November 9, 2022 Farmingdale South

Woodward

marching

Farmingdale School District

From The Desk Of Mayor Ralph Ekstrand

We hope everyone is enjoying the fall season with magnificent foliage, cooler weather, fairs and family fun seasonal activities! The weather was great for the 33rd Annual Columbus Weekend Fair and Parade and the community enjoyed the many festivities. Special thanks to the Farmingdale Fire Department for all of their efforts and to all who contributed, participated and attended.

Thanks again to NY State Senator Kevin Thomas for the $1,450,000 Grant, instrumental in several Village projects, including Fire Department upgrades and equipment. Thanks to previous chief Michael DiBartolo for all the paperwork on the grant’s application and deputy treasurer Dan Ruckdeschel for all the follow up. As previously announced, the breakdown of grant funds: $500,000 for the new water tower, $500,000 to bury electric wires along Main Street, and $450,000 for a new ambulance, ambulance upgrade and Gators for the Village Fire Department.

Update on these projects: the new water tower is nearing completion, and dates for the burial of the electric wires along Main

Street by PSEG Long Island are forthcoming. The Fire Department has received the new emergency equipment, a new ambulance and gators.

Fire Department ambulance photo courtesy of Senator Kevin Thomas’ office.

The Village of

Farmingdale welcomes several new merchants: Buster Moon Gift Shop at 336 Main Street, Necromantic Brew Co at 253 Main Street, Haunted Hamburger at 330 Fulton Street, and Gyro Taco House at 356 Fulton Street, among others.

Seasonal pop-ups are popular downtown and the recent Witchcraft Halloween Pop Up, inspired by the movie “Hocus Pocus,” has been very successful at Main Street Pizza Restaurant, in the heart of the Village. The popups change seasonally and are hosted by Main Street Pizza, congratulations on the ongoing success.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and local community, we mourn the loss of Patricia Christiansen. Patricia was devoted to the community and served the Village of Farmingdale as Trustee from 2006-2018 and as Deputy Mayor from 2008-2018. She also was a

member of the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee, helping with events such as Art in the Park and the annual Easter egg hunt, and other events. We extend our deepest condolences to Patricia’s family and friends.

We look forward to a great fall season, with continued outdoor/indoor community events, check the website for more details, www. farmingdalevillage.com. Just a reminder to shop and dine local, support the local merchants.

To join the Village email list, join via the website, or text “farmingdale” to 22828.

Farmingdale Village Public Meetings are held in the Village Courtroom at Village Hall, 361 Main Street, and follow local COVID-19 protocols. Members of the public may access upcoming meeting dates and more details on the Village website, www. farmingdalevillage.com.

Visiting The Pumpkin Patch

Cutting The Ceremonial Ribbon

Model Train Show To Benefit Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca today announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, November 19th and Sunday, November 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts

coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.

“We are pleased to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot, who coordinates or participates in many hobby shows that benefit the fundraising efforts of a sponsoring organization,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Assisting groups that not only bring a fun and

educational experience to residents of all ages, but also help preserve our history in understanding the railroad’s role in our heritage, is a great cause.”

Admission in to the exhibit is $5.00, children ages 4-11 years are $3.00 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free. For further information, please visit www.trainville. com or call (516) 433-4444.

VISITING THE PUMPKIN PATCH - Farmingdale United Methodist Nursery School students went pumpkin picking in their own private Pumpkin Patch to find the perfect one!

CUTTING THE CEREMONIAL RIBBON - Farmingdale School District held an intimate ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new state-of-the-art Aquatic Center on September 8, 2002, before the varsity girls’ first meet of the season. Pictured: Varsity Swim captains cut the ceremonial ribbon. Photo courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

LaMarca Offers Residents Free ‘Do Not Knock’ Stickers

Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that residents who wish to deter any potential door-to-door solicitors and peddlers can obtain a free, waterproof, vinyl ‘No Soliciting’ sticker through the Town Clerk’s Office.

Town Clerk LaMarca stated, “Now more than ever, our Town residents wish to remain unbothered

at home by the potential nuisance of door-to-door peddlers. My office offers free ‘No Soliciting’ stickers to homeowners as a way to set clear boundaries with anyone approaching your home looking to do unwanted business. Contact us today for a free sticker.”

Town Clerk LaMarca further cautioned residents to remember a few simple

guidelines to help avoid any potential pitfalls of being taken in by a fasttalking peddler or solicitor. Residents are advised to check for a current Townissued photo identification badge prior to doing any business with a door-todoor peddler. Photo ID issued by the Town Clerk’s Office is a good form of protection because it is issued only after an in-

depth background check of the individual has been made and full disclosure of the nature of their business is provided.

While nonprofit organizations are not required by law to have permits, Town Clerk LaMarca has urged these organizations to inform his office about when and where their members will be soliciting, with the

information then forwarded to the local police precinct, along with the solicitor’s names. This provides residents with another way of checking any official status a solicitor may have.

To obtain a free, waterproof, vinyl ‘No Soliciting’ sticker, please call (516) 6246333, and visit the www. oysterbaytown.com for further information on

services offered by the Oyster Bay Town Clerk.

Did You Know?

If you get a call from a government agency or other business asking for a payment, hang up. No one from a federal government agency will ask for money over the phone.

Antonio Bastos served 12 years in the Marines. He had always loved the uniform and had a strong love for our country. After his active duty he continued in the Reserves as well as being a civilian contractor. He currently resides in West Islip and works at Blinds To Go as an installation manager for the New York Region.

Some people look up to their heroes... I’m in love with mine. I couldn’t be more proud to walk side by side with him.

people live their entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don’t have that problem.

Kim Volz

Veteran Award Recipient For Canine Companions Honored

We’d like to salute World War II and Korean War veteran Peter Finocchio, whom wwe are honoring at our annual Salute Independence 2022 Veterans Day event on November 9th in New Hyde Park, New York.

Peter Finocchio was 16 years old when he, with his parents’ permission, enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines. He served two years as a Seaman during WWII, sailing cargo ships that carried gasoline, oil, ammunition, guns, food and medicine to England, France and Belgium.

Peter’s second introduction into his military life began when North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950. He was drafted at the age of 22 and inducted into the U.S. Army for basic training. He was assigned to the 297th Quartermasters and was sent overseas to Pusan, South Korea. The name of his ship was called “Victory.”

Peter managed a warehouse operation, supplying the 3rd Division on the front lines.

The 297th Company was housed in Tent City during the winter with temperatures forty degrees below zero. They used oil burners to heat their tents, but never had oil. Instead, they used wood, paper, car oil and anything that would burn. They slept on cots and wore all their clothes to try and stay warm. They were allowed to take a shower after 3 months.

Peter remembers those nights being dangerous and scary. “The Koreans had a scare tactic that kept men up all night when it was their watch. They called it, ‘Bed-Check Charlie.’ A fighter plane would fly over the U.S. troops and drop one bomb per night,” Peter remembers.

Peter was released from the army with an honorable discharge, and he displays his medals at home that he so proudly earned. He put himself through college and was employed in the Insurance

Industry in NYC until his retirement. He was a Casualty Manager and Vice President with several Market Leading Companies throughout his career.

He is blessed with three children Diane, Elaine and Peter and five grandchildren, Alyssa, Daniel, Tyler, Peter and Kathryn.

More and more, we see military veterans returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of the rise in cases, Canine Companions began their initiative in 2018 in order to support veterans in their day to day life. Canine Companions unites service dogs with their appropriate military veterans. The service dogs are trained by Canine Companions to perform physical tasks that help veterans live their lives independently. These tasks include, retrieving an item that was dropped, opening a door, picking up prosthetics, and even aiding in hearing loss by

drawing attention to sounds. Service dogs provide personal companionship for individuals who may face challenges when returning home from duty. While the future might seem unsteady, Canine Companions hope their service dogs will empower veterans towards physical independence and emotional stability.

To learn more about our Veterans Initiative program, visit: canine.org/veterans

The Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County Kicks-Off

Annual Mags & Munchies Program

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) is proud to announce that their annual Mags & Munchies Fall Product Program

is now open and will run through November 16, 2022. The Mags & Munchies program is a financial literacy program

where Girl Scouts sell various products, including magazines, and delicious nuts, snacks, and chocolates. The program presents Girl Scouts with an opportunity to give back to their communities— while providing girls with entrepreneurial, goal-setting, and decision-making skills in preparation for the start of the Girl Scout cookie season.

“We are incredibly excited for this year’s Mags & Munchies program,” said Tammy Severino, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, President and CEO. “Through this program, Girl Scouts will learn invaluable entrepreneurial, digital marketing, and e-commerce skills. The

Continued On 18

The South Farmingdale Water District Is An Official Food Drive

Drop Off Site For Long Island Cares

Serving

The Communities Of South Farmingdale, North Massapequa And Parts Of Bethpage, Seaford And Massapequa Park

The South Farmingdale Water District encourages community members to make food donations this holiday season at the Long Island Cares drop off site at the Water District headquarters.

