November 16, 2022 Farmingdale South

The Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County’s Annual Holiday Lightshow Expands Its Annual Celebrations

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and County Executive Steve Bellone are excited to announce the Girl Scout Holiday Light Show will be returning to Smith Point County Park in Shirley for the 19th consecutive year. This year, the drive-thru event which features more than a mile of illuminated holidaythemed displays, will take place from November 26th to December 30th. In addition to the annual drive-thru holiday attraction, new to this

year’s event, GSSC will also create an incredible walk-through Enchanted Forest and Holiday Village featuring 200ft light displays, photos with Santa, a picnic area for s’mores, music, and games at Southaven County Park in Yaphank. Along with being a favorite holiday attraction among families from throughout Long Island, the seasonal event serves as an important fundraiser for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County to help expand the access girls

throughout Suffolk County have to the empowering Girl Scout experience.

“The Girl Scout Holiday Light Show is an event we look forward to every year, and we are delighted to bring it back for families across Long Island to enjoy this holiday season,” said Tammy Severino, CEO and President of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “We are thrilled to be able to expand our annual traditions by introducing our new Enchanted Forest at Southaven County Park, which will host even more fun family activities. We hope everyone will come to join us in this amazing holiday tradition and are looking forward to creating new memories with all of you!”

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s annual holiday light show is a drivethrough show along a 1.5Continued On 18

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

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

www.mhaw.org

As home to 72,000 military veterans, Suffolk County has more veterans than any of the other 61 counties in New York State. With Veterans Day occurring in November, this month is a fitting time to recognize local organizations that serve the veterans community, such as our Charity of the Month, the Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).

MHAW offers a wide spectrum of assistance to Suffolk County veterans in respect to affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, peer support, and other services. This column focuses on MHAW’s permanent housing for veterans with support services.

In October of 2021, MHAW celebrated the opening of three new homes, adding to their capacity to offer permanent residences for formerly homeless veterans. The three houses became available through Suffolk County’s “Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act” where abandoned properties are transferred to non-profit organizations that serve at-risk and homeless veterans. The initiative is funded through New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s “Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.”

Ashanta Murray, a Navy veteran of eight years with three young children, is now living in one of the homes. “I was so proud to serve in the Navy – and to come home and try to find housing was such a struggle,” Ms. Murray said. “To serve your country and come home to face homelessness should never happen. This home for me and my children has been such a blessing.”

Aside from a new home, veterans receive such support services as employment and training opportunities, counseling, peer support, independent living skills training, linkage to primary healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, mental healthcare, childcare and other benefits.

The goal of this kind of permanent housing and support services is to prevent

chronic illness, promote a healthy and safe environment, promote wellbeing, prevent mental health and substance use disorders and to help veterans continue to live in their communities in a manner consistent with their abilities and goals. MHAW aims to purchase and rehab additional homes in the future.

“We owe our veterans deep gratitude and must ensure that they have the opportunity to thrive,” said Colleen Merlo, CEO of MHAW. “They cannot do that without safe and consistent housing. It is an honor to be part of this program.”

For several years, MHAW focused its attention on offering temporary housing for homeless veterans at a shelter in Yaphank. Through the efforts of MHAW along with community and government partners, Long Island has made significant strides in addressing homelessness among veterans in recent years. “We have reached a point where when a veteran is homeless, they do not remain homeless for very long,” said Ms. Merlo. “We are proud to have helped to support this trend through our affordable and permanent housing work as well as our focus on employment opportunities and support services to veterans and their families.”

If you are a veteran that is interested in MHAW’s services, please contact Marcelle Leis, the Director of Veteran Services, at 631-946-0147, or by email at mleis@mhaw. org.

Dignitaries and community leaders cut the ribbon on new permanent housing for veterans in Medford, NY in 2021.

9th Annual Long Island Gingerbread House Competition

The Ninth Annual Long Island Gingerbread Competition is set for Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at The Chocolate Duck, 310 Main Street, Farmingdale, New York. Calling all bakers - this year’s theme for entries is “Favorite Holiday Memories/Holiday Theme, etc.” However, the entries can be other structures / any Long Island inspired Gingerbread house original creation.

The Chocolate Duck, located in Farmingdale Village, is hosting the competition, which includes original Gingerbread houses, Adult and Youth Divisions, as well as Amateur and Open Divisions. Prizes will be awarded in each division and the entry deadline is December 8th. The competition opens to the public at noon on December 10th and includes a “People’s Choice

Award.” For additional information and entry forms contact: Christina Bisbee, cakegirl70@aol.com, 516249-0887. Help feed the

hungry, there will be a collection for locals in need - bring donations of nonperishable food donations for Long Island Cares.

