March 13, 2024 Massapequa Park

RIBBON

CEREMONY - COCO BONGO LONG ISLAND

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newest Chamber member, Coco Bongo Long Island! Congratulations to Owner Alex Vasquez and Richie Valentino General Manager. They are located at 432 N. Wantagh Avenue in Bethpage. On hand were owner Alex Vasquez, General Manager Richie Valentino, Chamber President Robert Zabbia, Chamber First Vice President Robin Hepworth, Karen Gawrych Recording Secretary, Chamber board members Isabelle Rapacciuolo and Tim Ryan, Assemblyman John Mikulin and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, Francis Becker-rep. Nassau County Clerk's office. Photo courtesy of Robin Hepworth

Woman’s Club Of Massapequa Hosts Members Of The Women’s Club Of Farmingdale

President Frances Cloud presided over the February 14th General Meeting, held at the Bar Harbor Library, Massapequa.

Invited guests of honor were President Barbara Horner, along with eleven members of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale. First V.P., Patricia Fernando, distributed beautiful red sequenced heart key chains, which added to the festivities!

Membership Chair, Monica Rea conducted an installation of a new member, Rose Falco, along with her Sponsor Patricia Fernando.

Both clubs exchanged ideas about ways that greatly impact the needs of communities, both near and far.

President Barbara

Hoerner described their participation in projects such as “Operation Smile”, making “beads of courage” for hospitalized children after surgery, and donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Especially notable is the creative way they went about helping the hospitalized children with “cleft palate/cleft lip” (Operation Smile), by devising an arm restraint which helped to benefit children during the healing process!

JoAnn Hundertmark spoke about the Woman’s Club of Massapequa, and how the Child Welfare Department assists those in need. Notable was a major fundraiser held this past December. The proceeds went to help families in need

on a temporary basis. The Child Welfare Department also organizes food drives whereby donations, and monetary gifts, go to help local churches replenish their food pantries!

Sharing our ideas helps us to embrace new ways to serve our communities better.

At the conclusion of the meeting, time was spent mingling and talking.

All enjoyed dessert coffee and tea, served on a festive Valentine-themed table, coordinated by hospitality Chairs Laurie Walegir and JoAnn Bedard.

We hope to continue fostering our newlyfound friendships, and sharing our ideas! For more information, contact Maureen Larisch at (516) 541-4114

Assemblyman Durso Announces Annual Pet Food Drive

New York State

Assemblyman Michael Durso (Massapequa Park), in coordination with Long Island Cares, is inviting the community to participate in his annual Pet Food Drive to

help families keep their pets out of shelters and remain at home where they belong.

Assemblyman Durso is asking residents, community organizations and pet lovers to kindly donate unopened

bags of dog and cat food, canned pet food and pet supplies. All items collected will be donated to Baxter’s Pet Pantry, operated by Long Island Cares, which provides free pet food and pet supplies to pet-owning families in need throughout Long Island.

Donations can be dropped off at Assemblyman Durso’s district office located at 512 Park Boulevard in

Massapequa Park or at various other locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties through April 5, 2024. For more information, call Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.

Donations are being accepted at the following locations:

• Assemblyman Durso’s Office: 512 Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY

• Petco 5500 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa, NY

• Babylon Library 24 S Carll Ave, Babylon, NY

• North Babylon Library 815 Deer Park Ave, North Babylon, NY

• West Babylon Library 211 NY-109, West Babylon, NY

• West Islip Library 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY

Installation - L-R Rose Falco; Patricia Fernando and Chair- Monica Rea

Diana

Carol

Bob

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

Kathy

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Coco Bongo Long Island

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - COCO BONGO LONG ISLAND - The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newest Chamber member, Coco Bongo Long Island! Congratulations to Owner Alex Vasquez and Richie Valentino General Manager. They are located at 432 N. Wantagh Avenue in Bethpage. On hand were owner Alex Vasquez, General Manager Richie Valentino, Chamber President Robert Zabbia, Chamber First Vice President Robin Hepworth, Karen Gawrych Recording Secretary, Chamber board members Isabelle Rapacciuolo and Tim Ryan, Assemblyman John Mikulin and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, Francis Becker-rep. Nassau County Clerk’s office. Photo courtesy of Robin Hepworth

Free Narcan Training

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, Village of Massapequa Park Mayor Daniel Pearl and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman are hosting a free Narcan Training on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Village Hall in Massapequa Park. A trained specialist from the Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Developmental Disabilities Services will discuss signs of

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an opiate overdose, overdose risk factors, recognizing and responding to an overdose, administration of Naloxone (Narcan), and new treatment approaches. Each registered participant will receive a free Narcan kit at the after the training.