Help us help others by making a food donation Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:00pm now through December 1, 2022 at the South Farmingdale Water District, located at 40 Langdon Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Top 10 Most Needed Items

• Cereals

• Low fat, boxed & non refrigerated milk

• Canned vegetables

• White rice

• Cooking oil

• Pasta, tomato sauce

• Canned meat, poultry, fish

• Peanut butter

• Jelly, jam & spreadable fruit

Please – no glass jars

Food insecurity is very high on Long Island, and if you or someone you know

is experiencing a troubling time, call 631–582-FOOD.

Farmingdale United Methodist Church Services In-Person And New Virtual Links

The Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, is open for inperson worship every Sunday at 9:30AM, and services will continue to be available online via Zoom and YouTube.

ZOOM https://us06web.zoom.us/j/516

6943424?pwd=TWtTVElWUHNXbjVNcn NMaG9wTVJrZz09 (meeting id 516 694 3424, password 11735) YOU TUBE https://youtube.com/ channel/UClgSzyU3mrowysIflmKONcQ

The Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County Kicks-Off Annual Mags & Munchies Program SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

program provides girls with new opportunities to learn important business skills while still having fun!”

Products can be ordered in person from a Girl Scout or picked up at local community locations during the Booth Sale season. Girl Scouts can also share a link to their personalized shop, where customers can choose to have products shipped right to their homes. Girls will build an online

shop, create an avatar that looks just like them, and record a message for their virtual likeness to deliver to friends and family. There are also many other ways for girls to engage in the program, including uploading their own personal videos, earning virtual rewards for their avatars, and tracking their progress.

This year, customers will have a variety of new snack options. Buyers can select healthy assortments, including the Cranberry Trail

mix, which includes cranberries, raisins, almonds, banana chips, walnuts, and cashews; or sweet treats like the Peppermint Bark Rounds or Mint Chocolate Trefoils. Each Girl Scout can accept orders through their digital store in addition to taking paper orders. Customers can also subscribe to hundreds of magazines or renew current subscriptions to benefit their favorite through their Girl Scout and her troop.

In addition, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County continue to support Long Island Cares as part of its ongoing efforts to support Long Islanders facing food insecurity. Those looking to support can purchase products through Care to Share, and the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County will donate products to those in need.

To learn more about Mags & Munchies and how to support local Girl Scouts, visit: https://www. gssc.us/en/cookies/fallproduct-sale.html

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County: The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is one of the largest youth-serving agencies on Long Island, serving over 15,000 members dedicated to the mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. For more information about Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www. gssc.us.

Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you.

Give us a call today! 631-873-4775

DIRECTORY

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET?

SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

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

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

Call The Classifieds 631-226-2636 Pres s 2

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

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

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

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

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 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

Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum Shares Expert Advice On How To Best Protect Your Trees From Winter Damage

Each fall, as the temperature drops and leaves begin to fall, homeowners routinely prepare their property by cutting back perennials and winterizing lawns, but most neglect to properly prepare their trees for the cold, harsh winter season. Long Island’s Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, which is known for its world-class arboreta, is regularly approached by homeowners, requesting tips on how the Level II Arboretum cares for and maintains its 500acre property with its diverse assortment of prized trees.

Ertugrul Kasap, the Master Gardener for Pinelawn’s meticulously maintained landscape explains, “Many trees that are not prepared for winter might be subject to stress, disease, fungus and physical damage. In New York especially, our trees undergo a large amount of stress from the cold, wind and ongoing wet conditions, but if you take the time to care for them now, you will help your beloved and beautiful trees withstand the harsh winter weather to ensure their vitality and growth come spring.”

Kasap emphasizes that homeowners should take tree soil

samples which should be done twice a year – in the fall and in the spring. Tree soil sample kits can be purchased at local home stores and will indicate if the soil needs fertilizer. “If a tree has the proper soil, it will have a huge health advantage,” explains Kasap. “This is comparable to a person having a healthy immune system — they are more likely to be able to fend off colds, viruses, and infections. If a tree has healthy soil, it is more resilient to fungus, disease, insect problems, physical damage, and climate/environmental conditions.” When purchasing the kits, it’s important to note that different types of trees, even in different parts of the yard, may require different types of fertilizer.

