March 6, 2024 Islip

South Bay's Neighbor

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION FINALS CONCERT

At their Annual Scholarship Competition Finals Concert, the Music Lovers Club of Islip selected the winners of its 2024 music scholarships. Pictured here from left to right are: Rev. Douglas Madlon, Diego Garcia, Violin, Bay Shore High School, tied for Third Place, Kimberly Pineda, Viola, Brentwood High School, tied for Third Place; Maximo Flores, Clarinet, Bay Shore High School second place, John Eyre, Chairperson, 2024 scholarship competition, Kevin Hernandez, Tenor, Brentwood High School First Place, and Donald Warner, President of the Islip Music Lovers Club. The Islip Methodist Church Sanctuary was lit up by the sounds of these young musicians as they showcased their musical talents.

Mercy Soup Kitchen Seeking Volunteers

“For I Was Hungry And You Gave Me Food…”

Matthew 25:35

It is an exciting time at the Mercy Soup Kitchen of Wyandanch as it is preparing to launch its new and expanded post Covid operation.

Located in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17 South 20th Street, the Kitchen served its first meal to hungry people in 1980 and currently serves an average of 108 people per day.

During the pandemic, however, Kitchen procedures had to be modified in order to provide hot, nourishing meals safely and continuously to those in need. Indoor sit-down dining was discontinued and only take-out dining

was available.

But today the Kitchen is posing for a postCovid reopening – a reorganizational rebirth of sorts – where Kitchen procedures can finally return to again offering guests dignified, indoor sit-down dining.

The Kitchen relies heavily on its generous volunteer support and, as such, numerous onsite and off-site volunteer opportunities are now available.

While there are openings for on-site positions, such as helping to prepare and serve meals and to perform various maintenance functions, there are also openings for diverse

off-site positions in areas such as finance, grant development and preparation, legal compliance assurance, marketing duties, social media facilitation and fund raising/donation coordination.

Only with the efforts of its volunteers can the Kitchen succeed in its mission to provide food security to those in need. Please consider sharing some of your time and talents with the Kitchen to make this happen. We invite you to join our team.

For further information, contact Vito Colletti at 631-358-9917 or vcolletti@optonline. net

Legislator Flotteron Recognizes AOH, Division 7 Annual John P. Reilly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Honorees

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized this year’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Division 7 Annual John P. Reilly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/ Sashing of Grand Marshals honoree Shawn O’Neil and Ladies Aide honoree Mary C. Phalen at Captain Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore.

O’Neil was raised in East Islip and he has been a life-long member of the AOH Division 7 serving as the Mission and Charities Chairman, the Color Guard and bass drummer with the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band. He later became the Treasurer and currently serves today. In addition, he served on several committees such

as; the Finance Chairman, assisted in the Community Children Christmas Party, Queen of Hearts, Athletic Club, acted in one of Larry Wolf’s plays, Past President of the Division, currently is the President of the Local Hibernians Inc. and was a Past Hibernian of the Year. He was also active in the community, coaching all his children in CYO Basketball, Little League of the Islips, East Islip Soccer and Summer Basketball.

Phalen has been an East Islip resident for the past 62 years. She was involved with St. Mary’s Rosary Altar Society (RAS) working on various committees and fundraisers including running the Parish

Christmas Fair and became President of the RAS and was honored with their Annual Service Award at their Fall Festival Dance in 2005 and later joined the East Islip Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. In addition, she became a religious education teacher working with 2nd graders preparing them for their first communion as well as being a Cub Scout Den Leader while her son was in Cub Scouts. She later joined the Ladies AOH, became active in committees, joined the Celtic Degree Team and was the team’s Narrator and she is still actively involved with them.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Lambert

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Patty Franks

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Josh Marlowe

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lambert

Edward Rodriguez

ADMINISTRATION

Teri Tinkler

Diana Lambert

Dorrine Lambert

ADMIN & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Natalie Raccuglia MANAGING EDITOR

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

Noelle Lambert

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Kerry Mastrobuoni

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

Kathy Trotta

SCAN HERE FOR MORE

INFORMATION:

JOHN P. REILLY MEMORIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY HONOREES - Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized this year’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Division 7 Annual John P. Reilly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Sashing of Grand Marshals honoree Shawn O’Neil and Ladies Aide honoree Mary C. Phalen at Captain Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore.

