Town Encourages Residents To Help ‘Shut The Door On Hunger’
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand encourages residents to help ‘Shut the Door on Hunger’ for residents who face food insecurities. The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to participate with the Women’s Club of Farmingdale in a food collection drive at the Farmingdale Public Library. Now through December 6th, residents can drop off non-perishable food items at the library on Fridays, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
“During the school year, when schools are open, students that qualify receive
a free breakfast and lunch. However, when the district is closed for holidays and school breaks, food insecurity for those students intensifies,” explained Councilman Hand. “The Women’s Club of Farmingdale created a program to help ‘shut down hunger’ by providing nonperishable food items and/or gift cards to local food stores to ensure all local children have access to the healthy food they need every day to thrive until schools open again.”
Specific foods requested include:
• Boxed milk
• Breakfast bars
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Snacks including small bags of chips, fruit rollups, goldfish)
• Rice
• Cans of beans, veggies, fruit
• Cereal
• Pop tarts
• Soup cans or ramen
• Cookies and crackers
• Apple sauce
• Canned ham, tuna, chicken
• mayonnaise
For more information on the ‘Shut the Door on Hunger’ and other Women’s Club of Farmingdale programs, contact (516) 655-9905.
Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings
12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information e-mail or call:
Donna526@aol.com or (631) 835.8788; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org
The Town of Oyster Bay and the Farmingdale School District (FSD) held a Street Dedication Ceremony on October 8, 2024 in memory of Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice Ferrari, “two beloved educators who dedicated
Street Dedication Ceremony For Two Farmingdale School District Educators
their lives to Farmingdale and its students” and tragically lost their lives in the Band Camp School Bus Accident on September 21, 2023. “They were not just teachers but role models – beacons of light and inspiration.”
“As students, faculty, residents and visitors pass by 10th and 11th Streets, along Woodward Parkway, they will forever remember two educators who gave their all by instilling knowledge, determination, curiosity, dedication, love
Tina Diamond
and hope in the lives of those they taught” - Gina as a passionate and innovative music teacher and band leader and Bea as a retired history teacher who devoted over three decades to the FSD students. Bea was also a longstanding member of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) where she chaired several committees and, with her signature humor and fanfare, the club’s annual Lemon Auction. Representing the club at the dedication were Lynda Leone, President, Tina Diamond, Linda Kreussling and Sue Perma. Opening remarks by Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini, an Honor Guard from the Farmingdale & South Farmingdale Fire Departments, a Pledge of Allegiance by the Farmingdale Fire Department, a National
Anthem by the Farmingdale High School Marching Band and an Invocation by the Rev. George Oppong Afriyie from St. Kilian’s Parish preceded remarks from the Hon. Bruce A. Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, the Hon. Joseph
Saladino, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor, and members of the Pellettiere and Ferrari families. While the street dedications and unveiling of signs took place, the Farmingdale High School Marching Band provided an exceptional musical performance. A blessing by Rev. Afriyie and closing remarks by Supt. of Schools Paul Defendini completed the dedication ceremony.
May the spirits of Gina and Bea continue to inspire us all.
The Women’s Club of Farmingdale, a local philanthropic organization, is always interested in welcoming new members. For more information, please email: lodaromanelli@gmail. com. #IAMGFWC
Submitted by Maria Ortolani, WCF Publicity Chair
Back Row: Linda Kreussling; Front Row L-R: Sue Perma, Pres. Lynda Leone,
Tricks, Treats, And Theatre
Farmingdale High School’s 4th Annual Safe Halloween Event Is A Spellbinding Success
Farmingdale High School’s 4th Annual Safe Halloween Event was back and more exciting than ever, providing young Dalers with an unforgettable experience.
On Saturday, October 19, the school was transformed into a Halloween town, enchanting all who entered.
