Recess Game Room Builds Bonds At Seaford Middle School
The time-honored tradition of recess just got a whole lot better at Seaford Middle School.
Half of the cafeteria was recently converted into a game room as part of an initiative that promotes positive social interaction and physical activity.
The new game room includes air hockey, foosball, knock hockey and pingpong tables as well as several electronic basketball games. There is also a video game station with a Nintendo Switch and large television screen for students to play Just Dance, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.
Lunch periods at the middle school are by grade level and there are two teams per grade. One team begins the midday break at recess while the other eats. They then switch after 20 minutes.
Principal Dr. Raphael Morey said that plans for the game room have been
in the works since the summer, and the concept was recommended when the school applied for and received the Essential Elements Schools to Watch designation. The process included site visits to other area middle schools that have similar spaces, along with focus group meetings with sixth, seventh and eighth grade student leaders. The aim was to provide activities that students would enjoy along with a well-structured plan.
“We recognized that we wanted to give students a space within the building to have enhanced social opportunities and the time to do that was during lunch,” Dr. Morey said. “So far, it’s been a huge success.”
One of the biggest successes, Dr. Morey said, has been seeing new friendships blossom as students play games together and socialize. Engaging with others
through activity is one of the strongest ways to build bonds, he said.
The game room debuted on March 3. Students can still go outside for recess when the weather permits, or go to the library for crafts. Dr. Morey expressed his gratitude to the Seaford Board of Education and central administration for supporting the effort to provide students with the additional option.
Eighth grader John DiDomenico gives the new game room high marks. He enjoys the basketball machines and having competitions with his friends. Because students are divided into two groups, he said the space is not too crowded and it has also cut down on the wait time to buy lunch.
“I love that you get to play games with your friends,” John said. “There’s a bunch of different variations of games. I like that we have the privilege to do this.”
Town Launches ‘Trees For Tomorrow’ Poster Contest For 4th Graders
Calling all young artists and environmentalists!
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Andrew Monteleone are excited to announce the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s theme, Trees for Tomorrow, encourages students to showcase the vital role trees play in preserving our environment.
“This contest is a fantastic way to inspire young minds about the importance of protecting our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino. “By learning about the benefits of trees, students gain a greater appreciation for the environment and the role they play in safeguarding it for the future.”
Students are invited to get creative and design a poster highlighting how trees contribute to a healthier planet. Here are some key facts they may consider in their artwork:
• Oxygen Powerhouse – Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping us breathe cleaner air.
(Did you know? 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year!)
• Nature’s Purifier –Trees filter air and water, promoting a healthier environment.
• Natural Cooling System – Trees provide shade and help cool neighborhoods.
• Wildlife Habitat – Trees support biodiversity by offering
food and shelter to countless species.
• Health & Wellness
Boost – Trees encourage outdoor activities, benefiting both physical and mental well-being.
How to Enter
Posters must be created on paper no larger than 12”x18” (no edible materials allowed).
The top three winning posters will be displayed at a Town facility and featured in an upcoming Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.
“We’re proud to partner with Friends of the Bay and The Waterfront Center to promote environmental awareness among students,” said Councilman Monteleone. “I encourage all fourth graders to participate in this fun and educational
initiative!”
Exciting Prizes!
1st Place – A private tour of Oyster Bay Harbor aboard a Friends of the Bay vessel, a $200 Waterfront Center gift certificate, a tree planted at the winner’s school for Arbor Day, a nautical trivia game, and Friends of the Bay apparel.
2nd & 3rd Place – A Waterfront Center gift certificate and a tree planted in their school district.
Deadline & Submission
Details
Deadline: Friday, April 4th
Winners Announced: Earth Day, April 22nd
Submit by mail or email:
Mail: Town of Oyster Bay Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29
Spring Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Email: environmental@ oysterbay-ny.gov (Subject: “2025 Poster Contest”)
Students must include an entry form, available at www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest. For full contest details, visit the website. Get creative, spread the word, and help us celebrate the power of trees!
Nikesh Hathiramani, left, John DiDomenico, center, and Vincent Calvacca love the basketball machines in the new game room. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
Did You Know?
A massage may be seen as the ideal way to unwind at the end of a long week. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage is a component of integrative medicine that is increasingly being offered along with standard treatments for a host of medical conditions and situations. Massage has long been associated with helping to reduce stress, pain, muscle soreness, and tension. And massage also can help improve circulation and lower heart rate and blood pressure. However, various studies also have suggested massage can be utilized to treat a range of additional conditions, including anxiety, headaches, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. The Mayo Clinic notes that more study is needed to confirm the benefits of massage for treating such conditions, but massage can remain a beneficial component of wellness regimens.
