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“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 or personal information, even if they claim to be from a government or bank entity.”
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 list, this just confirms your phone number.
Block any numbers from which you have received scam calls or texts.
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.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a recent study found drinking tea might keep the cardiologist at bay.
The USDA reported that men and women who drank black tea for three weeks reduced their total and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by an average of 7.5 percent. Researchers concluded that drinking tea may
reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Antioxidants called flavonoids, found in both green and black teas, are thought to be potent weapons in the fight against heart disease. That news may be especially important for women, given that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined including breast cancer.
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today! “Our mission has been, and continues to be, to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. “We proudly serve individuals with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished.”
Their location in Islandia offers an unequaled setting for equestrian activities, with a 20-stall barn on 13 acres, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a 100’ x 120’ indoor arena with state-of-the-art-footing and a rider hoisting system, 3 outdoor riding arenas, classrooms, accessible playground, a greenhouse and a wellness center. They offer the following programs:
Lessons: This program provides quality adaptive riding and unmounted lessons that benefit individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional and mental disabilities. Each one of their riding instructors excels in their field and continues with training and certification throughout their careers.
Equine Assisted Learning: This program incorporates horses experientially for educational and emotional growth and learning. Using unique approaches to create positive and constructive learning experiences for children and adolescents who are at risk of failing in the traditional academic setting, this program has changed the lives of countless individuals.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: This follows a model designed by EAGALA,
Inc., the leading international EAP training and certifying organization.
Currently, Pal-OMine Equestrian has 7 Licensed Mental Health Professionals and 11 Equine Specialists who are certified in this model. Groups that are participating focus on the following issues: grief, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse, addiction and codependency.
Speech & Occupational Therapy: Clients respond well to therapy incorporating activities with animals, and a variety of therapy goals can be addressed using this treatment strategy. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists run this program to provide therapy services with the assistance of wonderful animals.
Military: For more than four thousand years, horses have been an integral part of warfare. Today, horses are still playing an important role in war, this time in the recovery of military veterans who have suffered emotional and/or physical injuries. This program is an EAGALA designated Military Program and offers individual, group and family sessions to help people heal.
Corporate Leadership: The way individuals interact and react with horses is very similar to the way they interact with their clients, customers, peers and work groups. People interpret horse behavior/emotions through the lens of their personal perception. How they interpret horses can often be a metaphor for their work, attitudes and relationships. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is proud to offer a Corporate Leadership program.
For more information about this organization and all they offer, please call 631-348-1389 or visit www.pal-omine.org. Don’t miss next week’s article to learn about how you can get involved and help others in your community.
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.
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.
8
10 year old male. Pekingese mix. Confident and an ideal lap warmer.
5 month old male. Labrador mix. Spunky little fellow. Eager to learn.
6 month old male. Pit mix. Sweet natured and affectionate boy.
On Monday, December 19, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team concluded their Holiday Donation Drive, which ran for four weeks and had drop-off locations throughout Long Island. The drive brought in countless donations, all of which were given to a local non-profit organization, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH).
“It was such a great experience and people didn’t hold back,” said Noelle Lambert, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “I received calls, texts and emails from people who heard of the drive and wanted to donate, many of which ended up giving so much that they couldn’t bring it all into a drop-off location in one trip. Although it’s a very sad reality that many individuals are experiencing homelessness and other hardships right here on Long Island, it was really refreshing to see our community come together and do something about it.”
The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless strives to end homelessness on Long Island, and to alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The organization’s distribution center where the donations were brought is located at 600 Albany Avenue in Amityville,
and is also known as their boutique. People in need can make an appointment to come to the boutique and leave with clothes and other items, such as non perishable food and personal care products for free. LICH is here to work directly with people in need, as well as with case managers, shelter staff members, school employees, church members and the like who are helping these individuals.