Town Collects Blood Donations For Local Hospitals

To help hospitals meet the pressing need for blood, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino partnered with the New York Blood Center to host a blood donation drive at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

“Blood donations are extremely important to help secure necessary blood transfusions for patients. As blood supplies remain critically low, this blood collection drive, one of the largest in our area, was critical for our local hospitals,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. I thank everyone who donated the gift of life at our blood drive.”

To donate blood today, visit https://donate.nybc. org/donor/schedules/zip for more information and to make an appointment.

New Book Preview Days

Pink Out Day

TOWN COLLECTS BLOOD DONATIONS -

Supervisor Joseph Saladino (far left), Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato (back center) and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca (far right) join a local resident in donating blood.

NEW BOOK PREVIEW DAYS - The Howitt Middle School Library has New Book Preview Days. Brand new library books (over 1000) are displayed for three days so students can get a sneak peek. Then, on day four (Friday), it’s first come, first served. Kids usually line up at 7:55 am to be first to borrow the hot new books! Photo courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

PINK OUT DAY - Students, staff, families, and friends of Farmingdale schools participated in a district-wide Pink Out Day on Friday, September 21st. Pink Out Day is a day to honor those currently fighting breast cancer, remember those who have lost their battles, and celebrate those who are thriving. In addition, donations were collected for the “Make Cents Out of Breast Cancer” campaign, started by Farmingdale High School senior Mia Smith. Photo courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

Photo courtesy of Marketing Masters NY

The South Farmingdale Water District Is An Official Food Drive

Drop Off Site For Long Island Cares

Serving

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 the month of December 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

Park

Model Train Show To Benefit Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca 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.

Bravo Foxtrot United Veterans Inc.

Bravo Foxtrot United Veterans Inc. is a new non-profit charitable organization that provides aid to our local homeless veterans. They provide

temporary housing as well as holistic therapy, in hopes to ease their transition for when they reunite with their loved ones and communities.

Clothing donations are graciously accepted. For additional information visit www.bravofoxtrot.org.

Happy Halloween, Dalers! Farmingdale High School Seniors March In Halloween Parade

Farmingdale High School’s Halloween Parade is a long-standing tradition where seniors dress in elaborate costumes and march down the road to Woodward Parkway Elementary School. They are cheered on by family members, staff,

and students. Preparation for the parade begins months ahead of time. It’s high stakes, with the best costume being awarded the principal’s parking space for a week.

“There are many things that set Farmingdale apart from other high schools;

our school spirit and Daler pride are incredible,” said Farmingdale High School Principal Jed Herman. “Halloween is no exception. The Halloween Parade is a right of passage for our senior class.” Photos courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

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

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

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

Annual Thanksgiving & Christmas Open House Seasonal Shows!

Come join CENTRAL OPERATINGLINES LTD. as they Kick-Off their “Annual Thanksgiving & Christmas Holidays, Open House Train Shows!”

Saturday & Sunday, November 19th & 20th, and December 3rd & 4th, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Open to the general public and community.

Raffled Prizes, 50/50, and more!

Come see the recent upgrades and ongoing changes to the layout! There’s also a “LIONEL” INTERACTIVE ANIMATION layout for the children as well.

Contact Info: centraloperatinglines@

gmail.com or please call (631) 563-0173. Website: www.coltrains. com

Central Operating Lines Ltd. is located at 50-A Carlough Rd. in Bohemia, NY 11716 Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.

Did You Know?

(NAPS)—Slow down during the last half hour before you go to bed, advises Dr. Richard Shane, the licensed psychotherapist and sleep therapist who developed the Sleep Easily Method that leads you gently into sleep. Learn more at www. drshane.com and www. sleepeasily.com.

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Funding Award Delivered In Support Of Veterans And Military Families Affected By Food Insecurity

Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) was proud to present a $10,000 grant to the Island Harvest Food Bank to support Operation: HOPE – a program specifically designed to assist veterans, active duty personnel, and their families.

Founded in 1992, Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading hunger-relief organization on Long Island that provides food and non-food items to thousands of Long Islanders who are in need and are living with food insecurity, giving them a voice to help them transition from uncertainty to stability. Their mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island – this is accomplished through efficient food and product collection and distribution systems, enhanced hunger awareness and nutrition education programs, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, targeted services for specific populations, outreach activities and advocacy initiatives.