Hundreds of tiny trickor-treaters gathered at this year’s Safe Halloween
event to explore a maze of intricately decorated halls, each featuring a unique theme. The school was transformed into a Pumpkin Patch, Princess Retreat, Toon Town, Witches Kingdom, Superhero City, Mission Space, and Alice’s Wonderland. However, not only the decorations contributed to the event’s allure. Theater students from Farmingdale High
School wore costumes and fully embraced their roles, engaging with visitors, posing for photographs, and distributing candy. After the trick-or-treating, families were invited into the Big Top gymnasium, where a fun circus awaited.
A Día de los Muertos dance captivated audiences; nearby, a face painting station transformed young faces into unicorns, tigers, and superheroes.
Safe Halloween was a spellbinding success, all thanks to the Farmingdale High School theater students who charmed the little ones with their enchanting antics! Photos courtesy of the Farmingdale School District
The aroma of popcorn and cotton candy wafted through the gym, inviting all to indulge in the sweet treats.
Executing an event like Safe Halloween requires a great deal of effort, and the Theater Program students dedicated weeks to meticulously organizing every aspect. Several groups collaborated to bring the Theatre 4 students’ ideas to life, including Farmingdale
High School’s Art Honor Society, Real Harmony, Thespian Honor Society, Playcrafters, and the PTA.
“Safe Halloween is not just a fun event for the community, but a chance for our students to showcase their talent and passion for the arts,” said Glen Beck, theater teacher at Farmingdale High School. “I couldn’t be prouder of them. Our students worked tirelessly
to ensure every detail was perfect, which paid off.” Looking ahead, the excitement for next year’s event is already brewing. Each year, the anticipation grows for what new themes and creative ideas the students will bring to life. It’s clear that Safe Halloween has become a cherished tradition, and the community eagerly awaits the next opportunity to celebrate together.
Celebrating its fourth anniversary, Safe Halloween has become a spooktacular tradition for Farmingdale families!
After trick or treating, guests enjoyed activities like face painting and cotton candy at the spectacular Candy Circus at Farmingdale High School!
Safe Halloween was a wonderland where Farmingdale High School theatre students shined, and trick-or-treaters had a magical time
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, NOV. 15th
9:30AM
DIVINE LITURGY
ADVENT SEASON
IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
The Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 AM at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The season of the Nativity Fast (Advent) begins on November 15 in the Orthodox Church. All services are conducted in English. Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. For any inquiries, email us at htocem@gmail.com or check the parish website, www. htocem.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16th
9:00AM-11:00AM
SANTAPOGUE CREEK
DEFENDER CLEAN UP Santapogue Creek Defender Clean Up/West Babylon in collaboration with Babylon Rotary. Meet up is in old K-mart parking lot, Montauk Highway (across from Aldi). Gloves and bags to be provided. Please wear weather appropriate clothing. Volunteer here https:// savethegreatsouthbay.org/volunteer/
10:00AM-11:00AM
WILDLIFE WONDERS: FURRY FRIENDS
Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, stories, play, and more. An experienced educator will lead your youngster through hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more! For children ages 2-4y.
HOLIDAYS
3rd - Daylight Savings Time Ends
5th - Election Day
11th - Veterans Day
28th - Thanksgiving
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
Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown.
For more informaton, please call 631-979-6344, https://www. sweetbriarnc.org/
10:00AM-1:30PM
WANTAGH KIWANIS FOOD DRIVE HUNGER affects people in EVERY community of ALL ages throughout the YEAR. Please join us at the King Kullen on Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Locally Benefitting: St. Francis Food Pantry & St. Jude Episcopal Food Pantry - Wantagh. For more information, please call Marlena Schein 516-297-2772
SUNDAY, NOV. 17th
DOORS OPEN AT 1:30PM BUNCO FUNDRAISER
The Joseph Barry Columbiettes are sponsoring a BUNCO fundraiser on Sunday, November 17th at the Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus hall (45 Heitz Place, Hicksville). Games will begin at 2 o'clock. RAFFLES AND PRIZES, 50/50 For more information, please call Susan at 516-680-8487, or email SueSarandis@gmail.com
MONDAY, NOV. 18th
7:00PM START
HOLIDAY BINGO
The Long Island Society of Italian Americans(LISIA) is having a Holiday Bingo at St Mary’s Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Avenue, Lynbrook. $45.00 per person, spaghetti and meatball dinner served family style, coffee, dessert and a cash bar. 2 games of Bingo, fun prizes awarded, share the
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.
wealth raffle. Reservations required, please call Diane Langella 516-3983484 for information.
