South Bay's Neighbor
SENATOR RHOADS HONORS PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Recently, Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee to recognize the 2025 Patriot Award recipients—Ava Caruso, Anastasia Perlegis, Emily Richardson, Skyler Secondino, and Jayne Singleton— five exceptional high school seniors who embody the values of character, commitment, and service. These students were honored in remembrance of Seaford alumni lost on September 11th: Tommy Haskell, Timmy Haskell, John Perry, Robert Sliwak, and Michael Wittenstein. The Senator also congratulated Honorary Patriot Award recipients Lisa Garcia, Shari Raduazzo, and Peter J. Ruffner for their steadfast contributions to the Seaford community. Through the continued recognition of service and sacrifice, the legacy of Seaford’s fallen heroes lives on.
SHANE’S ANCHOR
JULY HAPPENINGS
Guess What Your Neighbor Did? They Listed Their Home With Shane’s Anchor Realty! Thinking of Selling Or Maybe Just Wondering What Your Home Is WORTH?
THURSDAY, JULY 24th
7:00PM-12:00AM
30TH ANNUAL STONY BROOK
FILM FESTIVAL
Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Rd. in Stony Brook. The Stony Brook Film Festival showcases the best in independent film premieres. All films screen through July 26 in Staller Center’s Main Stage Theatre at Stony Brook University. For more information, please call 631-632-2787
SATURDAY, JULY 26th
9:00AM-2:00PM
LONG BEACH FARMERS MARKET Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester Street in Long Beach. Each week, we're proud to host a group of passionate farmers, artisans, bakers, and makers who bring their best to share with our community. From fresh, locally grown produce to handmade goods and unique treats, every vendor has a story worth discovering. For more information, please visit https:// www.longbeachfarmersmarket.com/
10:00AM-4:00PM BLOOD DRIVE
AT EAST GATE CHURCH
New York Blood Center Blood Drive at East Gate Church, 1150 Hicksville Road in North Massapequa, during the "Christmas in July" Family Fair. For more information, please call 516-731-3553
6:30PM
NIGHT AT THE RACES
Will be held at Wade-Burns VFW
HOLIDAYS
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 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue, Lindenhurst, Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Admission $10. For more information, please call 631-888-9854
SUNDAY, JULY 27th
11:00AM-12:30PM
CARING FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM AND WALK
At Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown, they offer wildlife rehabilitation at their nature center and take care of injured, sick, and orphaned animals. Participants will meet some of the resident non-releasable animals, find out their stories, and learn what you can do to help wildlife in our area. If you’re interested in becoming a rehabber this a good first step. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30th
6:30PM-8:30PM
TAP ROOM GOES PURPLE TO END ALZHEIMER'S
The Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter is excited to partner with Tap Room for an awareness event. Tap Room, 206 Main Street in Farmingdale. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while you learn about: Free programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the latest updates on Alzheimer’s research and treatments, ways you can get involved in any of our five Long Island Walks and volunteer Opportunities and valuable resources available.
