Congratulations to Farmingdale High School senior Luke Ferraiolo, who has been recognized as a News 12 Scholar Athlete Winner!
A gifted athlete excelling in cross country and track, Luke was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Bethpage Federal Credit
Union to acknowledge his accomplishments.
Each year, News 12 and Bethpage Federal Credit Union honor 30 exceptional student-athletes from Long Island who showcase excellence in sports and academics.
Luke is the fifth recipient of this esteemed award this
year and has been invited to the Scholar-Athlete celebration in June to celebrate with his fellow honorees.
Joined by his parents, younger brother Cole, Athletic Director Jeanne Berkoski, Coaches Ken Garcia and Thomas Londino, Guidance
Congratulations to Farmingdale High School senior Luke Ferraiolo, a News 12 Scholar Athlete Winner! He excelled in cross country and track and received a $1,000 scholarship from Bethpage Federal Credit Union for his achievements. Photo courtesy of the Farmingdale School District
Counselor Jackie Verre, and Principal Jed Herman, Luke was celebrated by News 12 and Bethpage Federal Credit Union for his outstanding academic achievements and extraordinary athletic skills.
Ferraiolo is a two-time All-County cross-country runner and has also earned Track accolades. He participates in swimming, volunteers for Little League, leads the Varsity Club with over 100 athletes and is
on the brink of becoming a published science researcher. Additionally, Luke is a member of the esteemed Farmingdale High School Marching Band, where he plays the baritone and euphonium.
MONDAY-FRIDAY. THROUGH 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
THURSDAY, NOV. 28th
THANKSGIVING DAY
9:30AM-12:30PM
OYSTER BAY TURKEY TROT BY THE BAY
The Longest Consecutive Turkey Trot in the Tri-State. All Proceeds go to Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary. Start Line: 36 Audrey Ave. Oyster Bay. For more information, please call 516-531-3323, Brendan Dagan.
9:15AM-12:00PM
MASSAPEQUA TURKEY TROT 5K Thanksgiving Day November 28, 8:30AM Fun Run - 9:15AM 5K Start Rain or Shine. John J Burns Park 4990 Merrick Road in Massapequa. Additional race information can be found at http:// www.massapequaturkeytrot.com
3rd - Daylight Savings Time Ends
5th - Election Day
11th - Veterans Day
28th - Thanksgiving
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
SATURDAY, NOV. 30th
9:00AM-4:00PM
CRAFT & VENDOR MARKET
St. Bernard Craft & Vendor Market, 3100 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Fresh Wreaths, Christmas Decorations, Sports Memorablia, Candles, Baked Goods... and so much more! For more information, please call 516-731-4220 or parish@stbernardchurch.org
12:00NOON-5:00PM
WANTAGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WINTER WONDERLAND
The Sixth Annual Wantagh Chamber of Commerce Winter Wonderland is graciously sponsored by the John Theissen Children's Foundation. Vendors, Food Trucks, Holiday Crafts and Treats, Santa Claus, The Grinch, Entertainment, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting and more. Location: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, visit info@wantaghchamber.com or call 516-679-0100
UPCOMING
DECEMBER EVENTS
SUNDAY, DEC. 1st
WINTER ON WELLWOOD
Rain date: December 8
Lindenhurst Village Square Park and Gazebo
12:00 - 3:00 PM - Santa in the Park and FREE Carousel
sponsored by Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce (Photos with Santa ends at 2:30 PM)
12:00 - 5:00 PM - Christmas Kindl Market, Community Wreath Display, Interactive Story-walk, Ice Sculptor & Carolers
4:30 PM - Holiday Parade Followed by Village Gazebo Tree Lighting
5:00PM
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 210 So. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst, celebrates the First Sunday of Advent with Scriptures and beautiful music led by the adult choir, youth choir, cantors, and instrumentalists. Reception to follow in the School Auditorium. Join us as we prepare for the coming of Christ into our hearts. For more information, please call 631-226-7725
SATURDAY, DEC. 7TH
10:00AM-3:00PM
ST. MARK'S CHRISTMAS FAIR 754 Montauk Highway (across from the Oconee Diner) in Islip. The fair is held in the office building’s Gathering Place. Santa, Decorated Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Ornaments, Toys, Craft Items, Jewelry, Cookie Walk, Raffles, Sweepstakes, Bake Table. December is a very busy time for Santa–but he’ll be at the Fair from around 11:00 to 12:30. For more information, please call 631-581-4950, https://stmarksislip. org
Geared for the military community, Hope For The Warriors will be presenting a free career readiness webinar with Robert Half, a talent solutions and business consulting firm, Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 12-1 p.m. EST.
