in North Babylon. It will feature lots of vendors, food, face painting, music and a pumpkin patch! Admission is free. For more information, contact 631-553-0217.

JOANN CILLA

Central Operating Lines Model Train Club

Town Seeks Volunteers To Assist In Shell Recycling At Oyster Festival

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh invite residents looking to help the environment and preserve our waterways to take part in the Town’s shell recycling initiative at the upcoming Oyster Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, October 14th and 15th in Oyster Bay.

“We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a vital part of our environmental mission to help protect our harbor and improve our waterways,” explained Supervisor Saladino. “As a Shell Collection Station Attendant, volunteers will contribute their time to help divert oyster and clam shells from landfills, which will instead be recycled and used for habitat restoration and growing new oysters.”

Volunteers at this year’s festival will be asked to commit to working in

three-hour shifts. Available time slots will be from 10am through 7pm on both Saturday, October 14th and Sunday, October 15th. Responsibilities will include identifying oyster and clam shells, overseeing a shell collection station with separate bins for general trash and for shells, guiding festival goers in correctly sorting their waste, and answering questions about the shell recycling program and educating attendees about its environmental benefits. Those interested in participating will be asked to participate in a zoom session to become familiar with the program and will receive a t-shirt, as well as community service hours for their participation.

“This wonderful initiative helps us restore the populations in our harbor while improving water quality,” said Councilwoman Walsh.

“After the festival, the shells are transported by Town aqua-culturists to a curing facility, where they remain for several months prior to being strategically returned to the harbor to assist in the growth of new shellfish. This great program not only helps ensure the shells don’t go to waste, they provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow and mature, offering protection from weather conditions and predators.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for the shellfish recycling program can contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or by emailing Environmental @oysterbay-ny.gov. For more information about the program, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ shellrecycling.

TOWN SEEKS VOLUNTEERS - Town officials, including Receiver Jeff Pravato, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Councilwoman Laura Maier and Councilwoman Michele Johnson, show a sampling of the more than three tons of oyster shells collected at last year’s Oyster Festival, which are recycled back into the waterways to improve water quality and help with growth of new shellfish.

On Saturday, Sept. 23rd the East Farmingdale Vol. Fire Co. faced off against Stew Leonard’s in a chili cook, where the shoppers decided the winner. The East Farmingdale Fire Co. made a meat chili with a bit of zing. Stew

Chili Cook Off

Leonard’s went with their traditional award-winning chicken chili with many extra ingredients. Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Councilman Terence McSweeney were on hand to sample both.

Councilman McSweeney

noted “As a 1st responder myself it was a little difficult not to lean in the way of the fire company, but I voted for them because I liked the little kick at the end. Not to take anything away from Stew Leonard’s because their

chili was very flavorful itself but I like a little heat in my chili.” Supervisor Schaffer added, “He voted for the fire company as well because the spice at the end of every serving was a perfect recipe for this cold rainy Saturday

afternoon.” Both Schaffer & McSweeney said no matter who was declared the victor, the winner in this contest was our 1st responder charities. The cook-off winner would donate $5,000 to the charity of their choice.

Stew Leonard’s picked the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and the East Farmingdale Fire Co. chose the Billy Moon Foundation. At the end of the day, it was the Billy Moon Foundation who would be awarded the $5,000 donation.

Jeff Lambert

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lambert

Edward Rodriguez

Patty Franks ADMIN

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Josh Marlowe

Teri Tinkler

Diana Lambert ADMIN & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Natalie Almeida MANAGING EDITOR

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

Noelle Lambert

ACCOUNTING

Debbie Reilly

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Kerry Mastrobuoni

Dorrine Lambert

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Jill Cohen

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Free Admission & Skate Rental Day In Recognition Of National Bullying Prevention Month

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announce a “Put Bullying on Ice” Awareness Day. The event will take place at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage on Saturday, October 7th from 2:45pm – 5:45pm during the public skate session. Free admission and skate rentals are offered for all students and families who reside in the Town of Oyster Bay.

The concessionaire at

the Ice Skating Center will offer a 25% discount for all purchases.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to raise awareness and enhance dialogue among children about the dangers associated with bullying while recognizing the need for education and commitment to prevent this type of behavior. Together, we will Put Bullying on Ice and strengthen the bonds of our community.”

“Together as a community, we will unite for acceptance while pledging to

create a kinder world without bullying,” added Councilwoman Walsh. “When we stand together, no one stands alone. That’s why the Town of Oyster Bay, Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, Long Island Crisis Center, New York Islanders and the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Foundation are partnering to put bullying on ice.”

For more information about this “Put Bullying on Ice” Awareness Day, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department at (516) 797-4121.