For more information, please call 646-793-4851
6:30PM-10:00PM
2025 WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUMMER SERIES
Eisenhower Park - Field 2, Parking Lot 2, in East Meadow. 7PM StartRain or Shine, 6:30PM Kids Fun Run Start. Long Island Road Running Club's ongoing commitment to quality racing, healthy choices and bringing friends & family together! For more information, please call 516-531-3323
6:30PM
STRAWBERRY FIELDS BEATLES TRIBUTE
The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is hosting a fundraiser on July 30th, a Night of Music, Food and Friends. Amity Harbor Civic, 100 Western Concourse, Amity Harbor. $30 pp, pizza, wings, snacks, beer, wine & soda. Bring a lawn chair. RSVP Gene Murray 917-498-1781, or Mike Greb 631-835-7087
THURSDAY, JULY 31st
11:00AM-1:00PM FANTASTICAL SEA BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. No Registration Required Fire-breathing beasts! Galloping unicorns! Did you know that many mythic creatures featured in the Harry Potter world started their stories in the sea? For more information, please call 631-3673418
Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Monteleone. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our
website, social media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Monteleone noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number
and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
Life After High School
Senator Rhoads To Host Emergency Preparedness Training
Emergencies can strike at any time—being prepared can save lives and protect your family. Senator Steve Rhoads, Assemblyman Dave McDonough, Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider, and Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, in partnership with the New York National Guard, will host a Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program to help residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. This event will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM,
at the Seaford American Legion Post 1132 2301 Penatiquit Avenue in Seaford. Participants will receive expert guidance on developing family emergency plans, assembling emergency supply kits, and other critical preparedness skills. Each participating family will receive a FREE Citizen Preparedness Starter Kit. Pre-registration is required. Residents can register online at: https://pspapps. dhses.ny.gov/CitizenPreparednessCorps/ views/registrant/add.xhtml?lang =en&eventId=197
(NAPSI)—Many teens feel uncertain about life after high school, but College Board’s free BigFuture® platform can empower students to discover college and career possibilities that are authentic and personalized, and ways to pay for them. For further facts and to qualify for scholarships, visit BigFuture.org.
Safety Recalls
Millions of drivers across the country are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk by driving vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. A staggering 57.7 million vehicles in the U.S.—roughly 1 in 5— have outstanding safety recalls, according to data from CARFAX. (NAPSI)
State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.
State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.
Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Vegan Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Cobbler
Blueberries are out in full force when the weather warms. Blueberries are delicious freshly picked, and can be topped with some light cream for a refreshing dessert. Blueberries also are equally at home baked in muffins, breads and cobblers. The following recipe for “Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Cobbler” courtesy of “Vegan Cooking for Beginners!” with recipes curated by Publications International, Ltd., pairs the tang of lemon with the sweetness of blueberry for the perfect treat. It’s great for dessert or even served for brunch.
Makes 8 to 10 servings
3 tablespoons boiling water
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
5 cups fresh blueberries
1⁄2 cup plus 1⁄3 cup sugar, divided
3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1⁄2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel,
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine boiling water and flaxseed in small bowl. Let stand until cool.
2. Combine blueberries, 1⁄3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cornstarch, and 1⁄2 tablespoon lemon peel in large bowl; toss to coat. Spoon into prepared pan.
3. Combine soymilk and remaining 2
divided
1⁄2 cup plain unsweetened soymilk or almond milk
2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄4 cup fine-ground cornmeal
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
tablespoons lemon juice in small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Combine flour, cornmeal, remaining 1⁄2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon peel, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; mix well. Add soymilk mixture, coconut oil and flaxseed mixture; stir until just combined. Drop topping by 2 tablespoons into mounds over blueberry mixture.
4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown. Let stand 30 minutes before serving.
Senator Rhoads Congratulates Connor Wild On Achieving Eagle Scout
Senator Steve Rhoads visited Seaford Troop 690 to personally congratulate Connor Wild on earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Senator Rhoads was joined by Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray,
Councilman Chris Schneider, and Kayla Knight, representing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Connor’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and dedication to service. Senator Rhoads
commended Connor’s accomplishments and wished him continued success as he carries the values of Scouting into the next chapter of his life.
Humanities Leader Aims To Inspire And Innovate
Following a 20-year educational career to the west and the east, Riana DiPalma joins the Seaford School District as the new executive director for humanities. In her role, she will oversee the English language arts, social studies, world language and English as a New Language programs from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Ms. DiPalma began her
career in 2005 as an English and theater teacher at the Brooklyn School for Music and Theatre. In 2013, she became assistant principal of Port Richmond High School in Staten Island, a position she held for eight years. Most recently, she was the district chairperson of English and Libraries in the NorthportEast Northport School District.
She holds a bachelor’s
degree in communications from Northwestern University, a master’s degree in educational theatre and secondary English teaching from New York University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and organization from Columbia University Teacher’s College and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from the College of Staten
Island.