March Happenings

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

6:00PM-7:30PM

PARENTING A SECOND TIME AROUND

An 8 week program for grandparents or other caregivers being held at Sunshine Prevention Center in Port Jefferson Station. This workshop will consist of discipline and guidance, care for oneself as caregiver, rebuilding a family, living with teens, legal issues and advocacy. Babysitting is provided as needed but MUST pre-register. No Fees. For more info call 631-476-3099.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

9:00AM-4:00PM

THE NEW SEAFORD GUN SHOW

Held at the Seaford American Legion on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th (9AM-3PM). Admission is $10, kids under 12 are free with a parent or guardian. For further information, please call 516-221-7380.

4:30PM-7:30PM

ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER

The First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dinner. It's $30 per person and includes a corned beef and cabbage dinner with potatoes, carrots, irish soda bread, beverages, coffee and dessert. The Mulvahill-Lynch School Irish Dancers will be performing. Call Priscilla to reserve your seat and arrange pre-payment. RSVP by March 1st. Call 631-379-4889 for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

10:00AM-5:00PM

WELLNESS EXPO

Held at the Holiday Inn in Holtsville. Free admission. Free raffles, 14 psychics, 35 wellness vendors and healers, 15 minute psychic readings for

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 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

$40. Cash preferred. For more info call Diane 516-639-6903.

11:00AM-5:00PM BLOOD DRIVE

Hosted by East Islip High School student, Brandon Rizzuto and New York Blood Center and will be held at the Bay Shore mall. Student donors will receive 3 hours of community service. Donors are eligible to win a $150 gift card raffle. For more information, call Dana at 631-766-3501.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

9:00AM-4:30PM

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESOURCE CENTER EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Join an interactive panel of family caregivers who will discuss the challenges and rewards of caregiving, what they have learned, and what they wish they knew at the beginning. During a Q &A, they will talk with listeners and address questions from the audience. For more information call 631-580-5100 or vsiit their website at www.adrcinc.org/ec2024.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

11:30AM-1:00PM

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst is hosting a bereavement ministry group that will continue until May 18th on Saturdays. Registration is required. If interested please call Linda Arpino at 631-592-1062 or email forubabe77@aol.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

2:00PM

JOURNEY–CROSS & CRUCIFIXION

Creative Ministries presents Journey–Cross & Crucifixion. Presented at Saints Cyril & Methodius in Deer Park. For more information visit their website

at www.CMPAC.com or call them at 631-218-2810.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

8:30AM

BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK BETHLEHEM

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes, the auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus, is sponsoring a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. $55 per person, which includes the driver’s tip. For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576. Make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

9:30AM

BEREAVEMENT GROUP

A new bereavement group is now forming at Our Lady of Grace Church in West Babylon beginning on March 23 and will end on May 18 on Saturdays. For more information call John Laszewski at 631-874-0210 or Fran Kish at 631-587-1578.

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE CONCERT

The Babylon Chorale presents: Handel`s `Messiah` Parts II and III With professional soloists and orchestra. Held at St. Peter’s By-TheSea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore. To purchase tickets online or for more info, visit www.babylonchorale.org or email info@babylonchorale.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS

The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions on March 25th and April 1st at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus. Email info@babylonchorale.org for more information.

Connetquot/East Islip Boys Swim Team Takes Second In League Championships

The combined Connetquot/East Islip boys varsity swimming and diving team, coached

by Alex Scichilone, took second overall in the Suffolk County League 1 championships. In

individual performances, Jack Milligan came in second overall in the 1000-meter butterfly

and fourth overall in the 200-meter freestyle, Brayden Black finished third overall in the

50-meter freestyle and fourth overall in the 100-meter freestyle, and Max Schwalm captured

fifth place overall in the 100-meter butterfly.

Young female who had kittens, seeks her forever home.

female, very friendly and likes attention, would make a good companion.

FEATHER Cute and adorable female willing to share toys with the right person/family.

SHEEBA Young female tortie looking for her BFF.

7 year old male. Affectionate boy that adores children and delights in playtime.

COOKIE

sweetheart with all the spunk. She is sweet, social and full of love.

GINGER 1-2 year old female. Always up for some fun, she is a playful and happy girl.

3-4 year old female. Happy, goofy girl who loves people. She is sweet and social.

BOYS SWIM TEAM TAKES SECOND IN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS - The combined Connetquot/East Islip boys varsity swimming and diving team, coached by Alex Scichilone, took second overall in the Suffolk County League 1 championships. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

Islip’s Peterson And Zambrana Sign To Play College Athletics

Islip High School seniors Mora Peterson and Hailey Zambrana recently signed letters of intent, making a commitment to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level this fall. Peterson will wrestle at Doane University in Nebraska, while Zambrana will play lacrosse at Western Connecticut State University.

“Both of you are about to start an amazing journey,” Athletic

Director John Sparacio said. “College is fun. It comes quick, and it also goes pretty fast. So, enjoy all the time in between, and don’t forget about who got you here – your parents, your family, your teachers, your coaches, your friends. We’re really proud of you and your accomplishments, and we all wish you the best. You will always be welcome to come back and share your experiences at school with

our underclassmen.”

“You should all be really proud of the effort that got you here,” Superintendent Dr. Dennis P. O’Hara said. “First of all, doing a college sport is a privilege, an honor. It’s reflective of all the hard work you put in, and it puts you in a very small percentage of the population. So, embrace it, embrace the grind and enjoy every moment of it.”

SENIORS PETERSON AND ZAMBRANA SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

- Islip High School seniors Mora Peterson (wrestling, Doane University) and Hailey Zambrana (lacrosse, Western Connecticut State University) recently signed letters of intent, making a commitment to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level this fall. Photo courtesy of Islip School District

NYS Breast Cancer Survivors Sought For Hotline

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is seeking breast cancer survivors, both women and men, throughout New York State to train as volunteers for the hotline. The ZOOM training, each session from 10 am to 1 pm, is being held on four consecutive Mondays beginning March 11 (then March 18, March 25 and April 1). Volunteers are asked to commit to all

four sessions.

The hotline was established in 1980 by women who had been in a support group and wanted to help others. Today it is the oldest breast cancer hotline in the country. Says Lori F, a hotline volunteer since 2022, “It is an indescribable feeling to give hope to someone who feels hopeless.” Volunteer will receive on-line training in the following areas:

community outreach, educational presentations, hotline, speaking engagements, publicity, and fundraising.

For more information and to set up an initial interview, contact social worker Nina Foley at 516-877-4315 or email at nfoley@adelphi.edu.

Information about the hotline and support program can be found on-line at breastcanceradelphi.edu.

Girls Winter Track Team Captures

First-Ever County Championship

The East Islip High School girls winter track team won the Suffolk County girls indoor track and field small school championships on Feb. 4 for the first time in school history. The competition took place at Suffolk Credit Union Arena at Suffolk Community College’s Brentwood campus.

Grace Micali opened up the scoring by winning the triple jump with a jump of over 36 feet. Brianna Tucci won the 1,500-meter racewalk in only her third time competing in the

event, with senior captain Jaclyn Scandale earning sixth place to round out the scoring, Chloe Garatina won the long jump with a jump of more than 17 feet, with Micali right behind her to help secure 18 massive points for East Islip.

Danielle Simonetti impressively ran in three events in 45 minutes, winning the 600-meter race and taking third in the 300-meter. Her times were the fastest in school history outside of her own previous times.

In the relays, the 4x200meter relay team of Carly Amato, Maya Brown, Chloe Garatina and Kaylee Garatina earned a valuable fourth place finish, while East Islip’s 4x400-meter relay team of Danielle Birner, Micali, Simonetti and Danika Tidridge beat the top-ranked team in the state, setting a new county meet record time of 4:04.64.

“Congrats to the entire team on an unbelievable season,” coach John Reynolds said.

Environmental Scholarships Offered

The South Shore Audubon Society is offering two $1,000 scholarships for College juniors, seniors, or graduate students earning a degree in the areas of biological or environmental science. This includes

wildlife management, forestry, animal behavior, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mammalogy, ornithology or the field of sustainable and renewable energy.

Previous winners have used their scholarships to help purchase books, to

pay for travel expenses to field sites, for specialized equipment or other educational needs.

To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www. ssaudubon.org/areas-weserve.asp and/or attend

a college in Nassau or Suffolk County. One scholarship is funded by Evelyn Bishop and her family, and one is funded by Jay Koolpix Applications are available at the South Shore Audubon website, www.ssaudubon.org or

by contacting Professor Betsy Gulotta at 516546-8841, Betsy.Gulotta@ ncc.edu. Applications are due by April 30, 2024, and should be emailed to either Betsy Gulotta, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@ optonline.net, or sent by regular mail to Betsy

Gulotta, 2 Anding Ave, Merrick, NY 11566.

For more information and for assistance with application forms, do not hesitate to contact Betsy Gulotta or Betty Borowsky at the email addresses above.

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Board Of Education Recognizes More Than 70 Accomplished Musicians

More than 70 accomplished studentmusicians were recognized at the East Islip School District Board of Education’s Feb. 15

meeting, presented by Art and Music Director Dr. Rob Wottawa, for their selection to the Long Island String Festival Association’s honor orchestras and the

Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association AllCounty Festival.

“These types of concerts and opportunities do not happen without the support

of our board of education, superintendent and assistant superintendents, and the work that each of us do every single day,” Dr. Wottawa said. “And

we are blessed to have fantastic teachers that support our children each and every moment of each and every day. It’s those little things that make a

huge difference in their lives, and we hope that the memories that they gain from their experiences here at East Islip will stay with them forever.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES MORE THAN 70 ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIANS - More than 70 accomplished East Islip student-musicians were recognized at a recent board of education meeting. Photo courtesy of East Islip School District

PSEG Long Island Employees Make Donation To Help Protect Power Lines, Wildlife And The Environment From Balloon Hazards

PSEG Long Island employees recently donated $1,000 to Merrick-based Balloon Mission, Inc. a notfor-profit organization that collects discarded balloons in an effort to protect wildlife and the environment.

Balloon safety is important to PSEG Long Island because metallic balloons can be hazardous to overhead electric lines – potentially causing fires and power outages, and also because of the negative effects released balloons can have on the ecosystem.

The donation was made through three of the company’s employee business resource groups (EBRG): GREEN, which is comprised of employeeadvocates of clean energy alternatives, LI Environmental Guardians, which supports local efforts to help preserve the earth, and the Able EBRG, which champions community

organizations that help people with disabilities.

The Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), which serves families of children and adults with disabilities, has been involved with Balloon Mission’s work. Adults receiving services from ACDS help Balloon Mission by collecting deflated balloons from various balloon drop box locations. The group then practices life skills by sorting and counting the balloons before they are safely and properly discarded.

Balloon Mission will use the PSEG Long Island donation to educate the public through community outreach and balloon collection programs, and by erecting informational signage at area parks and beaches about the dangers of balloon releases.

"We're so grateful for our partnership with PSEG

Long Island,” said Cynthia Seibold, founder and executive director of Balloon Mission, Inc. “This donation will help fund our recycling and education programs that raise awareness about the unintended harm balloons have when they're accidentally or purposely let go in the sky. We're pioneering a balloon collection program so people can responsibly enjoy balloons. Once the fun is done, they pop-n-drop balloons in our bins knowing they're keeping animals and the environment safe, while reducing the risk of fires and power outages."

“We are supporting this wonderful organization that is raising awareness about the potential dangers balloons can have on our environment,” said Anna Keselman, co-president of the PSEG Long Island GREEN EBRG. “We are inspired by Cynthia’s

enthusiasm and her organization’s mission to protect turtles, sea life and our lands.”

PSEG Long Island reminds the public that balloons released into the air can become entangled in

overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems. Metallic balloons conduct electricity and resting on an electric line or other electrical equipment could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries.

Balloons caught on electrical equipment should be reported to PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.

PSEG LONG ISLAND EMPLOYEES MAKE DONATION - Pictured (l-r) behind balloon collection bin are: Cynthia Seibold, of Balloon Mission, Inc. and Michael Voltz, Anna Keselman, Gabriella Scibelli, Saqib Mandi, and Ronan Murphy, representing PSEG Long Island’s GREEN employee business resource group.

February is National Black History Month… an opportunity for all residents to celebrate and acknowledge the numerous contributions of their neighbors, volunteers and professionals from the Black community who help to enrich the Town every day.

As Rosa Parks once said, “Each person must live their lives as a model for others.” In that spirit, the Islip Town Board celebrated by highlighting the outstanding members of the Town whose lives and careers serve as a model in the community.

The Town recognized Marine Corps Veteran and retired NYPD Officer, Axel Dodson.