Town Partners With Community Group To Collect Peanut Butter Residents

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier announce that the Town will partner with the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club to host a Peanut Butter Collection Drive. Residents are invited to donate new, unopened and sealed peanut butter to help replenish local food pantries and support families in need. Dropoff containers are located at Town Halls North and South, as well as at the Town Ice Skating Center. Alternative butters, including sun butters, almond butters and cookie butters, as well as jelly, are also accepted.

“We are proud to partner with this great organization to help ‘spread the love’ and stock local food pantry shelves with this very popular product,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Peanut butter has a long shelf life, provides many nutrients and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it among the most highly requested items from local food banks. We thank the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s

Invited To ‘Spread The Love’ To Help

Club for again putting our local communities first with another wonderful initiative to help others.”

The Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club mission is to provide and encourage involvement in education, charitable and social programs for the men of local communities, and to support the local and wider community with activities and contributions.

“The MassapequaFarmingdale Men’s Club has been assisting local foodbanks for more than five years, and we’re supporting their efforts by helping to collect food, fill shelves and feed the hungry,” said Councilwoman Maier.

The Peanut Butter Collection Drive will run through November 15th . Drop off bins are located during regular business hours at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay), Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa) and the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center (1001 Stewart

Ave, Bethpage).

“Our organization has worked to help the local and greater community for several years, and we are thrilled to once again partner with the Town of Oyster Bay to supply this much-needed item to local food pantries,” said Tom Sabellico, president and founder of the Men’s Club. “We’ve run many successful food drive and have found over the years that local food banks like peanut butter thanks to it being easy to use, it keeps a long time, provides a variety of nutrients, is high in protection and is enjoyed by all age groups.”

For more information about the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club and their mission, visit www. massapequafarmingdale mensclub.com. For more information about the Peanut Butter Collection Drive and other Town programs, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.

Girl Scouts Serve Up ‘Magic’ In This Year’s Mags&Munchies Fall Products Program

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) are set to spotlight their eagerly anticipated – Mags&Munchies

Fall Product Program, running through November 5. As the leaves change, the “Own Your Magic” theme lights the way for Girl Scouts to ignite their entrepreneurial spirits, learn valuable skills and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Randell Bynum, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, emphasizes the program’s significance, “Mags&Munchies empowers our Girl Scouts to shine brightly as they contribute to their communities, earn troop rewards and hone vital business and leadership skills. By participating in in-person and online sales, they will embrace the core tenets of

entrepreneurial leadership, while helping fund their troop activities.”

The Mags&Munchies program offers an exciting journey for girls of all ages. Through in-person and online sales, Girl Scouts will harness the power of entrepreneurship by practicing the five key leadership lessons, including goal setting, decision making, people skills, money management and business ethics.

New to this year’s program are two enticing snack mixes. The Thai chili mix boasts a perfect blend of flavors, including sweet Thai chili almonds, rice crackers, wasabi peas, sesame sticks, garlic bread sticks and siracha corn nuggets. The cheddar caramel crunch mix, presents a sweet and salty mix of cheese crackers, cheese corn sticks, mini pretzels and caramel cheddar corn puffs.

Each Girl Scout can craft a personalized avatar and record a sales pitch,

inviting friends and family to explore and purchase from their digital store, while teaching Girl Scouts about e-commerce. Customers can also subscribe to hundreds of magazines or renew current subscriptions to benefit their favorite Girl Scout and her troop.

Continuing their commitment to help others, Mags&Munchies’ Operation: Stop Hunger on Long Island community share program allows Girl Scouts and their customers support Island Harvest’s mission to end hunger on Long Island. When making their Mags&Munchies purchase, customers can also choose to contribute to “Care to Share,” sending nuts and snacks to local food pantries through Island Harvest.

For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the many events they hold throughout the year, visit gsnc.org.

Northwell Health IRONMAN 70.3 New York - Jones Beach Triathlon

Long Island’s south shore played host to the inaugural edition of Northwell Health IRONMAN® 70.3® New York – Jones Beach

triathlon on Saturday, Sept. 23. Participating athletes were treated to an IRONMAN 70.3 journey highlighted by the world-famous Jones

Beach State Park, home of 6.5 miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean. In the age group men’s race, Ross Baldwin (Brooklyn, N.Y.),

in the 35-39 age group, was the first to cross the line with a time of 3:40:47. Evelyne Papillon (Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada), finished first

in the 40-44 age group, crossing the finish line with a time of 4:32:44.

More than 2,300 athletes from 46 U.S. States and 43 countries, regions and territories travelled to Long Island to compete in the inaugural race that began with a shortened 750-meter swim in Zach’s Bay just outside the famous Jones Beach Amphitheater before embarking upon the 56-mile closed bike course on the flat and fast Wantagh Parkway.

The 13.1-mile run course took athletes onto the boardwalk alongside the Atlantic Ocean with an unforgettable finish line on the beach.

Due to the weather conditions on race morning, IRONMAN and local officials made the decision in the interest of athlete safety and the strict benchmarks in place, the swim portion of IRONMAN 70.3 New York

triathlon shortened to a 750-meter (0.46 mile) swim.

The Northwell Health IRONMAN 70.3 New York – Jones Beach will return to Long Island’s South Shore on Sept. 28, 2024. General registration for the 2024 edition will open on Oct. 4, 2023.

Full results for the 2023 Northwell Health IRONMAN 70.3 New York – Jones Beach triathlon can be found at www. ironman.com/im703new-york-results.

For more information on the IRONMAN 70.3 New York triathlon, www.ironman.com/ im703-new-york. For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Media-related inquiries may be directed to press@ ironman.com.

Photos courtesy of Al Bello/Getty Images for IRONMAN

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

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

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Parrot Expo Is Back!

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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

For the first time since 2019, Parrot EXPO, presented by The Long Island Parrot Society is back!

Long Island’s only major exotic bird event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14 in Sayville! New, smaller venue, new lower admission price! Visit Live Parrots! Shop for everything parrot! Timed Raffles! Face Painting! Cage Sales! Freebies! Prize Wheel! Great presentations by Avian Enrichment Expert, Robin Sullivan! Network with other ‘Birdbrains” just like you! Vendors Include: Hagen (HARi) (Bird Food), NY Bird Supply (Bird Food), Dorothy’s Land of Oz (Great Parrotphernalia), Celltei (Bird Carriers, Backpacks, etc.); Leather Elves (Bird Toys), LI Parrot Society (Toy Parts, New & Gently Used Cages, Toys, Dishes, Tee Shirts & More), Bird Girl Pet Services (Bird Sitting & Grooming), American Federation of Aviculture (Legislation & Education)

Where: VFW Post #433 400 Lakeland Avenue, Sayville NY

When: Saturday, October 14, 10AM-5PM FREE Parking. Overflow lot on north side of church next door; walk-through pathway. Handicapped Accessible.

Adults $5.00; Senior (60+) $3.00; Under 12 $3.00; Under 2 Free!

Humans Only! Please Leave Pets At Home! More Information: 631-957-1100 Www. liparrots.org

Bird Walk At Jones Beach

Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk in the west end of Jones Beach State Park on Sunday, October 8, starting at 9:00 a.m. The group will meet in the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance, for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin, is on Bay Drive going west. Bring binoculars. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.

To register, text your name and contact information to 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains. Text regarding questionable conditions. For more information, log onto www. ssaudubon.org.

With fewer volunteers coming through the door, one population is stepping in to take up the slack – specialneeds individuals. As part

With A Decline In Volunteerism, Special-Needs Volunteers Are At A Premium

of their day, many specialneeds individuals perform a range of tasks for not-forprofits that help to keep the doors open and the milk of

human kindness flowing.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps survey, volunteer participation was

at 23.2 percent, a drop of 7 percent between 2019 and 2021 – the largest decrease the survey has seen since its 2002 inception.

Special-needs individuals step in to do the most basic tasks to more intricate things such as data entry, interacting with donors and computer and office tasks.

“Our clients make the decision about which organizations they’d like to volunteer with,” says Christina Abbinanti of Life’s WORC in Garden City. She said that clients participate as part of the Program Without Walls that allows special-needs individuals to integrate into the community. The clients volunteer at a range of organizations throughout the week. “They also learn valuable job and interpersonal skills.”

At Hair We Share on Long Island, special-needs volunteers keep the doors

open and allow the allvolunteer organization to continue to provide free, hand-laced wigs to medical patients. The wigs, which average $4,000 each, are custom fitted to patients.

“Volunteers are our life blood,” says co-founder Dean Riskin. “We have no paid staff. We have seventyfive-thousand ponytails we are sitting on that need to be sorted, weighed and bagged and we couldn’t do it without them.”

In addition to getting a warm feeling about helping, special-needs volunteers hone important work and

social skills that help them when they apply for jobs. Learn more about how your not-for-profit organization could partner with them by calling Abbinanti at 516-741-9000, extension 8640; or JoAnn Vitale of RISE Life Services in Riverhead at 631-7276220, ext. 224.

Riskin of Hair We Share, which also accepts donations toward the wig-making process, can be reached at 631-478-2966. Hair We Share is headquartered in Roslyn Heights.

Photos courtesy of Life’s WORC

Gourmet Catering Special #1

Package Includes: Dinner rolls, garden salad, plates, forks, spoons, knives, mapkins and serving utensils.

Large Trays (Choose One per 10 People)

• Baked Ziti

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Tomatoes

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• USDA Prime Hanger Steak (+ charge)

Give us 90 minutes to prepare your dinner.

Valid Monday - Friday 3pm - 6:30pm

Must call before 3pm

Local delivery is available for an extra charge