”This organization does so much good and it was a pleasure to contribute towards their important mission,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “So many people have clothing and miscellaneous items that they aren’t using, while others are in real need; it’s just a matter of coordinating a collection. However, it’s clear that the holiday spirit helped our drive quite a bit. I want to express how thankful we are to all who donated, as well as for the businesses that allowed us to use their locations for the drive, which includes USA Auto Body in East Patchogue, The Fish Store in Bayport, Long Island Media Group in
Farmingdale and Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Smithtown and Farmingville.”
“We are so very grateful for this drive that Noelle and The Bryn Elliott Team put together,” said Bailey Riekkinen, Community Engagement Specialist at LICH.
“The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless will continue to advocate and serve until we achieve our mission of ending homelessness on Long Island. In 2022, we referred over 700 households for permanent housing through Coordinated Entry, a system that ensures the most vulnerable Long Islanders are prioritized for permanent, affordable housing. Affordable housing is scarce on Long Island, and we are consistently working hard at connecting Long Island’s most vulnerable to the available resources. Additionally, we received and distributed over 10,000 pounds of food and toiletries along with countless clothing items to locals that are homeless and at-risk on the streets and in shelters through our boutique and pantry.”
Together we can make a true difference in our community.
If you would like more information about starting a donation drive with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, please contact Bailey at 631.464.4314 x125. For more information about LICH and all they offer, visit www. addressthehomeless.org or call 631.464.4314.
Massapequa High School’s Mindfulness Matters course has grown into one of the most popular electives, helping students develop lifelong skills and strategies that foster a positive mindset. The halfyear English class uses “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” as its foundational text. Students selected 12 quotes from the book and wrote them on index cards, which will serve as a mindfulness guide for them for years to come. Teacher Lisa Davi said that
on one side of each card, students wrote a quote, and on the other side, they wrote what that quote means to them. They could also add drawings and images that reflected the quotes.
Every student was asked to choose three quotes for each of the four agreements, and the four cards were bound together with a metal ring. During classes on Nov. 21 and 22, students shared their cards with peers. Ms. Davi said that they were encouraged to then bring their cards home for Thanksgiving
recess and spread the concept of mindfulness with their families.
Tina Farrell, curriculum associate for English language arts and library media, said that this is the third year that Mindfulness Matters has been offered at Massapequa High School. There are 140 presently enrolled from grades 10-12. She added that the reason it has grown so quickly is because of positive word of mouth from students who have taken the course and the appreciation for the lifelong skills and strategies they have developed.
MINDFUL WORDS OF INSPIRATION - Massapequa High School’s Mindfulness Matters course has grown into one of the most popular electives, helping students develop lifelong skills and strategies that foster a positive mindset. Pictured: Superintendent Dr. William Brennan and Curriculum Associate for English Language Arts and Library Tina Farrell, right, joined Massapequa High School Mindfulness Matters teacher Lisa Davi and students to celebrate the publishing of their quote cards based on the four agreements. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
(NAPSA)-Sleep apnea increases snoring and may make you more likely to have a car accident, says the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Fortunately, a dental device resembling an athlete’s mouth guard is 70 percent successful at treating sleep apnea. Learn more at www. leadingdentists.com.
It’s shaping up to be another successful year for the annual holiday toy drive at Birch Lane Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Two weeks into the collection, nearly 300 toys have already been donated.
The toy drive is organized by the student government, led by advisers Kelsey Downey and Casey Russell, and runs through Dec. 20. Donations go to the John Theissen Children’s
Foundation to support sick and underprivileged children.
Every morning, students can leave toys in holiday bags in each classroom. Then, the Birch Lane elves – fifth grade student government members – go around the school, collect all of the toys and place them in large bins. Representatives from JTCF come and pick up the donations several times each week.
In addition to toys for children of all ages, students
can also donate gift cards to any store that sells toys.
Fifth grader Ellie Casper said it makes her feel great to help others and that the large number of donations “means that people are caring about kids in need.”
“I’m glad that we got a lot of toys,” added Blaise Regis, “so we can give them to kids that deserve them and really need them. We’re doing this for a really good cause.”
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