TUESDAY, NOV. 19th
7:00-9:00PM
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet and the Islip Public Library will co-host a showing of Gerald Charles Dickens movie, "A Christmas Carol". Mr. Dickens is the great-greatgrandson of Charles Dickens and he performs his one-man show in Rochester, England, where Dickens lived. The movie will be shown at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave; there will be light refreshments. The movie is free and open to the public but registration is required, call 631-581-5933. For more information visit www. isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915.
MONDAY-FRIDAY. NOV 21st- DEC 16th
9:00AM-4:30PM
TOY DRIVE
Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney would like to encourage your participation in his Toy Drive. Please Drop off a new & unwrapped toy, book or game at Babylon Town Hall Lobby, 200 East Sunrise Hwy. in Lindenhurst, to help bring the joy of the holiday season to those less fortunate. This annul event in run in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps., who distribute the items to children in need. For more information, please call 631-957-3081.
“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@oysterbayny.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.
LongIsland Me ’Tis season support
Small businesses are the backbone those establishments across economic development programs. community. It’s how we keep
Learn more about how we’re
’Tis the season to support.
backbone of our communities. That’s why we’re proud to give back to across Long Island and in The Rockaways through our energy efficiency and programs. You too can help support them by shopping for gifts in your keep our local economy strong and how we stick together on our island.
we’re supporting local businesses at psegliny.com/businessfirst.
Town Recycles Thousands Of Shells From Oyster Festival
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with Town officials to showcase the thousands of oyster shells which were collected during the weekend of the Oyster Festival, which will be recycled through the Town’s Shell Recycling Program.
The shells, amounting to roughly four tons, were 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.
“You can’t have the Oyster Festival without oysters, and thousands of residents enjoyed this delicacy during the weekend’s festivities.
Thanks to the Town’s Shell Recycling Program, we can make sure the shells will not go to waste and be recycled back into our waters.”
The Supervisor explained that shells provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow and mature, offering protection from weather conditions and predators.
“It’s amazing what can happen if we just let Mother Nature take its course – which just a little help from us,” Supervisor Saladino said. “These shells offer great protection from weather conditions, and also help defend growing shellfish from predators. They are essential to our waterways and local marine environment, as they filter water through their feeding mechanisms.”
As just one single shellfish can filter up to 50 gallons of seater per day, environmental initiatives such as this new recycling
program have remained a priority for the Town Board.
“We appreciate everyone in the community and the food vendors who have helped collect shellfish as part of this wonderful program,” said Councilwoman Johnson.
“This initiative helps us restore the populations in our harbor while improving water quality. It also assists local restaurants toward achieving compliance requirements with state regulations on food donation and recycling, as well as reducing waste carting expenses.”
Any restaurant owner interested in partnering with the Town on the Shell Recycling Program can visit the Town’s website for more information, at www.oysterbaytown.com/ shellrecycling.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (right) and Town officials show a sampling of the four tons of oyster shells collected at the Oyster Festival, to be recycled back into the waterways to improve water quality and help with growth of new shellfish. Shown are Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Receiver Jeff Pravato, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Supervisor Saladino.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Schoolhouse tool
