May 15, 2024 Islip

Legislator Flotteron Recognizes Islip Fire Department’s Outgoing Chief of Department

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized Islip Fire Department’s Outgoing Chief of Department Alden Schroeder at their Installation Dinner. He joined the department in April of 2005 and then joined Engine Company #2 a year later after his year of probation. Showing the skills of a future leader, it was clear Alden was going to make a run to be an officer of the company.

Schroeder was elected and served as 2nd Lieutenant of Engine Co. 2 in 2010 & 2011. He was

then elected and served as 1st Lieutenant of Engine Co. 2 in 2012 & 2013 before being elected and serving as Captain of the company in 2014 & 2015. After his term as a company officer, it was very clear that Alden would be the perfect candidate to run for Chief.

Moving up the Ranks of the Department, Schroeder was nominated and elected 2nd Asst. Chief, where he served in 2018 & 2019.

Chief Schroeder was then elected and served as 1st Asst. Chief in 2020 & 2021, which was a difficult term dealing with the effects

of the pandemic. His leadership skills during this time proved to the department that even at such a young age, Alden was ready to lead and was nominated for Chief of the Department serving in 2022 and 2023.

Ex-Chief Schroder continues to be one of the most active members of the Department by responding to alarms, helping the membership and training newer members. Alden Schroder possesses all of the qualities that make one of the best firemen around.

Second Half of Property Taxes Due

Andy Wittman, the Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Islip, reminds all Islip Taxpayers that the second half of property taxes are due, on or before, May 31st 2024.

THE LAST DAY FOR PAYMENT OF THE 20232024 PROPERTY TAXES at this office, will be FRIDAY, MAY 31 2024. After that date, taxes plus penalty and interest must be paid

to the Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office in Riverhead, NY. The Islip Tax Office is located at 40 Nassau Avenue Islip, NY 11751. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am –4:30pm. We will be open late on FRIDAY, MAY 31 2024 from 8:30am – 7:00pm for in-person payments. Our office will be closed on MONDAY, May

Moody’s Reaffirms Town Of Islip Financial Status With 9th Consecutive Aaa Rating

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter is pleased to announce that Moody’s Analytics, Inc. has once again reaffirmed the Town’s outstanding financial Aaa status for the 9th consecutive time. The Town’s rating was first upgraded in March 2016 to Aaa, and was reaffirmed Aaa in September, 2016; September, 2017; October, 2018; April 2019; October, 2020; April, 2021; July, 2022; April 2023 and most recently, April 2024.

In its Aaa credit opinion released today, the agency acknowledged management’s sound fiscal practices saying, “Budgets are generally conservative and management is actively monitoring revenue and expenditure performance throughout the year.

Reserves will remain sound through 2024…”

27 2024, in observance of Memorial Day.

Mr. Wittman reminds all taxpayers of our Online Payment Portal, Tax. IslipNY.gov as a secure and convenient way of paying property taxes in the Town of Islip. This portal is available to PROPERTY OWNERS only. Please consider using this option in lieu of mailing in your payment.

“We continue working closely with our commissioners to tighten budgets as necessary, making certain that each and every taxpayer dollar spent is done with the utmost scrutiny. We have continued our zerobased budgeting to our spending plans, assuring that no projects move forward unless they are deemed truly essential. These are the strategies that enabled us to get the initial upgrade early in 2016, and which we

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May Happenings

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

6:00PM-10:00PM

CHEFS FOR A CAUSE

Please support the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition at their annual Chefs for a Cause fundraiser at The Piermont in Babylon Village. 25 local restaurants will provide their signature dishes for thisl tasting event. Wine, beer and raffles. $100 per person. For more information, please call 631-893-4110.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

7:00PM-11:00PM

MUSIC THRU THE DECADES

The Our Lady of Grace RC Church in West Babylon will be hosting. $30 per person, includes beer, wine, soda, snacks, chicken nuggets, pasta, heros, salad and dessert. Please note this is not a dinner dance. For more information and tickets, please contact Rob Lodato at 631-747-0147 or Dave Lech at 631-422-3341.