Registration is required. Seating is limited to the first 50 registrants. To reserve your seat, please call Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.

“I strongly encourage all community members to attend this free, lifesaving program,” said Assemblyman Durso. “With record high overdose deaths

occurring last year from Fentanyl and other opioids, it’s imperative that everyone knows how to recognize an overdose and safely administer Narcan. Lives depend on it.”

“Thanks to Assemblyman Durso’s efforts with Nassau County’s Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disability Services, we help to provide our residents with educational support and life-saving training in case of an emergency,” said Massapequa Park Mayor Pearl.

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.

Pigs on a Wing in Lindenhurst is a family owned and operated Southern BBQ & Comfort food Restaurant. Owners Kurt and Shonte recently took over the store next to them to offer a new dining experience with highdefinition projectors to showcase all the big sporting events. You can now sit down, watch the game, and have a cold beer if desired. Kurt and Shonte have been serving the Lindenhurst Community as a team for over 9 years with takeout and delivery services which they were awarded first place in the 2022 Bethpage Best of Long Island Soul Food & Southern Restaurant Category.

Kurt & Shonte have a passion for good quality home cooked food, which they take pride in when offering great products and services to their neighbors, friends and family in the local South Shore communities. Their wide variety menu offers something for the whole family. They specialize in Fried chicken,

wings, smoked fall off the bone ribs, Smoked beef brisket and pork shoulder, just to name a few. Diners love the variety of piled high sandwiches and gourmet burgers cooked to their liking. They know what good quality food tastes like and the difference it makes when being served to their families.

Pigs on a Wing still offer inhouse delivery services to Lindenhurst, Copiague, Amityville, West Babylon and Babylon village. They have expanded that territory by offering delivery services outside of these areas with online ordering through Uber, Grubhub and Door Dash. These companies will deliver up to 10 miles from the physical storefront.

Pigs on a Wing loves the support from this amazing community and they love supporting their fellow neighbors, schools, churches and so many other amazing organizations! With the Big Game coming up this weekend please remember to get your orders in early!

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.

“ I couldn’t have afforded to open my distillery without help. PSEG Long Island came through.”

John Pawluk, Twisted Cow Distillery,

How

Lifeguard Employment Opportunities At Town Pools And Beaches

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced lifeguard employment opportunities at Town Pools and Beaches throughout the Town. Opportunities for this summer once again include a competitive starting salary of up to $18 per hour for all lifeguards, as well as openings for 15-year olds at community pools.

“From having the opportunity to work at one of the Town’s fantastic summer facilities and building confidence, selfesteem, and leadership skills, to making new friends and helping others, working as a lifeguard is one of the best summer jobs around,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Our lifeguards provide an invaluable service in protecting our residents and have helped save countless lives in both pool and ocean waters. We

encourage you to take the first step in making this summer your best one yet by applying to be a Town of Oyster Bay lifeguard today.”

The Town is accepting lifeguard applications from candidates who possess Nassau Lifeguard Certification and a current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Additionally, the Town is offering Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Nassau County Certification courses for residents who are not certified, but would like to be. Upon successful completion of these two courses, residents will be eligible for employment as a lifeguard with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Town will then pay all fees for both courses. There are also many future opportunities for advancement, including as Water Safety Instructors, Swim Team Coaches, Swim

Lesson Teachers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguard Instructors and Lifeguard Managerial positions.

“The Town of Oyster Bay is making it easier than ever to become a lifeguard. We’re offering all the certification and training courses you need to apply, covering the fees of these courses for successful candidates, welcoming 15-year olds to our lifeguard ranks at Town community pools, and offering competitive pay in recognition of the life-saving work they do,” added Supervisor Saladino.

Town lifeguards are hired for the summer season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Positions are available at all Town pools and beaches. For all inquiries about lifeguard employment and classes, please call 516-7974131 or email aquatics@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

Volunteers Wanted For Dune Grass Planting Day At TOBAY Beach

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announce a great environmental volunteer initiative for those who love visiting the beach and helping to protect the shoreline. The Town of Oyster Bay will host its

annual ‘Dune Day’ grass planting program to help stabilize the beach dunes, on Saturday, March 23rd at TOBAY Beach. The event begins at 10 a.m.

“The Town’s Dune Stabilization Project brings together residents of all ages in an effort to protect

and preserve our beautiful shoreline and environment by planting stalks of dune grass,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Year after year, this event is a great opportunity for school groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and other environmentally-conscious

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March Happenings

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 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.

Make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

6:00PM

BUDGET INFORMATION MEETING

The North Babylon Public Library will hold a Budget Information Meeting in the Library. The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its March meeting immediately following the Budget Information Meeting. The public is invited to attend. For more information please call 631-669-4020.

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 & III With professional soloists and orchestra. Held at St. Peter’s ByThe-Sea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore. To buy tickets online visit their website at www.babylonchorale.org. For more information please email info@babylonchorale.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

7:00PM

COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1635 Family is hosting a Comedy Night Fundraiser at 90 Division Avenue, Levittown. Doors open at 5:30PM. $20 per ticket, 2 item minimum purchase per person.

Tickets can be purchased from: The Post 1634, SAL Squadron 1635 and ALA Unit 1634. For more info, email gijoe608@hotmail.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

6:00PM

PSYCHIC DINNER NIGHT

Enjoy a three course meal with a one on one Psychic Reading for 15 minutes at the Brunello Italian Kitchen, 1945 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park. Call 516-639-6903 to reserve your spot. Starting reservations from 6 pm. For more information call 516-639-6903.

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

7:00PM

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING

The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore will hold a meeting at the Bay Shore/Brightwaters Library, One South Country Road in Brightwaters. All are welcome to attend. Please call 631-665-7003 for further information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

1:00PM-3:00PM

CHILDREN'S EASTER FAIR

For children ages 2 to 10 years old. There will be crafts and snacks as well. Please bring a basket for the Easter Egg Hunt. This is a free event, located at Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park. For more information call 631-242-022.

your free information packet(s) on the area you are considering; to include sample listings, or a market analysis to give you an overview of the market and how we can best service your local, national, or international real estate needs.

To raise awareness on the impact of trees in our communities, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s poster contest, Our Town Our Environment, invites youngsters to create a poster showcasing the importance of trees in preserving our environment, with a theme of ‘Trees for Tomorrow.’

“This poster contest presents a great opportunity to

Town

Environmental Poster Contest

bring environmental awareness to our young people, making them more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting Mother Nature and safeguarding our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino. Students should submit a poster to communicate awareness of the essential role of trees in our lives and may consider these key facts in their design:

• Oxygen Production: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, ensuring clean air. Did you know? 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year.

• Air and Water Purification: Trees cleanse the air and water, promoting a healthier environment.

• Shade and Cooling: Trees provide shade, cooling our neighborhoods naturally.

• Wildlife Habitat: Trees offer food and homes for various wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.

• Health Benefits: Trees encourage outdoor activities, promoting physical well-being. Submissions should be made on poster paper (no larger than 12”x18”). No edible items should be used on the poster. The top

three winning posters to be displayed at a Town facility and showcased in a future Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.

“This contest is being co-sponsored by Friends of the Bay and The Waterfront Center, two organizations we proudly partner with throughout the year to help our efforts in protecting and preserving the environment,” said Councilwoman Johnson.

“I hope all fourth-grade students join us in this year’s program and take advantage of the great opportunity to become more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting our

environment.”

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions, with 1st Place receiving a private tour of Oyster Bay Harbor aboard a Friends of the Bay vessel, a $200 gift certificate for the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, a tree planted at the winning student’s school for Arbor Day, a nautical trivia game and Friends of the Bay apparel. Second and third place winners will also receive a gift certificate to The Waterfront Center and have a tree planted in their school district. Submission deadline for the contest is Friday, March 29th,

with winners to be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd.

Along with their poster submission, students must include an entry form, which is available at www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest. Mail or email posters to the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29 Spring Street, Oyster Bay NY, 11771. Entries can also be emailed to environmental@ oysterbay-ny.gov with the subject line ‘2024 Poster Contest.’ Visit www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest for more details.

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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

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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

Continued From 16

organizations

Mother Earth while having fun!”

Dunes along the south shore continue to face environmentally damaging storms that have a significant impact on the beach. Statistics indicate that the planting of dune grass provides a natural shield that is perfect for withstanding storm surges and high winds.

“The Dune Stabilization Project helps preserve the beach and barrier island for future generations,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “Volunteers work alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share an interest in helping preserve TOBAY Beach.”

Early registration is not necessary to participate. To register in advance as a volunteer, residents can visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ volunteerform. For additional information, contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or email environmental@ oysterbay-ny.gov.