Drawing her to Seaford was the district’s commitment to fostering innovation, compassion and civic-mindedness in its students. She is impressed by the numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate their mastery of humanities subject areas through an Advanced Capstone Diploma, the Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Civic
Seaford Historical Society Events
Summer Fun for Kids on Sunday, August 24, from 2 to 7 PM on the museum grounds, 3890 Waverly Ave., Seaford. Bounce houses, kids’ games, face painting, Creatures of the Bay touch and feel, and “The Truck” food truck and ice cream truck. Rain date: Sunday,
September 7th.
Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:30 PM at the museum, 3890 Waverly Ave., MUSIC BINGO. $25 for 2 bingo cards. Bring your own beverage. No outside food allowed. Tickets on sale Sept 2. Venmo names and fee to @
Readiness.
“I am really excited about the opportunity of being able to work with more teachers and more departments,” she said of her new role in Seaford. “The pride here is palpable and everyone has given me a warm welcome so far. I really believe in the humanities approach and I’m excited to build on the excellence that I already see.”
Judity_Bongiovi after Sept 2 or send check AND names to Seaford Historical Society PO Box 1254, Seaford, NY 11783
For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi, 516-783-8629
Classifieds
BLOCKS, NEW STOOPS & REPAIRS ALL PHASES OF LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES & MAINTENANCE. MULCH, TOP SOIL, SEED, & TREE TRIMMING O-ROD LANDS CA PING
Student Leaders Bring Fresh Perspective To Board Meetings
The Seaford School District Board of Education is bringing another voice to the table for the 2025-2026 school year with the addition of an ex-officio student member. Incoming senior Matthew Kind will hold the position, with junior Michael Kofod serving as the alternate student member.
Matthew was selected for the role because he is the president of the Class of 2026, and Michael is president of the Class of 2027. They will attend the board of education business meetings, where Matthew will have a seat at the table and give an update on student happenings throughout the district. As alternate, Michael will fill in as necessary. They were both sworn in at the board of education’s reorganization meeting on July 9. In addition to leading the senior class, Matthew is a member of the
Shared Decision-Making Committee, the Athletic Leadership Team, Best Buddies and the National Honor Society, and plays on the varsity football and baseball teams. Michael is involved in student government and plays football, basketball and lacrosse. They both attended Seaford Harbor Elementary School.
“It is truly an honor to became ex-officio student member of the board of education,” Matthew said. “I am so incredibly excited to represent the student community here at Seaford, and I am prepared to advocate for and speak on behalf of my classmates.”
Matthew said that his goals will be to provide regular reports that include updates from all four Seaford schools, and is up for the challenge of gathering student opinions from across the district.
As ex-officio student members, Matthew and Michael do not vote or attend executive sessions, but a student report will be part of the agenda at each regular meeting.
“I am looking forward to working collaboratively with board members and administrators to ensure that students’ perspectives are heard and considered in discussions that affect our education,” Michael said. ‘Through open communication and continued listening, I hope to strengthen the connection between students, board members and administration, and contribute to policies that reflect the needs and values of the Seaford school community.”
Superintendent Dr.
Adele Pecora and board of education trustees are welcoming them with open arms.
“I look forward to having Matthew Kind as the exofficio board member and Michael as the alternate ex-
officio, bringing student voice and reflection to our Seaford Board of Education meetings,” Dr. Pecora said. “They are proven student leaders with exceptional communication skills that make them ideal for this
new and exciting role.”
Board President Lisa Herbert added, “We are excited to have Matthew Kind and Michael Kofod as ex-officio student board members. We know that they will offer a relevant
and fresh student-body perspective and will add great value to the board. We look forward to their student reports at our regular board meetings and are looking forward to working with them.”
Michael Kofod, left, and Matthew Kind are the ex-officio student members of the Seaford Board of Education for the 2025-2026 school year. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
