March 22, 2023 Massapequa Park

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for March is Canine Companions®

www.canine.org

Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. They proudly o er their support services free of charge to recipients.

Their Northeast Region (Long Island Chapter) is located right in Medford, however they have six regions across the country and serve all 50 states.

Did you know that National Puppy Day is March 23rd? Canine Companions will be celebrating with a live puppy cam from 9ammidnight, featuring eight-week-old future service dogs. You can tune in to watch this litter of very special puppies as they romp and play, eat and sleep and begin their lifechanging journeys. In addition to the puppies, the live feed will feature three informative presentations. Join the fun by visiting canine.org/puppy cam!

Saladino Joins Birch Lane Kindergarteners For “Pick A Reading Partner” Week

These puppies are destined to do great things – and this is just the beginning. For the next two years, they will be raised and expertly trained to help provide enhanced independence and confidence

to children, adults and veterans with disabilities at no cost.

You can help the puppies of today become the service dogs of tomorrow by becoming a volunteer puppy raiser!

Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers provide specially-bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love.

Volunteers are warmly welcomed in other capacities as well, such as Front Desk Reception, General O ce Support, Puppy Transporter and Event Support, amongst other fields. Without loyal volunteers, this organization couldn’t fulfill their mission, so they are beyond grateful for each individual that gives their time and e orts to help.

Looking to help out but running low on time? You can share your support of Canine Companions when you post about them on social media! Their marketing team has specifically planned out posts with catchy graphics for anyone to post. Scan the QR Code below or visit their website (www.canine.org) to find all the tools you need to start spreading the word.

“PICK A READING PARTNER” WEEK - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined students at Birch Lane Elementary School in Massapequa Park to celebrate Pick A Reading Partner (PARP) Week, which unites people all around the globe around a shared love of reading and literacy. After reading aloud to Ms. Signorile’s Kindergarten class, Supervisor Saladino encouraged students to continue reading and writing throughout their lives and thanked the teachers and administration of Birch Lane Elementary School for promoting literary education for all students.

Neighbor Pets’ Place

JANIE Young female. Sweet, playful and friendly.

BROOKHAVEN

SARGE

5-6 year old mle. German Shepherd/Husky mix. A happy and sweet guy.

For more information, please call 631.561.0200 and watch for next week’s article, which will spotlight an upcoming event and much more!

If your non-profit would like to be featured in this column,please email noellelambert@longislandmediagroup.com for consideration.

PLATO

7 year old male. Labrador. Full of wisdom and advice. Ready for his forever home.

JENNA Young female. Cute and outgoing. Enjoys playtime and pets.

KARIN Young female. Sweet and laid back. Seeking a forever home.

Young female. Quiet and friendly. Looking for a BFF.

LEXI #2

3-5 year old female. Curious, playful with toys benefits from exercise.

PALOMA

5-6 year old female. Strong girl who enjoys exercising and exploring.

GEM 8 month old female. Energetic and friendly. Loves everyone she meets.

EDGAR

10 year old male. Lhasa mix. Happiest in the company of people.

GEM & GEMMY

11 year old Poodle mix and 7 year old Maltese mix. Two peas in a pod.

LUCKY

10 year old male. Terrier mix. Loves his toys, brings them along for walks.

Registration Now Open For Toddler Sports Program

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced that the Toddler Sports Program returns this spring on April 18th. 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 Walsh. “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.”

Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on: Tuesdays at 1pm or 2pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center; and Thursdays at 1pm or 2pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

Online registration is now available at www. oysterbaytown.com/ parksportal. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

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. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. 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.

Councilman Labriola Announces New Co-Ed Pickleball Program

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola invites residents to take part in a new co-ed pickleball program, beginning April 4th at the Town of Oyster Bay’s Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 Broadway in Hicksville. Pickleball is available to individuals 18 years of age or older and offered for 10 weeks long and held on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am to 9:30am.

Councilman Labriola stated, “Pickleball continues to be a growing sport in our communities and this program will provide an even greater opportunity for fans to participate. Pickleball is a fun and social sport provides a great healthy activity for the whole family.”

Online registration is now available at www. oysterbaytown.com/ parksportal. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity. Fees are $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Proof of residency requires individuals to upload a tax or utility bill and valid photo ID. Participants must provide their own racket.

Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages, played with a wooden paddle and lightweight plastic ball. The sport combines elements of

tennis, badminton and ping pong and can include two, three or four players. It shares

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NOW HIRING: Savvy intern who can make TikTok hits

The New York Press Association, the trade association for newspapers in New York, is seeking a talented college creator to be our chief TikTok officer for the summer.

The internship will pay a net take-home stipend of $2600 and weekly schedules/work hours are negotiable.

We are seeking a candidate who uses the app daily and understands what resonates. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest to doug@nynewspapers.com explaining their qualifications and expertise. Include the name of the college you attend, expected year of graduation, and the names of three references — at least one of whom is one of your professors or instructors. Attaching sample videos encouraged. Application deadline is April 1, 2023.

New York Press Association

March Happenings

Items listed are free of charge. Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run in the calendar on a space available basis. For further information, call 631.226.2636, extension 211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

7:00PM-8:00PM

WOMEN OF LONG ISLAND

This presentation highlights women of Long Island, who made history during the past three centuries. Register online at freeportlibrary.info, by phone 516-3793274, or in person at the ASK Desk at the Freeport Memorial Library.

7:00PM-8:30PM

MUSIC & ASTRONOMY NIGHT

An evening of live music paired with scientifically accurate out of this world visuals in the upgraded Jet Blue Sky Theater Planetarium at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Visit cradleofaviation. org for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

9:00AM-11:00AM

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Held at Brumidi Lodge Deer Park. Ages 3 and under are free. Ages 4-12, $12 and 13+ are $18. Includes breakfast, toy auction, 50/50 raffle, lottery cash board raffle and crafts. Call Karen at 631-9433622 to reserve your seat or table.

9:30AM-12:00PM

GO FOR GREEN 5K RUN/WALK

The event will take place, rain or shine at the Smithtown Elementary School. Bring in your Race Number for 1 Free Draft Beer at Napper Tandy's Irish Pub on race day. Call Brendan at 516-531-3323 to register.

10:00AM-1:00PM

FREE HALF DAY KIDS CAMP

Enjoy crafts, stories, a scavenger hunt and lunch at the Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park. For kids ages 3 to 12 years old. Register by March 22nd. Call 631-242-0221.

11:00AM-4:00PM

ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN SHOW

This show benefits the Smithtown Historical Society for maintenance of farm buildings and animal care. Held at Frank Brush Barn in Smithtown. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 12. Call Vinnie at 631-524-0529.

5:00PM-7:30PM

PAINT LIKE A MASTER

Paint & Sip Series for artist Salvador Dali, Meditative Rose, 1958 at the Islip Arts Council Gallery. This is a 21+ event, $40 includes supples, drinks and snacks. Call 631-888-3525 to register.

7:00PM

LONG ISLAND ATTORNEY & AUTHOR

S.P. Brown will be at Westbury Arts and will feature literary excerpt readings from her books and discussions in honor of Women's History Month. Visit westburyarts.org to sign up.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

2:00-4:00PM

MEET A REAL SLED DOG

Musher, Karen Land and her sled dog Noggin, will be at the Patchogue-Medford Library to answer any questions on what it's like to ride and care for a team of dogs through mountainous terrain. Registration is required. Call 631-6544700 to attend.

3:00-6:00PM

LINE DANCE BARN BASH

Enjoy line dance lessons for beginners and up by Skip & Country Rythms at Brush Barn Smithtown Historical Society. Beer, wine and snacks available for donation. For more information call 631581-0771.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

10:00-10:45PM

BOOKS IN THE BARN

Listen to stories about farms, barns and animals at the barn at the Smithtown Historical Society. Visit the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats. Visit smithlib.org/children to register online or call 631-360-2480 ext. 140.

1:00PM

MUSIC LOVER'S CLUB

Enjoy a free musical performance the last Monday of every month through April at the United Methodist Church in Islip, Meeting Room 1. Refreshments to follow. For more information call Donald Warner at 516-993-9032.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

6:30PM

WANTAGH PRESERVATION MEETING

Interesting "Show &Tell" meeting planned. Bring any Wantagh related items to share information on, or just come and listen. Light refreshments will be served. Call 516-826-8767 for questions.

6:30PM-8:45PM

LONG ISLAND BRIDAL EXPO

At this event you will find everything for your wedding under one roof at the Garden City Hotel. Free for brides, grooms, family and friends. Reservations are suggested. To register visit longislandbridalexpo.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

7:00PM-11:00PM

MURDER MYSTERY EVENT

Attend the Masquerade at Marconi Manorand to solve the crime before the masked menace gets away! Cocktail attire in Black and Gold is suggested for this event. Call Vicki at 631-361-9020 ext. 1287 for more information.