8:30PM

CHARITY DRIVE-IN MOVIE

KiDS NEED MORE is hosting a charity drive-in movie. Proceeds benefit KiDS NEED MORE helping families coping with lifee-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot at their website kidsneedmore.org/movie.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

9:00AM-1:00PM

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The Youth Squad at Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast. The menu will include pancake, sausage, bacon, coffee, hot chocolate, various teas, orange juice, apple juice, and all

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.

the condiments needed for your pancake enjoyment. After you enjoy your pancakes, please buy tickets for the basket auction, and 50-50. For more information, please email firemedic518@live.com.

10:00AM-4:00PM

SPRING FAIR

The North Babylon Lions are hosting a Spring Fair. Rain or shine at North Babylon High School. There will be bouncy rides, entertainment, vendors, food and much more. For more information, email Diane at dianedeluca1957 @gmail.com.

2:00PM

TWIN COUNTY CHORUS CONCERT

See the Twin County Chorus Chapter of Sweet Adelines International in concert at Farmingdale UMC, 407 Main Street, doors open 1:30PM. There will also be a Silent Auction and complimentary coffee and cake; admission is $20, seniors and students $15. Call the church office for tickets at 516-249-342.

12:30PM

SPRING RAFFLE AUCTION

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes are sponsoring a Spring Raffle at the Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus hall in Hicksville. $12 per person. Call Susan at 516-680-8487 or email SueSarandis@gmail.com.

4:00PM-5:30PM

PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP

Held at the BAFFA Art Gallery, 47 Gillette Ave in Sayville. Learn how to create a beautiful and handmade paper flower from sheet music. Course includes live demonstration, supplies, and a paper flower to take home. Pre-registration required. $20

for BAFFA members and $25 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.BAFFA.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

9:00AM-3:00PM

SPRING YARD SALE

The Yaphank Historical Society will hold our annual multi-vendor Spring Yard Sale on the grounds of the Robert & Isabella Hawkins House at 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank There will be a large variety of crafts, collectibles, and household items. Rain date is Sunday, the 26th. For more information please email jrvavrina@optonline.net.

MONDAY, MAY 27

9:00AM

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Join Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 of the American Legion as they pay their respect to fallen veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free. Memorial Service and Wreath Ceremony to follow Community Picnic immediately following the ceremony. Held in West Babylon. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call them at 631-669-3931.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

12:00PM-5:00PM

ANTIQUE VINTAGE BOOK SALE

The Friends of the West Islip Library is doing a Vintage & Antique Book Sale on May 31st and June 1st from 9am-2pm. Held at the West Islip Public Library, 3 Higbie Lane. There will be a wide variety of books, including history, biographies, general fiction, children's literature, classics, and more. For more information call 631-2064206.

United States Navy Blue Angels, To Headline 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show

Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to announce the final performer line-up for the much-anticipated 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, taking place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 and Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 10 AM – 3 PM.

The United States Navy Blue Angels, which headlined the very first Bethpage Air Show back in 2004, will return to Long Island to headline the 20th Anniversary show. This will be the Blue Angels’ 10th headliner performance for what has grown into one of the most respected air shows in the country.

Military performers joining the Blue Angels include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team, and the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team. Civilian performers Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; the world-famous Skytypers; Warbird Thunder Airshows; Farmingdale State College Flying Rams; Long Island’s own David Windmiller and the American Airpower Museum Warbirds.

To help celebrate the 20th anniversary show, organizers are giving away 30,000 commemorative U.S. Navy Blue Angels signed posters to fans attending the practice show on Friday, May 24th, and the weekend show on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th.

The show will also feature other celebratory elements throughout the holiday weekend including a special, 15 ft x 20ft, anniversary cake weighing in at 1000 pounds, which fans will be able to enjoy on Friday, following an 11:00 am Jones Beach Press Conference.

Returning again for the 2024 show is the Bethpage Air Show Mobile App. Text ‘Airshow’ to 516-842-4400 to download the app for performer and sponsor information, a site map, helpful FAQs to help prepare you for the show, and more to come. Available now on the App Store and Google Play.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the largest, most respected and most popular air shows in the country. Over 240,000 fans attended the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach in 2022, when the Blue Angels last performed during a stormy weekend show. Last year, over 419,000 fans

attended.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Newsday, WABC-TV Channel 7; Natural Heritage Trust; Connoisseur Media Long Island; Catholic Health, Jones Beach Brewery; Rallye Motor Company; PSEG Long Island; News 12 Long Island; The Foundation for Long Island State Parks; Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum; Stop & Shop; and New York Islanders. The show can be heard in its entirety on WHLI 1100 AM and 104.7 FM.

The show is free to the public, but the standard $10.00 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For 2024 NYS Empire Pass Card holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.

For up-to-date information about this year’s show, please visit www.bethpageairshow.com or https://www.facebook. com/BethpageAirShow/, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.

Relay For Life Cancer Walk/Events Scheduled For Spring/Summer 2024

More than just a fundraising walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life global movement brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Join a Relay community to connect with survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by cancer in your local community.

Several Relay For Life events are scheduled for this spring and summer in Hempstead, Smithtown, Plainview-Old Bethpage, and Northport.

While each Relay event embraces the uniqueness of its specific community, all events share the same four signature elements: a celebration of cancer survivors, a celebration of caregivers, a luminaria ceremony to honor and remember loved ones, and the opportunity to fight back against every cancer as we join together for every life.

“We share a passion to save lives, celebrate lives, and work to end cancer as we know it – for everyone,” said Michelle

Maugeri, associate director of development, American Cancer Society. “In 2024, more than 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States. Being there for anyone impacted by cancer is year-round work, and we’re excited to kick-off the Relay season for 2024.”

Relay For Life is community-based and volunteer-driven. Communities use their creativity to raise cancerfighting dollars to support the American Cancer Society and honor survivors and caregivers as well as remember those

we’ve lost to the disease.

Upcoming Relay For Life Events:

Relay For Life of Smithtown West High School– June 1, 2024; relayforlife.org/ SmithtownNY

Relay For Life of Plainview-Old Bethpage –June 1, 2024; relayforlife. org/pobnyobny

Relay For Life of Northport - June 8, 2024; relayforlife.org/ NorthportNY

For more information, contact Michelle Maugeri, associate director of development, American Cancer Society at (631)

Gardening Offers More Than A Day In The Sun

Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity.

944-8086 or via email at michelle.maugeri@cancer. org.

About The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer

Society is a leading cancerfighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-2272345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Artist And Educator Is Recognized With Suffolk County’s Champion Of Diversity Award

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized Margarita Espada, Artist, Educator, Activist as the honoree for Suffolk County’s Champions of Diversity Award for the 11th Legislative District. She is an award-winning performer, educator, cultural maker, researcher, and activist in the fields and studies of physical theater.

Ms. Espada is the Founder and Director of Teatro Experimental Yerbabuja located at the Second Avenue Fire House in Bay Shore, an art organization with the mission to use the arts as a tool for social change. She is part of the faculty at the Department of Women Study at Stony Brook University where she teaches theater and activism. She advocates on the importance of arts and culture for the social and economic well-being of the local and global community. She is a board member for the New York State Dance Force, and a member of the Arts Advisory Council for the Suffolk County Legislature.

In addition, she has

received numerous awards and proclamations for her leadership, her art and community work including 2021 Faces of Long Island, Newsday, 2018 Martin Luther King Living Legend Award, NAACP Islip, NY, 2018. Her work has been reviewed in the New York Times and by the Associated Press, Newsday, and numerous other media outlets.

Team EVA Continues Running To Help Veterans

Eileen Shanahan, Founder of Warrior Ranch Foundation and Legislator Steven J. Fotteron recognized Eva Casale who for her third time stopped at the Ranch in Calverton during her Team EVA (Every Veteran Appreciated) 7 Marathons 7 Days in Suffolk County.