Axel Dodson has dedicated his life as a guardian to all we hold dear. Axel has served 6 years within the Marines Corps and over a

Town Board Recognizes Black History Month

year and a half with the New York Army National Guard’s “Fighting 69” Infantry.

During his military service, Axel served a yearlong deployment in Iraq, and upon his retirement from the military, began a decade-long career within the New York City Police Department, serving valiantly as a patrolman.

While on a vacation along with his brother in Atlanta, Georgia, Axel would once again answer the call to serve as a hero, when observing a young woman attempting to set fire to the historic childhood home of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Thanks to the quick efforts of he and his brother, the arsonist was stopped, apprehended, and the historic home of Dr. King was saved.

In addition to Mr. Dodson, the Town also honored the following residents below,

who unfortunately were unable to attend due to the weather.

Kelly Schaeffer

Kelly Schaeffer was born and raised in Central Islip, and graduated from Central Islip High School before beginning a decadelong career working as an educator and advocate for those with disabilities.

In her early career, Kelly worked at Eastern Suffolk BOCES and for the Town of Islip’s Division of Handicapped Services. Having left to travel abroad, Kelly moved back to Central Islip in 2007 to raise her family, and in 2008, began serving on the Suffolk County Board of Elections. For 15 years she has helped curate and establish curriculums to educate, train and certify Suffolk County’s 4,000+ election inspectors. She also coordinates outreach visits to local high schools and community organizations throughout the county, providing educational resources on voter requirements, registration, and the voting process.

In 2016, Kelly founded KindSight Coaching, providing personal development and group programs to empower the public to excel, grow and conquer limiting beliefs and behaviors. As a life coach, she has authored two books, and her third

book is nearing completion.

Kelly has truly done it all, and has served to make her community a better place while doing it.

Dr. Teresa J. Bryant.

Dr. Teresa Jeanette Bryant, a Central Islip native and retired nurse, is the founder of Global Leaders Outreach Network Inc., where she has helped foster local and global education scholarship opportunities. Under Teresa’s leadership, the organization has adopted two schools in Ghana, and has built computer labs for students. Through her continued ministry work, Teresa has also provided motivational and directional speeches at detention centers and schools for women abroad in Suriname, Curacao, Aruba, as well as French Guyana.

As a Global Outreach Coordinator for the Kindest Hearts Foundation, Teresa has also raised funds to build a school and medical center in Haiti, and currently serves as the CEO of JPL Associates, where she focuses on counseling and consulting, and has been recognized by Psychology Today as a leading certified counselor.

Through it all, Dr. Teresa Bryant has remained actively involved with

many local community organizations, and serves currently as: Chairperson of the Islip Town Women in NAACP, Long Island Regional Chairperson for Women in NAACP; 3rd Vice President of the Islip Town NAACP; Treasurer of the Central Islip Civic Association; Treasurer of the Central Islip/Islandia Rotary Club; Rotarian of the Islip Town Rotary Club (serving as the Executive Board Member and Literacy Chair); and serves as the Director for Gift of Life Rotary International.

Conrad B. Johnson. Lifelong resident of the Town of Islip, Conrad Johnson graduated Bay Shore High School in 1976, before going on to attend Nassau County and Suffolk County Community Colleges.

In 1980, under the encouragement from Suffolk County Police Detective John Thomas, and Police Officer Robert Belliteri, Conrad began working with the Suffolk County Police Department as a Community Service Aide. In this role, he would travel to local schools providing education to students on a range of health and safety topics including: avoiding strangers, drug awareness, and the like.

Conrad was also involved with outreach programs for local civic associations as well as local churches, to inform residents on the issues most impacting their community.

In 1985, Conrad entered the Suffolk County Police Academy, and upon his graduation, served in the Second Precinct. As an officer within the Suffolk County Police Department, Conrad served the Narcotics Division, First Precinct Uniform Patrol Division, as well as the Third Precinct’s Crime Section, where he served until retiring.

Conrad has dedicated over 33 years to the protection and service of the community, and as a longtime resident of Brentwood, serves the community still.

“Congratulations to all our honorees, and thank you for the hard work each of you do to enrich our community day after day. We are proud to live alongside such devoted hard-working neighbors, proud to recognize Black History this month, and encourage all to celebrate our diverse neighbors each and every month throughout the year,” said Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.