1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783

1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783

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Pickleball Program

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similarities to other racquet sports. The dimensions and layout closely resemble a badminton court, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court and rules of the game are somewhat similar to tennis.

For more information, call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov.

Multilingual Massapequa Students To Earn Seal Of Biliteracy

After six years of studying world languages, 46 Massapequa High School seniors will earn the Seal of Biliteracy when they graduate in June. This is the

fourth year that the school has offered the prestigious designation for students who have demonstrated a strong knowledge of at least two languages.

William Anderson, curriculum associate for world languages and ENL, explained that the Seal of Biliteracy shows mastery of English and at least one

other language. Massapequa offers American Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, but students could also pursue it in another language they’ve learned independently. This year’s Seal of Biliteracy candidates include students who have mastered Greek and Polish.

“I enjoy exploring foreign cultures, especially ones that are much further away from the United States,” said Cristian Rivera, who is earning the Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish.

“I’m always up for a challenge,” added senior Juliana Koubek, who also has taken Spanish as her world language since seventh grade.

Students have to complete a research project and make a presentation, in their respective world language, to a panel of educators.

Cristian studied the history and impact of architecture in the United States and Spain, analyzing three buildings from each country. He looked at the Empire State Building, a castle in Arizona with a gothic Spanish revival inspiration and Union Station in California. From Spain, he studied La Sagrada Familia, the University of Salamanca and Plaza de España.

Juliana used a trip to the Galápagos Islands as inspiration for her project. Her environmental-themed project focused on the effects of climate change on endangered species in the Galápagos Islands and on Long Island.

Students can pick topics based on their own personal interests, and must make comparisons between the United States and a country where their world language is spoken. Juliana said with a

freedom of topic choice, her creativity and passion shined through in the final product.

Cristian and Juliana said that having the Seal of Biliteracy will benefit them throughout their lives as they meet and interact with people from many different backgrounds. For Cristian, he said that earning the distinction shows the strength of the connections he made to Spanish language and culture over the past six years. In college, he is considering learning a third language.

Juliana said that Spanish class has always been a highlight of her school day and she hopes to minor in the language in college.

“I would recommend pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy,” she said. “It was meaningful and informative, and it’s definitely going to help me moving forward.”

STUDENTS TO EARN SEAL OF BILITERACY - Massapequa High School seniors

Cristian Rivera and Juliana Koubek are two of 46 students who will graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy this year. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

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United States Air Force Thunderbirds To Headline

19th Annual Bethpage Air Show At Jones Beach

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State’s largest credit union, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to announce that the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 19th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach taking place on Saturday, May 27, 2023 and Sunday, May 28, 2023. This will be the demonstration team’s 9th performance at the Bethpage Air Show.

It was announced at the annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention yesterday that the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the United States Marine Corps F35B Lighting II will be performing, along with the world

Become A Certified Soccer Referee Or Assistant Referee

famous Skytpers, Long Island’s David Windmiller and Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot.

“Last year, we were very grateful that the Thunderbirds changed their schedule to perform for us on Memorial Day, after the Saturday and Sunday weekend shows were rained out,” said George Gorman, Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Suffice to say, we couldn’t be happier to welcome the team back to Long Island for our 2023 show!”

“The Bethpage Air Show continues to be one of New York’s most treasured events,” said Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “After 19 years, the pilots and performers, show organizers and fans have grown to become a big family. We look forward to organizing a very special show for our fans this year.”

It was also announced that the United States Navy Blue Angels will return as headliners for the special 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, which will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 and Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Additional 2023 performers will be announced shortly.

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

As the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) gets ready to kick off its Spring Season in our 10 leagues from Long Island to the Canadian border, the growth of our programs has created a need for additional referees and assistant refs.

There are many wonderful things that happen when a person starts to ref including earning money, having the best view of the action, learning to manage people, learning more about the game, staying or becoming fit, expanding yourself by leaving your comfort zone as well as meeting the greatest people on soccer fields, including your new officiating colleagues. Becoming a youth soccer ref could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified.

Classes are happening throughout the state and they consist of an online learning process wrapped up by a field session. For more info about certification near you, please contact State Youth Referee Administrator Cheryl Aronson at syra@enysreferee.org and she will let you know how to get started.

With approximately 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues

throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer. com/

Photo courtesy of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA).