December 28, 2022 Farmingdale South

Staying Sober During The Holiday Season

By Christopher Yadron, PhD, CEO at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research

Whether you are newly sober or have maintained your sobriety long-term, you likely know that recovery is a lifelong journey. While challenging, maintaining sobriety is possible – even during the holiday season.

Deemed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can also be quite stressful and triggering for those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The season “to eat, drink and be merry” is often filled with holiday-themed cocktails at work parties, eggnog at friendly get-togethers, and an open bottle of wine at family events. So how does one focus on staying sober during the holidays? The team at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, an addiction treatment facility in Calverton, NY, believes it is by identifying and utilizing

appropriate coping skills developed through advanced addiction treatment.

Here are six coping skills that may be helpful for staying sober during the holidays:

• Delay the decision: When feeling triggered or experiencing urges to use alcohol, put off making that decision for just 15 minutes. Many urges will go away if you do not give in immediately. Use that 15 minutes to remind yourself that the strength of the urge will decrease if you remain strong and wait it out.

• Use grounding techniques: Grounding techniques take an individual through their 5 senses, helping them remain in the current moment rather than focusing on the thoughts that are urging them to use. Grounding techniques are a powerful coping skill

that allow an individual to remain in the present moment and tune into their surroundings. Examples might include appreciating a holiday light display, savoring the smell of cookies baking in the oven, or listening to your favorite holiday music.

• Change your thoughts: Managing thoughts about using can help an individual cope with the urges. Some ways to change your thoughts about using are:

- Find new thoughts to challenge the current ones that lead to use. For example, “My track record has proven that I cannot have one drink and then stop.” The more you challenge the thoughts that allow for use, the more comfortable you will get in utilizing this technique.

- Think about the benefits

of recovery. Thinking through the positive consequences of not using will help to weaken the urge to use drugs or alcohol.

- Think about the negative consequences. Reminding yourself about what you can lose and how using will negatively impact your future can be helpful in curbing the impulse to use. Some individuals find it helpful to carry a card that lists both positive and negative consequences to serve as a reminder.

• Do something else: Finding a healthy activity that one can do immediately interrupts the thought process and distracts the individual from the urge to use. Healthy activities can be enjoyable and provide a sense of accomplishment. These activities should occur in a space safe from

triggers.

• Utilize deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. It is a wonderful coping skill to prevent relapse as it is discreet, allowing it to be used in a variety of situations.

• Don’t Try to do it Alone: It is crucial that an individual battling SUD

CHRISTOPHER YADRON, PH.D. Continued On 7

Winter 2023 Toddler Sports Program Online Registration Begins on January 3rd

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Toddler Sports Program will return this winter, beginning on January 31st. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins on

January 31st and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one, six-week session per child. Classes will take place on: Tuesdays at 10am or 11am at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and Thursdays at 10am or 11am at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Online Registration will begin on Tuesday, January 3rd at 9am through the Parks Department Portal available at oysterbaytown. com/parks. Residents must create an account on this website to register their child and upload proof of residency and the child’s birth certificate. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity. Space is limited- first come, first

serve.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

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and running.

12 year old male. Terrier Mix.

Active senior. Full of spunk and mischief. Sweet natured.

8 year old Lhaso Apso and 5 year old Yorkie mix. Bonded pair. The best of friends.

WOBBLES

2 year old male. Pit mix.

Affectionate. Handsome boy with a “pawsitive” attitude.

PEPPERCORN

OLD MAN JENKINS 8 year old male. Labrador mix. The perfect companion to have by your side.

HERMAN & LILY

Staying Sober During The Holiday Season

trustworthy

during the holiday season can provide a safe place for an individual to discuss their triggers. When attending a holiday event, having someone there to support your sobriety is monumental. It is important to alleviate the pressure of feeling like you’ll have to get through it alone.

Staying sober during the holidays can be an empowering feat, but it is important to remember that recovery is a journey and that relapses do occur. More importantly, a relapse doesn’t mean that you are a failure or that you should give up on sobriety. If you or a loved one are struggling this holiday season, or fear relapse, reach out to our team at Wellbridge at 631.840.0762 for advanced support; we are here to help you.