Two Robert Half career experts will share expertise in career readiness, helping participants with essential skills for the job search process, such as resume building, interview preparation, and networking. Their insights reflect decades of experience
and a deep commitment to supporting military veterans as they integrate into civilian careers.
The goal of the event is to provide attendees with career strategies, industry insights, and practical resources to guide them in navigating the competitive job market. Participants can submit questions when registering or ask at the end as well.
As a part of Hope For The Warriors’ Warrior’s Compass transition program, the
Continued From 4
career readiness webinar series provides free training to help prepare those in the military landscape for a job search in today’s civilian climate. The workshops offer tools and tips, as well as opportunities to network with other service members, military spouses, and companies committed to hiring those with military backgrounds.
“At Hope For The Warriors our team of career coaches believe that providing career knowledge and building career mental fitness are powerful assets for our veteran community,” said Brian Papakie, director of transition services & life roles for Hope For The Warriors and a retired U.S. Marine veteran.
“This partnership with Robert Half brings decades of career expertise to our participants, equipping them with tools in resume building, interview prep, and networking. Together, we’re building pathways for our veterans to confidently step into civilian careers and connect with employers who value their unique strengths and dedication.”
To register for the free workshop, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
The workshop will also be streamed via Facebook
Live at facebook.com/ HopeForTheWarriors. About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
The holiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transactionit is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities.
Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
· Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
· Support the community:
· Strengthen the local economy: of the money spent at small businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
· Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
· Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration
Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
Principesa (Asparagus, Mozzarella, Red
In
Chops w/Broccoli Rabe •
Sorrentino (Prosciutto & Eggplant In A Light Brown Sauce)
• Stuffed Salmon w/Crabmeat In A Scampi Sauce
Farmingdale Village Fun continues into Fall with upcoming community events planned. Bring family and friends and enjoy upcoming community events in Farmingdale Village!
• Open Mic & Jam Session hosted by Chuck and Vinny, Thursday 12/5 (holiday theme), starting at 7pm at Village Hall, 361 Main Street. Music, poetry, comedy, stand-up, spoken word, dramatic reading, magic & other performances. Various types of performers (all ages) are welcome to participate ~ to register in advance, email openmicfarmingdale@ gmail.com, or sign-up that night, first come.
• Farmingdale Village Tree Lightings – Tuesday, 12/3, 6 pm - 361 Main Street - At the Gazebo, On The Village Green, 361 Main Street. Enjoy music by the South Shore Brass Ensemble, and the Farmingdale School Chorus will sing holiday carols. Gerngras Tree Lighting – Friday, 12/6, 7 pm - Staples Street and Hudson Street.
• 11th Annual Long Island Gingerbread
House Contest – Start planning your entries!
The Chocolate Duck in Farmingdale is hosting the annual Long Island Gingerbread & Chocolate House Competition, Saturday 12/7 at Noon. Come see the amazing entries @ the event - vote for the People’s Choice award ~ Prizes to be awarded ... 2024 Theme: Favorite Long Island Authors / Holiday theme - free for spectators. For more info, contact Christina: chocolateduckimages@ gmail.com or call 516249-0887 - Help feed LI’s hungry through Long Island Cares -bring non-perishable food donations, gift cards. Event is planned in conjunction with the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee.