With their work directly supporting a wide network

of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans, families, and seniors, Island Harvest is among the region’s foremost agencies in emergency response readiness for food, product, resource distribution and support, and is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization.

In an effort to help veterans who are affected by hunger and living with food insecurity, Island Harvest launched Operation: HOPE to assist veterans, active duty personnel, as well as their families. The program is a mobile initiative that uses a veteran-serving-veteran model to offer peer support, in addition to bringing essential supplemental supplies that affect positive change in the lives of Long Island’s veterans.

“The work being undertaken by Island Harvest Food Bank is absolutely vital to our Long Island community,” said Senator John E. Brooks. “The commitment shown by dedicated volunteers and full-time staff to

helping out the members of our community that are most in need is admirable.

A longtime advocate for our military veterans, I am grateful to Island Harvest’s creation of the Operation: HOPE program, and I will continue to do all I can to support the program’s mission to provide veterans and their families with the healthy food, referrals, and assistance in maximizing government benefits that they need to maintain their independence.”

A specially designed mobile initiative, Operation: HOPE distributes healthy food in highly populated veteran communities, such as Liberty Village in Amityville and the Northern VA Hospital, and provides information and enrollment assistance for benefit programs such as SNAP. Operation: HOPE additionally provides home delivery to veterans who are disabled, homebound, or lacking transportation, ensuring the most vulnerable members of our community have access to the resources they need.

Senator Brooks’ Funding Grant To Provide 28,000 Meals To Long Island Homeless Community

Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) was proud to present a funding grant of $25,000 to Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank to help support their Hope for the Homeless program. Since its creation in 1980 by the late Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares had been on a mission to feed Long Island’s community and to stamp out the root causes of hunger. Their Hope for the Homeless program currently provides mobile outreach, including emergency food, supplies, and linkages to other resources, to approximately 800 homeless individuals – many of them veterans – on a monthly basis. In August 2022 alone, the Hope for the Homeless program distributed nearly 1,000 meals throughout

Nassau and Suffolk. When able, the organization also assists community members with securing housing or by providing housing referrals.

Having been involved with Long Island Cares since they were first established, Senator Brooks stated, “We are exceptionally fortunate that we have an agency like Long Island Cares that is able to reach those most in need, and that is so in tune with the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community, including our pets. I have seen the work they do — how many people they are actually able to help — and I have been to many of their facilities and have worked in their warehouse to get items ready. I know

the needs on Long Island are very high, so I just think it is a wonderful organization. I have seen firsthand the good work they do here, so I am very proud that I was able to secure this funding grant for them – anything I can do to help, I will do.”

Because of the funding grant that Senator Brooks was able to secure, Long Island Cares will be able to provide 33,750 pounds of food, or 28,000 meals, to be distributed throughout the Long Island Community.

Founded in 2011, Hope for the Homeless provides ready-to-eat food and personal care items to the street homeless on a weekly basis. For further information, please visit https://www.licares.org/.

FUNDING GRANT TO PROVIDE 28,000 MEALS TO LONG ISLAND HOMELESS - Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) was proud to present a funding grant of $25,000 to Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank to help support their Hope for the Homeless program. Pictured: Senator Brooks with Long Island Cares Staff (from left to right): Lisa Owens (Program Manager), Dr. Jessica Rosati (Chief Programs Officer), Senator John Brooks, Paule Pachter (CEO), and Marc Leonelli (Program Center Coordinator).

FUNDING AWARD IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) was proud to present a $10,000 grant to the Island Harvest Food Bank to support Operation: HOPE – a program specifically designed to assist veterans, active duty personnel, and their families. Pictured: Senator John E. Brooks with Randi Shubin Dresner (CEO, Island Harvest) and Island Harvest Volunteers.

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Town’s massive ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, December 3rd from 9am to 2pm (rain date is Sunday, December 4th). In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the Town is collecting toys to help families and those

less fortunate throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the ‘Cruise-Thru’, collection boxes are located at Town facilities through December 14th.

Supervisor Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we collected over 20,000 toys

for Long Island children.

I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”

The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents an excellent way to contribute directly to

the cause and help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, and a drop box where kids can drop their letters to Santa off at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.

“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be

receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our dropoff locations,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of families hardest hit by the effects of the coronavirus this holiday season.”

Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations: Oyster Bay Town Hall

North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay; Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa; Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage. For more information, please contact Councilman Tom Hand’s Office at (516) 6246309; or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

UPCOMING EVENTS In Farmingdale Village

Weekly Farmers Market

On The Village Green Farmers Market by Schneider’s Farm - Sundays for the 2022 season, through November 20th, 10 am to 2 pm, 361 Main St, weather permitting

Farmingdale Village was nominated again for Best of Long Island, “Best Downtown 2023”, and “Best Customer Service 2023” in the shopping category. Please vote 1X per day now through December 15th, while voting for All of your Farmingdale & Long Island Favorites www. bestoflongisland.com/voting/ Thank you!

Join the Holiday fun! The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 19th The parade begins at 12 Noon at Northside School & features a Farmingdale Public School Marching Band, Dalerettes Kickline and Hardscrabble Girl Scouts in holiday costume. Come see the parade along

Main Street and visit Santa at the Village Green! Santa will be handing out candy canes and saying hello to all the boys and girls. This is an opportunity to take your holiday photo with Santa, so bring your camera.

The Farmingdale Village Tree Lighting festivities are set for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 29th. Join local officials & the community for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting - featuring the Norway Spruce tree with LED lights “at the Gazebo, On The Village Green”. Enjoy music by the South Shore Brass Ensamble, and the Albany Avenue Senior Chorus are singing holiday carols, sponsored by the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are sponsored by the Farmingdale Village Merchants listed below (they also sponsored the ice cream for the summer movies/ concerts). Village Green: 361 Main Street, rain date 11/30.

The Gerngras Park Tree Lighting is set for 7 pm on Friday, December 2nd, (Staples St & Hudson St).

Youth Open Mic Night is set for Friday, December 9th, 7 pm, at Village Hall Acts, Individuals & Groups of all ages can register in advance via email: openmicfarmingdale@gmail. com, or can sign-up at 7PM at the event.

Limited seating inside Village Hall.

Free Farmingdale Community Events ~ Bring Family & Friends ~ Thanks to all sponsors, all involved! For more details please call Village Hall - 516-249-0093.

The 9th Annual Long Island Gingerbread House Contest - Saturday, December 10th, 12 - 4 pm at The Chocolate Duck, 310 Main Street ~ come see the amazing entries @ the event - vote for the People’s Choice award ~ Prizes to be awarded. This years theme: Holiday Theme/Memories, What do

the holidays mean to you, etc. For more info, contact Christina: cakegirl70@aol. com, call 516-249-0887, visit the Village website. There will be a collection for locals in need by Long Island Cares, please bring non-perishable food donations. The event is planned in conjunction with the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee.

Outdoor Events are weather permitting. In addition to Municipal parking lots throughout the Village, Weekend Parking is permitted at the Farmingdale Village LIRR parking lots, from 4pm on Fridays through Sunday nights.

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 Like/Follow Farmingdale Village Events and Happenings.

The Girl Scouts Of Suffolk County’s Annual Holiday Lightshow

mile trail at Smith Point County Park Campgrounds filled with dazzling holiday light displays, created by our Girl Scouts, Staff, and members of our communities throughout Suffolk County. The holiday event features more than 100 fun artistic, holiday-themed displays. This year, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County have added 5 exhibits that were conceptualized by local, award-winning Girl Scouts.

“I am so excited to welcome back the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show for the 19th year in a row,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “This year’s

show is expected to be even bigger and better with multiple exciting new holiday attractions. Not only is this a fun family tradition, it also serves as a critical fundraising event to ensure girls throughout the county are able to reach their full potential.”

The Girl Scout Holiday Light Show will be open daily from November 26th to December 30th, excluding December 24th and 25th, from 5 pm to 9 pm. The Enchanted Forest will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 pm to 9 pm from November 26th to December 18th and will run from December 26th to December 30th.

Since outgrowing its space at Camp Edey in

Bayport, in 2016, the fundraising event has been held at Smith Point County Park. The light displays are assembled and built-in part, by GSSC staff and dedicated volunteers from PSEG Long Island, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049 and Local 25, and the Long Island Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. Proceeds from the Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest benefit girl leadership programs as well as provide financial assistance for girls to join Girl Scouts and attend our summer camp program. Special pre-sale tickets are currently available at https://www.gssclightshow.

com/ through November 25th. After November 25th, online pricing will be available, or tickets can be purchased at the gates with a credit card. For more information, visit: https:// www.gssclightshow.com/

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County: The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is one of the largest youthserving 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.