Serving Up Some Holiday Cheer

Farmingdale families took a much-needed break from shopping and wrapping to enjoy a festive morning of food, fun, and holiday spirit. On Saturday, December 10, Farmingdale

High School hosted its annual Holiday Breakfast.

It featured volunteers from the PTA, Farmingdale High School theatre students, JV Cheerleaders, Varsity girls lacrosse, Board of Education members, and school administration.

Deck the Halls featured a full hot breakfast, live

DJ, games, crafts, letters to Santa, raffles, and hot chocolate with characters from Frozen and Polar Express. Mr. and Mrs. Clause even stopped by to take pictures and read stories.

SERVING

SOME HOLIDAY CHEER - Farmingdale School District Board of Education members ready to serve up some holiday cheer. (from L-R) Suzanne D’Amico, Ralph Vincent Morales, Shéree Jones, Michael Goldberg, and Arlene Soete. Photo courtesy of The Farmingdale School District

Residents Cautioned Not To Fall Victim To Ongoing Phone Scams

Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Michele Johnson cautions residents to be on alert of potential telephone scams, particularly those soliciting any personal information or monetary contribution. These scams can be performed both by phone call or text message.

“Time and time again we hear about scammers trying to obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting residents, especially our senior citizens,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “Many times, scammers pose as officials from the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration or other well-known agency, designed to intimidate the call recipient. Now, during the holiday season, scammers have been known to ask for

immediate payment via gift card, claiming that victims owe backpay in taxes or other debts.”

The Councilwoman noted that many times, scammers’ return phone numbers can also be falsified to appear as a familiar number. In addition to seniors, others frequently targeted include students and firstgeneration Americans. Current common scams include offers of debt relief, credit repairs or opportunity to share lottery earnings.

Scammers have also been known to pose as family members allegedly in trouble and seeking money.

“The last thing families need, especially during these ongoing uncertain times, is someone trying to scam them out of their hard-earned money,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “We alert all residents to be wary of any unsolicited phone calls and texts, especially those requesting money

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

www.eac-network.org

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. Their programs are lead by an outstanding leadership team along with exceptional volunteers. Seniors make up a large portion of the population on Long Island and EAC Network proudly serves them. Their Meals on Wheels program in Nassau County and their InHome Respite Services program helps seniors face challenges with dignity and resourcefulness.

Last year, the EAC Network provided over 180,000 home delivered meals to frail, disabled and homebound local seniors who fervently wish to remain in their own homes. Their nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks help seniors cope with three of the biggest threats of aging – hunger, isolation and loss of independence.

“We received a call from one of our clients recently who told us that the conversations with their Meals on Wheels driver have helped him cope with his wife’s passing,” said Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network. “You cannot put a dollar amount on how this program improved this couple’s quality of life and kept them together in the home that they loved and had so many positive memories at.”

According to a Brown University study in 2015, high-risk seniors receiving Meals on Wheels showed greater improvements in both mental and physical health, fewer hospitalizations and were less likely to fall. When you consider that the cost of one year for a senior to receive meals is less than one day in a hospital, it is a bargain and

money truly well spent.

Mary Coyle, Senior Director for Senior Services, Nutrition Education & Food Services at EAC Network said, “Providing food and comfort to our most vulnerable seniors is not a cost to the county, it is an investment. Well cared for and fed seniors strengthens our communities and lowers the overall cost to taxpayers.”

Furthermore, the Meals on Wheels program provides more than just food; drivers deliver a smile, friendly visit, companionship and socialization, all of which is valuable contact for those who live alone. Additionally, dependent on funding, birthdays are celebrated with a cake and pet owners may also receive pet food. To inquire about receiving or volunteering with Meals on Wheels in Nassau County, please contact Mary Coyle at (516) 992-0081 ext 206 or Mary. Coyle@eac-network.org.

on Wheels driver Gary Stricoff delivers a meal and a smile to a senior in Nassau County

LEGAL NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS

Notice is hereby given taxpayers of the Town of Babylon, that the Undersigned Receiver of Taxes has received the 2022/2023 Tax and Assessment Roll and Warrant.