Kasap also encourages homeowners to inspect their trees now to check for vulnerability which can be identified by yellowing leaves or needles, early loss of foliage, thin canopy, decay, insect, or physical damage and broken branches, which can be dangerous. “If a tree is weak prior to the winter, it may have trouble surviving it,” says Kasap. If the tree is showing signs of vulnerability, a local arborist should be contacted. He also suggests homeowners

research the type of trees they have and keep up with the geographical data in their area to understand which trees may be most vulnerable during winter.

In regards to recently planted trees, Kasap advises watering them before temperatures freeze. He also explains that some recent fall plantings may require protection from harsh wind, which can be remedied by wrapping them in burlap. To prevent damage from heavy snow, he warns some trees may need to be tied up to

reduce the chances of the weight breaking their branches.

Lastly, homeowners should know that winter is the best time for structural pruning for most trees. “When the tree is dormant, cuts that need to be made will be less stressful to the tree,” says Kasap.

Pinelawn’s Arboretum, which was awarded Level II status from the International Arboretum Accreditation Program, ArbNet in 2021, is home to three distinct collections of trees. This includes their Noteworthy Collection, which boasts 10 of its highest priority and valued trees, including a Weeping Beech, its oldest tree at over 120 years old, with a crown size spread of 74 feet, and the Nikko Maple, its rarest, whose species originated in Japan.

Pinelawn has also been recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

With a focus on education, Pinelawn annually organizes and hosts annual events that are free of charge and open to the public to educate them about the variety of special arboreta on its property,

including its Fall Foliage and Spring Arboretum Tours.

“Our staff takes great pride in maintaining a healthy, tranquil and beautiful environment for families throughout our gardens,” said Justin Locke, President of Pinelawn. “We are happy to be able to share our knowledge with the community so that together, we can enjoy the natural beauty of the environment.”

Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, located in Farmingdale, New York, is a non-sectarian cemetery prided on creating and maintaining a beautiful and serene environment where families can find tranquility and comfort. Its open and expansive landscape features hundreds of acres of manicured grounds, unique architecture, flowing bronze fountains, and flower-lined walks. Its beautiful memorial gardens offer all who visit scenic beauty where they can reflect upon their loved ones in peace. For information on Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, or to schedule a tour of the property, visit www. pinelawn.com or call 631-2496100.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

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

www.mhaw.org

Since Veterans Day occurs in November, our Charity of the Month is one of Suffolk County’s foremost advocates for the interests of our veterans, the Ronkonkoma-based Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).

MHAW offers a wide range of support services to Suffolk County veterans by connecting them with affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, case management, financial and legal referrals, employment assistance programs, and food pantries to help combat food insecurity.

This article in particular focuses on one important component of MHAW’s veteran services, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Named to honor the memory of an Iraq War hero and Army medic from Mt. Sinai who lost his battle with PTSD, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is a peer-to-peer initiative offered in collaboration with the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.

The Dwyer Project serves veterans, service members, and their families with such post-service transitional issues as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury, although a formal diagnosis is not required for participation. They offer weekly peer groups both in person and virtual, and they also host monthly in-person community resource activities as well as a bi-monthly senior veteran group.

The Dwyer Project’s trained “Veteran Peer Mentors” have served in various branches of the Armed Forces and understand the reintegration needs of those who have been in the military, regardless of era or branch of service. This Project accepts all veterans, no matter their discharge status. All group sessions are confidential and anonymous in a safe, and trusting environment, free of judgment.

“Peer specialists are critical allies for our veterans,” says Colleen Merlo, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness. “They understand what other veterans are going through and can offer

As described by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, peer support workers are “people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse.”

It is a true power to have this type of communication,” said one a local veteran that is involved with The Dwyer Project.

“My facilitators are fantastic in organizing programs and ideas for how to help each other. The group is fundamental to what we need. When you get veterans together and get them talking, they can work out their issues. This is one of the most important programs for veterans I have ever seen.”

The Dwyer Project’s free, confidential, peer-to-peer approach has attracted support from both veterans and mental health professionals statewide. In fact, this year’s state budget includes funding for this Project in all 62 counties. Additionally, a national veteran peer initiative is pending in Congress, and it all started here in Suffolk County.

If you are a veteran interested in peer-to-peer support, or if you know a veteran in need, call (516) 807-4952 or email mcorinne@mhaw.org. Also, please visit www.dwyerproject.org for more information.

To every veteran this Veterans Day and always, thank you for your selfless service.

support, advice, and suggestions to enhance recovery-oriented care.”