7. Martens
13. Slags
14. One who scrapes
16. Centiliter
17. White wine
19. Of I
20. Former Syracuse great Warrick
22. Relating to the ear
23. Sandwich shops
25. Victories
26. White (French)
28. Self-immolation by fire ritual
CLUES DOWN
1. Cream puff
2. Road open
3. Stressed syllable
4. Thailand’s former name
5. Cologne
6. Recounted
7. Garment of cloth
8. Airborne (abbr.)
9. Reproduced
10. Emits coherent radiation
11. “Westworld” actor Harris
12. Smallest interval in Western music
13. Unstressed central vowel
29. Genus of parrots
30. Unhappy
31. Talk incessantly
33. Type of Squad
34. Unit of perceived loudness
36. Violent seizure of property
38. Agave
40. Sound units
41. Removes from record
43. Partner to Mama
44. Mythological bird
45. Dash
47. Hair product
48. Two-year-old sheep
15. Lives in
18. When you expect to get somewhere
21. Storage bags
24. One who covers with plastic
26. Cast out
27. Automobile
30. Repaired shoe
32. Belonging to the bottom layer
35. Possesses
37. Soda
38. Programs
39. In an unexpected way
42. A bag-like structure in a plant or animal
43. For each
51. Signs a deal
53. Conifer
55. Autonomous republic in NW Russia
56. Wife of Muhammed
58. British Air Aces
59. Ears or ear-like appendages
60. Not caps
61. Deep-bodied sea dweller
64. Rural delivery
65. Feeling
67. Study of relations of organisms to one another
69. Room to argue
70. Question
46. Unbelief
47. Seized or impaled
49. Arrive on the scene
50. Especially happy
52. Classic western film
54. Split pulses
55. Frida __: Painter
57. Start again
59. Employee stock ownership plan
62. Young women’s association
63. Frozen water
66. “The First State”
68. Computers need one
Saladino And Town Board To Collect DVDs For U.S. Troops & Children’s Hospitals
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted during the month of November and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights
this holiday season.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with Big Hy for Heroes for our Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women and children by donating DVDs.”
The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with
his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world and continues to do so today.
Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations, weekdays from 9am to 4:45pm: Town Hall North – 54
Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South – 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.
Retiring Early
According to Gallup’s 2021 Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average individual in the United States is retiring earlier than many people might expect. Gallup found that the average retirement age was 62, which is two years earlier than the working respondents
indicated they planned to retire. Canadians are retiring a little bit later than their American counterparts, as Statistics Canada reports the average retirement age in Canada is just over 63 and a half. The average retirement age is worth noting, as studies routinely find that many
working professionals greatest concern about retiring is that they won’t have enough money saved to meet their needs. By recognizing that they may end up retiring earlier than they initially planned, professionals can make a concerted effort to save more money in the years ahead.
“2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
Autos
Farmingdale School District Proposes Transformative Bond Referendum
Propositions Include Roof Repairs, The Development Of A State-Of-The-Art Career And Technical Education Center, And The Enhancement Of Facilities For Fine And Performing Arts
The Farmingdale School District has announced the scheduling of a bond referendum vote for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, that includes two propositions.
Proposition One focuses on roof repairs and replacements at all six school buildings in the District. All existing roofs are original to the buildings, significantly exceeding the 20-year expected lifespan of the roofing materials. They are also out of warranty, making continued maintenance more expensive and difficult. Proposition One also calls for the upgrading of the District’s electric infrastructure, ensuring future capacity for additional core curricular activities and the support of ongoing technology upgrades and power requirements.
Proposition Two focuses on the needs of the District’s Career and Technical Education program and the District’s Fine and Performing Arts program.
As noted by Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini, “In 2016, the Farmingdale community approved a referendum that allowed us to give our growing varsity and junior-varsity athletes the facilities they deserved. Equally important, our sports complex, including our aquatic center, created opportunities for our community that did not exist before.
With Proposition Two of this referendum, we are looking to do the same thing for the over 1,000 students in our CTE and Fine and Performing Arts high school programs - replace our aging and inadequate facilities in these two areas with updated, modern spaces that will better serve our students’ education
and skills development. These spaces will also provide opportunities for community use and deepen the connections between our community and students.
The proposed referendum totals $78 million, of which $22.15 million is for roof and electrical upgrades, and $55.85 million is for CTE and Fine and Performing Arts physical space additions, a new and repositioned high school health office to enhance building security, and a new and expanded security vestibule and front entrance.
Proposition One must be approved by voters for Proposition Two to pass.
“State aid will pay for over 55 percent of total bond costs, amounting to over $43 million coming from State sources,” noted Assistant to the Superintendent for Business Michael Motisi. “Additionally, because current District debt will be coming off the books as new debt will be coming on, the tax impact on Farmingdale residents
will be greatly reduced.