• Colored Colors presents an Art Crawl along
Main Street downtown on Sunday 12/8, 12-4 pm. Sponsored by the Farmingdale Business Improvement District, Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce & more, (weather permitting)
• Farmingdale Family Friendly New Years Eve Ball Drop – Tuesday, 12/31, 7:30- 9pm, On The Village Green, 361 Main Street, free noisemakers, hot chocolate, fire pit, LIVE music & more! Sponsored by the Farmingdale Business Improvement District, Farmingdale Village & more, (weather permitting) “The Board of Trustees and myself look forward to seeing everyone downtown and throughout the Village. We welcome all new residents and businesses to the Village and thank all event planners and sponsors. Just a reminder to shop and dine local,” added Mayor Ralph Ekstrand. To contact Farmingdale Village call 516.249.0093, www.farmingdalevillage. com; Facebook events page: www.facebook.com/ farmingdale11735 www. farmingdalebid.com
The National External Diploma Program offers adults 21 and over, the opportunity to receive credit for their life experiences, and earn a high school equivalency diploma without the challenge of taking lengthy timed examinations.
NEDP, is a competency based program for students who are unable to attend classes or who prefer to work at home. Successful candidates for NEDP include former ESL students, students who have been out of school for prolonged periods of time,
or students who fare better without the structure of tests. This program is an alternative to other programs. Anyone interested should call Western Suffolk BOCES to meet with a counselor. Call 667-6000, Ext. 327 to register.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Long piece of squared timber
5. Emaciation
10. “Bewitched” boss Larry
14. Combining form meaning “different”
15. Current unit equal to 10 amperes
16. Older
17. Large, stocky lizard
18. Ringworm
19. Actor Pitt
20. Indian hand clash cymbals
22. Data at rest
23. Jeweled headdress
24. Indicators of when stories were written
27. Check
CLUES DOWN
1. Piece of felted material
2. Ancient Greek City
3. Aquatic plant
4. Potentially harmful fungus (Brit. sp.)
5. Body art (slang)
6. One who follows the rules
7. Ordinary
8. Honorably retired from assigned duties and retaining one’s title
9. Relaxing space
10. Japanese socks
11. Indian city
12. Rip
13. Icelandic book
30. Cigarette (slang)
31. Arctic explorers (abbr.)
32. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
35. Delivered a speech
37. A place to bathe
38. Postmen deliver it
39. Surface in geometry
40. More (Spanish)
41. __ and Venzetti
42. Exclamation at the end of a prayer
43. Hawaiian dish
44. Aggressively proud men
45. Fellow
46. Mark Wahlberg comedy
47. Mock
21. Satisfies
23. Where golfers begin
25. Small amount
26. Snag
27. Determine the sum of
28. A distinctive smell
29. Exposed to view
32. Stain or blemish
33. Small loop in embroidery
34. River herring genus
36. Large beer
37. Deep, red-brown sea bream
38. Partner to cheese
40. At a deliberate pace
41. Gurus
43. Of each
48. When you expect to get somewhere
49. Songs
52. Pair of small hand drums
55. Play
56. Sword
60. Evergreens and shrubs genus
61. Filmed
63. Italian Seaport
64. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea
65. Pores in a leaf
66. U. of Miami mascot is one
67. Snakelike fishes
68. Pretended to be
69. Body part
44. Angry
46. Popular beverage
47. Flower cluster
49. Blocks
50. Those who benefitted from efforts of relatives (slang)
51. Polio vaccine developer
52. A (usually) large and scholarly book
53. Popular soap ingredient
54. NBAer Bradley
57. Popular movie about a pig
58. Musician Clapton
59. Not a sure thing
61. Recipe measurement (abbr.)
62. Father
A local group of 30 dedicated volunteers just surpassed the $250,000 donated milestone, sponsoring 41 highly trained service dogs thus far to assist our Veterans and first responders in need.
“Friends of America’s Vet Dogs” was established in 2015 with the sole mission of helping our Veterans have a better life by getting them a service dog free of charge.
The all-volunteer non-profit community service group does this through America’s Vet Dogs, a 501c3 located in Smithtown.
Each dog sponsored by the group, which was founded by Sayville residents Cliff Miller and Patricia Summers, is
carefully named to honor an unsung hero of our military, someone who brought great credit to our military, or to recognize someone / someplace that significantly helped a Veteran in need.
One of the group’s sponsored dogs, Sully, served President George H. W. Bush until his death, and now continues to serve Veterans every day at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
“Friends of America’s Vet Dogs” was honored by the staff and CEO of America’s Vet Dogs John Miller at their Smithtown facility this week for reaching the $250,000 milestone. There are 30 active members of
the group, which raises awareness and funding for the crucial service with an annual Chinese Auction event, hosting information tables at community events, holding other fundraiser events and by speaking at local libraries, labor uMembers of the group are hopeful they will be able to sponsor their 42nd service dog by year’s end. They can be reached by writing to: Friends of America’s Vet Dogs, Attention Cliff Miller, PO Box 18, Bohemia, NY 11716-0018 or by email at vetdogs@aol.com Donations are tax deductible and checks should be made payable to America’s Vet Dogs.
At the WCF November 7 General Meeting, Pres. Lynda Leone made a motion, which was approved by the membership, to donate $500 each to GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) North Carolina and GFWC Florida in response to the catastrophic damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These two hurricanes were far and away the most expensive and deadly in recent years.
When Hurricane Sandy devastated areas of Long Island in 2012, the WCF was the recipient of several women’s clubs’ donations, including over $1,000 from a Virginia Women’s Club. These donations helped the families of several members build back their homes and personal property.
Also at this meeting, 1st VP Margaret Barrett scheduled a Senior Phone Scam and Safety Program presented by Police Officer Eugene Messmer. The topics included how to report a crime, how to prevent being a victim of a scam, Smart 911 Safety App, how to prevent theft from your vehicle and home and also how to report bias crimes. Thank you to Officer Messmer who has
been a police officer for over 24 years and who served honorably on Active Duty with the US Army. The club’s November lunch committee chaired by Barbara Hoerner and members Edie Allen, Loda Romanelli, Elaine Ryan and Rosemary Trudden prepared a beautiful table of homemade cakes, breads, cookies and fruit.
On Sunday, October 27,
Us” program. Members and friends met at the Farmingdale Village Green and walked to Northside Elementary School and back. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz stopped by for a photo op with WCF 2ndVP Debbie Podolski. The walk raised $310.
The Women’s club of Farmingdale, a local philanthropic organization,
members of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) and friends participated in a breast cancer walk in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) “Walk With
is always interested in welcoming new members. For more information, please email: lodaromanelli@ gmail.com #IAMGFWC
Submitted by Maria Ortolani, Publicity Chair
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the
applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents). This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals
unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel. state.gov.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 16th.
Letters received by Monday, December 16th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary. Red mailboxes will be accessible during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) at the following locations: Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage For information about Santa’s Mailboxes, call (516) 624-6380 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.
Ready for pickup Tuesday Dec. 24th
Available to order!
All Natural, Hormone & Antibiotic Free, Fully Cooked, Whole Young Turkey (Vegetable Diet Fed)
Antipasto Choose One
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
Main Course Choose One
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
First Course Choose One
• Meat or Cheese Lasagne
• Manicotti
• Stuffed Shells
• Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Linguine Frutti di Mare
Salad Choose One
• Garden or Caesar
• Spinach & Goat cheese w berries
• Boar’s Head Sweet Slice Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)
• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
Vegetable Choose Two
• String Bean Almondine
• String Bean Casserole
• Roasted Potato Wedges
• Eggplant Rollatine or Parmigiana
• Candied Yams
- Sautéed Broccoli
Holiday Feast - Order by Dec. 19 For Christmas Eve Pickup