Ms. Casale, a Glen Cove resident donated a kidney to a complete stranger in 2006 and has since continued to live her life around helping others. Whether it was personal sacrifice, supporting causes anyway she could, she has been responsible

for raising more than $375K. Her abilities in running great distances, has given her an avenue to play an even bigger role in charitable causes. Not for self-congratulation or recognition, but to raise awareness and much needed funds, and maybe even set an example that you can live your life for yourself and others, at the same time.

Her charitable contributions have included: Former Head Coach with Team in Training for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2009; Former Board of

Trustee Member for The Long Island Chapter of LLS raising more than $350K; Running more than 60 marathons and 60 Ultramarathons since 2006. Also, a 184 mile running tour to honor our Troops, our Veterans and our Fallen Heroes. Team EVA (Every Veteran Appreciated) has included 7 Marathons 7 Days in Suffolk County to Support Hope for the Warriors, April 2–8, 2016, which raised $40k; April 22–28th 2017, raising $26K; April 21–27th 2018, raising $30K; April 28–May 3rd, 2019 raising $30K.

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continue to adhere to as we move forward,” said Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

The rating agency added, “The Town benefits from a strong local economy, stable reserves and liquidity and strong management.” The favorable credit opinion also cited, “Government operations are managed by certified and experienced professionals who are responsible for implementing policy objectives. Residents have easy access to basic services and the town scores favorably in health and safety,” noting that exposure to

Moody’s Reaffirms Town Of Islip Financial Status With 9th Consecutive Aaa Rating

environmental risks such as carbon transition, natural capital and pollution risks are low.

Supervisor Carpenter, Comptroller Joe Ludwig and staff met in early 2016 with representatives from Moody’s, closely analyzing the Town’s financial documents and conducting a tour of Islip’s tremendous resources. At that time, Moody’s upgraded the Town’s bond rating to Aaa, the highest rating that can be assigned to a municipality, and has done so with each successive credit opinion.

“One of the benefits of the Aaa rating is evidenced by the number

of competitive bids received. The 15 bids received are the second most in the history of the Town, and the range of offers varied by only 26 basis points, truly demonstrating the importance of our Aaa rating,” said Supervisor Carpenter.

“Our willingness to look at the process realistically is something that continues to have a positive impact with the rating agencies. The goal always has to be, to maximize our revenues and decrease our expenditures,” said Joseph Ludwig, Town of Islip Comptroller.

“The Town of Islip is

committed to continued sound, appropriate, economic development, while at all times, preserving a good quality of life for our residents.

Sometimes the decisions to be made are tough, but our residents deserve no less,” said Supervisor Carpenter.

Moody’s financial ratings are used by banks and others in the financial services industry, to determine the financial health of a given organization.

Rain Da te: Sun. May 19th

Patio Furniture, Adult & Girls

Clothes, Flat Screen TV, Housewar es, High Chair, Stroller, Toys, Books, Auto Parts, Avon, Costume Jewe lry, FITT EAM Samples. Too Much To List!

Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646 THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636,

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

Legislator Donnelly And County Office For The Aging

Announce Islip Spring Senior Advocate Schedule

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Spring 2024 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate

community agencies.

“This is an excellent chance for senior citizens to get the assistance and information they need by connecting with the County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”

In the coming months,

Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Islip:

• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, May 17, 10 am – 12 pm

• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Mondays, May 20 & June 24, 10 am – 12 pm

• Brentwood Senior Nutrition, 16 Second Avenue, Brentwood:

Mondays, May 20 & June 24, 11:30 am –1:30 pm

• East Islip Library, 381 E. Main Street, East Islip: Monday, June 10, 10 am – 12 pm

• St. Anne’s Gardens, 80100 2nd Avenue, Brentwood: Friday, June 7, 8:30 – 11 am

• West Islip Senior Center, 90 Higbie Lane, West Islip: Thursday, June 13, 10 am – 12 pm Advocates assist with the Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP –formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6 HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276 TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one

will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276 BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 8538200.

“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and troublefree access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”