Based on current market conditions and projections of what the bond market will be when these bonds are sold, it is estimated the annual tax impact for the average Farmingdale School District homeowner of both propositions being approved will be limited to $70 per year for the life of the bonds. “This philosophy of managing District debt enables the District to both manage taxpayers money and construct new facilities that will provide unprecedented opportunity for both our students and our community.”
Superintendent Defendini added, “We are excited to take this step into the future and provide our students with the best opportunities to reach their full potential. Just as we have made great strides in our physical education and sports programming with the creation of our sports complex, we are looking to move our CTE and Fine and Performing Arts programming to
a higher level, offering greater opportunities for our students to follow their passions and career interests.”
To help ensure residents in the Farmingdale community have all the information they need to make an informed vote on January 7, 2025, the District has arranged a series of presentations and workshops, created a dedicated Bond referendum section on the District website that includes a portal for residents to submit questions, and will be mailing out information newsletters to the community. For more information about Bond 2025 and to access a detailed calendar listing of when and where the District’s meetings will take place, visit the District’s website at www.farmingdaleschools. org.
The referendum vote will take place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School West gymnasium from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
APPETIZERS (CHOOSE ONE)
Stracciatella Soup • Rice Balls • Pasta e Fagoli Soup
Verona Salad • Caesar Salad • Mozzarella Caprese
Eggplant Rollatini • Fried Calamari (Traditional or Sweet Chili)
Artichoke Oreganata • Baked Clams
ENTREES (CHOOSE ONE)
Prix Fixe Dinner $39pp
Turkey Traditional Dinner 3 Course:
Served with Gravy, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Baby Carrots, String Beans
Penne alla Vodka:
Shallots, Prosciutto, Vodka in Tomato Basil Sauce With A Touch Of Cream
Pappardelle Bolognese:
Authentic Meat Sauce with Green Peas Topped with Ricotta Cheese
Orechiette alla Verona:
Imported Pasta Sautéed with Sausage, Sundried Tomatoes, Chick Peas, and Rapini Garlic and Oil
Zucchini Linguini: (Vegan)
In a Spicy Marinara Sauce with Crispy Shitake Mushrooms
Porcini Risotto: (Vegetarian)
Riscotto Tossed in Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Topped with Shaved Parmesan
Pollo: (Choose side: Penne or Vegetables)
Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala, Toscana
Eggplant Parmesan: Melted Mozzarella Baked in Marinara
Shrimp Scampi: Garlic, Butter, White Wine and Lemon, Served over risotto with vegetables
DESSERTS (CHOOSE ONE)
Cannoli • Pumpkin Cheesecake
Flourless Chocolate Cake • Tiramisu
Prix Fixe Dinner $46pp
Turkey Dinner 4 Courses With Lasagna:
Served with Gravy, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Baby Carrots, String Beans
Chicken Valdostana:
Breaded Breast of Chicken Topped with Prosciutto, Melted Mozzarella, Porcini Sauce, Served with Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables
Grilled Pork Chop:
Topped with Mushrooms,Onions, Cherry Peppers, Served-Roasted Potato and Vegetables.
Sole Portofino:
Parmesan Encrusted in a Lemon White Wine Sauce, Served with Risotto
Salmone Fiorentina:
Fresh Salmon Pan Seared in a Lemon Beurre Blanc, Served with Sautéed Spinach
Veal: (Choose side: Penne or Vegetables) Marsala, Parmigiana, Sorrentino, Piccata
Branzino Oreganata (Add $6):
Fresh Mediterranean Sea Bass, Topped with Seasoned Breadcrumbs in a Lemon White Wine Sauce with Shrimp
Crispy Duck (Add $6):
Fresh Long Island Duck in an Orange Cranberry Glaze Served with Wild Rice & Vegetables
Steak (Add $9):
Grilled, Topped with Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella in Barolo Wine Sauce, Served with Onion Rings
Choose Any Entrée from Daily Specials $9 Additional with Package #2
$10 Additional On Saturday