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: Seafood Pancakes
It’s
customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a sacrifice symbolic of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. “Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.
Makes 4 to 5 pancakes
2 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
2 ounces clams, cleaned
3 1⁄4 ounces rice flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 1⁄2 ounces self-rising flour
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
Directions:
In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s threequarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
3 1⁄2 ounces brown shrimp
5 spring onions, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle Vegetable oil for frying
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.
Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one half tray)
• Traditional Meat or Cheese Lasagna
• Traditional Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Manicotti • Stuffed Shells
VEGETABLE (Choose two quarter trays)
• Sautéed Broccoli Garlic & Oil
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• String Bean Casserole
• String Bean Almondine
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
•
• Manicotti • Stuffed Shells
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• American Spring Leg of Lamb
• Black Angus Filet Mignon Roast
• All Natural Hormone Free Stuffed Pork Roast
• Boar’s Head Brown Sugar, Sweet Sliced Holiday Ham
*8-10lb. avg. All meat comes raw, must be cooked.
• Candied Sweet Potatoes VEGETABLE (Choose two half trays)
• Sautéed Broccoli Garlic & Oil
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• String Bean Casserole
• String Bean Almondine
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
MARCH HAPPENINGS
SAT., MARCH 22nd
10:00AM-1:00PM
LENTEN COLLECTION FOR SOLES4SOULS
Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, invites the community to join their Lenten Collection for SOLES4SOULS, a nonprofit organization that collects new/slightly used shoes and distributes them to people in need. Donations can be brought to their Grant Avenue entrance.
SUN., MARCH 23rd
11:00AM-5:00PM
ST JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB WINTER OPEN HOUSE
Located at the Mills Pond House in St James. Once again opening to the public with many new additions to the Layout There is a requested donation, Adults $2.00, Children .50. PLEASE NOTE: The St. James Model Railroad Club is not handicapped accessible. For further information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732
12:00PM-4:00PM
ANNUAL ST JOSEPH CELEBRATION
Long Island Society of Italian Americans (LISIA) are getting ready for their annual St Joseph Celebration at The Inn at New Hyde Park. $100.00 per person includes antipasto, complete dinner, beer, wine & soda and dancing. Call Diane Langella @ 516-398-3484 for additional information and reservations.
TUES., MARCH 25th
7:00PM
N. BABYLON LIONS CLUB
GENERAL MEETING
HOLIDAYS
9th - Daylight Savings Begins
17th - St. Patrick's Day
20th - Spring Begins
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
151 Phelps Lane - In the Blue Room, in N. Babylon. We're not just Pancakes and Pasta. Join us in helping others while having fun. Contact: Joefatuzzo@gmail.com
THURS., MARCH 27th
6:30PM-9:30PM MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER
The Seaford Historical Society will host a fundraiser, Music Bingo, at the museum. The event is $25 per person, which includes 2 bingo cards. There will be raffles, door prize and a 50/50. Coffee and water will be available. The museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Tickets can be purchased at their website seafordhistoricalsociety.org/musicbingo. Seating is limited. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-783-8629
FRI., MARCH 28th
10:00AM-1:00PM
FIND YOUR TREASURE SALE
Simpson UMC Presents A Find your treasure sale. Clothing $5 a bag. New Clothing $3 a garment, Household Items, Children’s clothing, toys and furniture, Small animal needs. Something for everyone! Simpson UMC, 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Call Mary for more information 516-991-8098
SAT., MARCH 29th
8:30AM-11:30AM
HECKSCHER STATE PARK
MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K
1 Heckscher State Parkway, Field 6 in East Islip. Rain or Shine. Boston
Qualifier Marathon and USATF
Certified 5K and Half Marathon! The
course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on fully closed park roads. This is one of the 1st Marathons & Half Marathons of the spring - come run a well supported event at Scenic Heckscher State Park! Each runner will receive a long-sleeved shirt & a finisher medal! For more information, please contact Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
SUN., MARCH 30th
12:00PM-5:00PM NORTH BABYLON LIONS CLUB DART TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
Sand City Brewery, 150 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. $39pp to play, includes cold foods and cash bar. $15pp to be a guest, includes cold foods and cash bar. Raffles, 50/50. Come join the fun and support one of their causes. For more info https://www.ourgroupline.org/ TheLionsClubofNorthBabylon/ or contact gail315@optonline.net
2:00PM FREE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Echoes of Sinatra at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive! The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call 516-797-7900 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
Garage Door Sale!