She will accept payment for taxes at her office in the Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, N. Lindenhurst, N.Y. 11757 or by mail, beginning December 2022 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Tax Office will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. First half taxes are due December 1, 2022 payable to January 10, 2023 without penalty.

After January 10, 2023 one percent per month will be added on the first half to May 31, 2023 after which date, additional interest will be charged by the County Comptroller at his office at County Center, Riverhead, N.Y. 11901.

The Town of Babylon Tax Office will be accepting partial payments with penalty. We offer e and credit card payment through a telephone service or by the internet which includes American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. For payments by telephone call 1-800-2PAY 9829) or visit the web site at www.acipayonline.com. At the prompt, use Jurisdiction Code 4232. You must have your item number and tax amount available. Transaction fees will be charged to the taxpayer based on the amount of the total charge. Total amount Warrant to be collected by the Receiver of Taxes for the 2022/2023 tax year is $809,266,455.48.

Taxes become a lien December 1st of each year. First and Second half payments may be made at the same time.

JENNIFER

MONTIGLIO

RECEIVER OF TAXES

DATED AT BABYLON, N.Y.

December 12, 2022

2022/2023 TAX RATE ON $100 valuation - TOWN OF BABYLON Valuation of Hamlets and Incorporated Villages

Town Outside of Villages ............................ $187,045,547.00

Village of Amityville...................................... 14,294,553.00

Village of Babylon........................................ 19, 136,222.00

Village of Lindenhurst.................................. 29,217,380.00

A/C/LN/LS/WBN/WBS/B/NB/DP/F - 694 12/21, 12/28/22

2022-2023

TOWN OF BABYLON

2022-2023 Jennifer Montigio, Receiver of Taxes TAXABLE DISTRICTS

Residents Cautioned Not To Fall Victim Dalers Deck The Halls Farmingdale Hosts Holiday Breakfast

Continued From 10

list, this just confirms your phone number.

Block any numbers from which you have received scam calls or texts.

The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips to residents who fall victim to scam phone calls: Hang up the phone. Don’t press numbers to speak to alive operator or take your number off the

Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers use the internet to make calls all over the world.

Report your experience to the FTC online or by calling 877-382-4357. Visit www.ftc.gov for more information.

Farmingdale families took a much-needed break from shopping and wrapping to enjoy a festive morning of food, fun, and holiday spirit. On Saturday, December 10, Farmingdale High School hosted its annual Holiday Breakfast. It featured volunteers from the PTA, Farmingdale High

School theatre students, JV Cheerleaders, Varsity girls lacrosse, the Caroling Choir, and select members of the Chamber Orchestra.

Farmingdale Board of Education members and school administration were also on hand to assist with the festivities.

Deck the Halls featured

a full hot breakfast, live DJ, games, crafts, letters to Santa, raffles, and hot chocolate with characters from Frozen and Polar Express. Mr. and Mrs. Claus even stopped by to take pictures and read stories.

Photos courtesy of The Farmingdale School District

Express Lunch Prix-Fixe #3 - $29.95 - Bistecca alla Barolo - Branzino Oreganata Zuppa di Pesce - Veal (Milanese or Marsala or Parmigiana or Sorrentino)

Note - Choose One Side: (Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables, Pasta)

Penne

Pappardelle Bolognese: Authentic Meat Sauce With Green Peas Topped With Ricotta Cheese

Branzino Oreganata:

Eggplant

Pork Chop: Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry Peppers Served W/Roasted Potato & Vegetables

Scampi Con Rico: Garlic, Butter, White Wine And Lemon Served Over Rice

Bistecca: Grilled Steak Topped With Asparagus And Melted Mozzarella In A Barolo Sauce Served With Onion Rings

Sole Portofino: Parmesan Encrusted In A Lemon White Wine Saucem Risotto