Medicare Made Easy (In-Person)
Presented by Marie Cantone, Senior Health Plan
Consultant specializing in Medicare
Tuesday, March 25th
Time: 7:00pm
This seminar is designed to take the “confusion” out of all the options available, so you are able to make choices that are “RIGHT” for you. We will review the basics of Medicare, supplementary
insurance, advantage plans, prescription drug plans, eligibility requirements and enrollment. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org
Virtual Women’s History Lecture: Behind the Throne-Eight First Ladies
Presented by: William Thierfelder
Friday, March 28th
Time: 1:00pm
This program gives an overview of eight women
who were not only the wives of Presidents but who often made significant contributions to the presidency and even the direction of our nation. This impressive and inspiring group--including Dolley Madison, Edith Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and Michelle Obama--illustrates the strength of women often having to navigate difficult political and social waters. Their stories are truly
inspirational. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.
Flower and Vegetables for the Early Spring Garden (In-Person)
Friday, April 4th
Time: 1:00pm
Many of the early spring flowers need to be planted before the winter to start to bloom when the weather warms up, but you can still plant a few seasonal beauties as the garden begins to
thaw. Horticulturist Paul Levine will share some great flowering plants that will welcome Spring to your garden. At the conclusion of the program, plants will be raffled off. Register now at www.seafordlibrary.org.
Long Island Reads Program: Storms, Shipwrecks, Lifesavers and Lightkeepers: The History of the Fire Island Lighthouse (In-Person)
Tuesday, April 8th
Time: 7:00pm
Please join Angela Reich, Fire Island Lighthouse docent and author of an historical novel Shipwreck of Hopes involving our Long Island Maritime history and local residents who manned our shores, responsible for maritime safety in the country’s busiest shipping lanes. Book sale to follow. Register now ONLINE at www.seafordlibrary.org.
GUTTERS
Tell Us About It!
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.
Saladino Announces Paid Internship Opportunities For College Students
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced the return of internship opportunities for college students who are looking to gain meaningful work experience. The Town will offer an internship program for the 2025 summer season.
“Internships give students an advantage over other job seekers when it comes to work readiness, and I am proud that the Town will once again provide that opportunity for our residents,” Supervisor Saladino said. “This internship program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to receive mentorship and supervision from experienced government professionals.”
This program compensates students at a competitive rate of $18 an hour, and students will work 19.5 hours per week. The program will operate May 29th through August 6th. Internships are available
in the following Town Departments: Comptroller, General Services, Environmental Resources, Inter-Governmental Affairs, Planning & Development, Public Information, Public Safety, Public Works/Engineering, Town Attorney and Town Clerk. Interns will gain worksite specific knowledge, learn departmental procedures, assist with general office duties and reports, develop an understanding of worksite specific projects and apply the knowledge gained to benefit the Town of Oyster Bay.
College students interested in internship opportunities must apply by April 4th. Applicants must submit a resume with their application, available at oysterbaytown.com/ internship. Completed applications and resumes should be submitted to personnel@oysterbay-ny. gov. For more information, please call (516) 624-6425.
Did You Know?
Only certain veterans can get the complete comprehensive caregiver benefit package through the VA. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is working to change these laws and correct this inequity. Many Americans are asking their legislators where they stand on the issue.
To Display And Sell Creations
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand is inviting local artists and artisans to participate in a special day of creativity and community at Art in the Park. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, May 17, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay, offering a unique platform for talented individuals to display and sell their handcrafted creations. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9, 2025.
“Art in the Park provides an incredible opportunity for local artists and artisans to showcase their best work, connect
with the community, and gain recognition,” said Councilman Hand. “Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of a vibrant community event, featuring live music, food trucks, and fun activities for kids.”
Artists and artisans must be 18 years or older and can only display and sell original, handcrafted pieces. Commercial or mass-produced items will not be permitted. Participants are responsible for supplying their own 10x10 canopy and any additional equipment needed for their space. Full details,
including associated costs, are outlined in the application available online. Organized by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division, Art in the Park celebrates a diverse range of handcrafted works, including ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculptures, and more. To apply, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/ capa or contact the Cultural and Performing Arts Division at (516) 797-7932 for more information.
Lenten Season In The Orthodox Church (English Language Services)
We invite you to worship with us during Great Lent at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The more ancient form of the liturgy, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, is celebrated at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) every Lenten Sunday (from March 9 to April 6 this year). Each of the Sundays of
Great Lent has its own special theme, which is reflected in the New Testament readings and hymns of that day, as well as the sermon. All services are conducted in English. A vegan coffee hour follows the Sunday Divine Liturgy during Great Lent. Services are also streamed on https:// www.facebook.com/htocem. The full liturgical schedule for Great Lent can be found on the parish website’s calendar at www.htocem. org. For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail.com.
Heart Health
(NAPSA)—The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity each week. Learn more at partnering4health.org.
