BRIGHT MINDS GATHER AT CAMP INVENTION IN MASSAPEQUA
summer tradition in the Massapequa School District and throughout the country. Camp Invention, sponsored
Inventors Hall of Fame, aims to turn curious children into innovative thinkers. Photo
the
High consumer debt can compromise individuals’ financial futures and have an adverse effect on their overall health. Debt has long been an issue that threatens individuals’ well-being, but the good news is that certain debts seem to be on the decline.
According to the “Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit” that was released in May 2021 by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card balances were $157 billion lower by the end of the first quarter of 2021 than they had been at the end of 2019.
Pitfalls To Avoid Falling Into Debt
Authors of the report credit that decline to paydowns by buyers and reduced consumption opportunities related to the pandemic. Individuals who want to avoid debt can keep an eye open for these pitfalls.
• Retail credit cards: Many retailers offer their own credit cards. Consumers may be enticed to sign up for such cards by the opportunity for instant, and often significant, savings. For example, a home improvement store may offer an immediate 25 percent discount to customers who sign up
for a store credit card and use the card to make a purchase. As enticing as such savings can be, consumers should recognize that a recent study by CreditCards.com found that the average retail credit card APR is 25.9 percent. That’s more than 6 percent higher than a general purpose credit card. Consumers who cannot pay balances in full each month could end up paying much more in interest if they use retail credit cards instead of general purpose cards.
has its own limit that is unrelated to the limits on other cards.
• Bonus hunting: Another pitfall to avoid is the temptation to use credit cards instead of cash in an effort to accumulate more travel miles or cash back bonuses. Consumers should aspire to use cash over credit whenever possible. Doing so ensures consumers are not spending money they don’t have, which is one of the most common ways that individuals build significant consumer debt.
between the ages of 39 and 54 use a budget. A failure to budget can increase the risk of spending impulsively and make it hard for consumers to see what’s coming in and what’s going out. That’s a recipe for accumulating debt.
Avoiding certain pitfalls can help consumers avoid accumulating debt that can adversely affect their financial futures.
Save Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program is encouraging homeowners to find and fix leaks to save more than 10 percent on utility bills now and help save water for future generations. For more information and tips about how to save water, visit www.epa. gov/water sense.
• Too many accounts: A 2019 study from the credit reporting agency Experian found that the average American has four credit cards. Though many consumers can effectively manage that many cards, the more cards an individual has, the easier it can be to lose track of spending. More cards also means a greater potential for more debt, as each card
• Failure to budget: A budget is the most effective way for individuals to gain control of their spending. That lesson seems to resonate more with young people than older men and women. A 2019 poll from Debt.com found that 74 percent of consumers between the ages of 23 and 38 use a budget to govern their spending, while only 67 percent of consumers
Massapequa Takes Action Coalition Continues Boat Smart, Boat Sober Initiative To Promote Water Safety
The Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) is proudly continuing the Boat Smart, Boat Sober initiative, aimed at enhancing water safety awareness and practices among local boaters. Drinking while boating poses a significant health and safety risk. It is also 100% preventable.
In collaboration with the Town of Oyster Bay, MTAC is working to raise awareness of this issue and to help keep residents safe this summer while on the water. This includes reducing boating accidents by promoting safe boating practices, as well as fostering an environment that encourages healthy decision making. MTAC invites the community to join this important effort to make our waterways safer for everyone.
It is important to realize that on the water, even small
amounts of substances may greatly impair one’s ability to function in three critical areas: balance, coordination, and judgment. Pair this with environmental stressors such as glare, heat, vibration, and engine noise, and you can become quickly fatigued, greatly slowing your reaction time.
Alcohol can affect a person’s ability to understand what is happening around them, which in-turn, can decrease their ability to react to an emergency or operate a boat. For new boaters, who are already unfamiliar with the water, the effects of alcohol or any substances may be even more dangerous. No one may operate a vessel on the waters of NYS while impaired or intoxicated through the consumption of either alcohol or drugs.
Also, if you are under the age of 21 in New York State, it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages. For more information about the Boat Smart, Boat Sober initiative, please visit https://www. mtacoalition.com/aboutmtac/campaigns or contact Ashley Cimato at (516) 799-3000 x131 or acimato@yesccc.org.
About MTAC: Massapequa Takes Action Coalition is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and vibrant community through collaborative efforts and proactive initiatives. MTAC addresses various community concerns, including substance misuse prevention, mental health awareness, and public safety.
Josh Marlowe
SEPTEMBER
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
7:00PM
LINDENHURST EVENING HOMEMAKERS GROUP
Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the Amityville Senior Center on Cedar St. Open to all members and newcomers 18 years old and up. Meet ups start at 7:00pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
12:00PM-6:00PM
6TH ANNUAL SEAFEST
It’s the return of the 6th Annual SeaFest at the Bay Shore Marina. Enjoy fresh local seafood, LIVE entertainment, craft beer and wine, craft vendors, an interactive Family Activity Cove and more, all while enjoying the beautiful Great South Bay. Admission and Shuttle Buses are FREE! Rain date: Sun, Sept 8. For more information, please call 631- 224-5430, www.islipny.gov
6:00PM
QUEENS SOUND PRESENTS: "SONGS BENEATH THE TREES"
Our Lady of Grace Concert Series Presents an evening of serene melodies evoking a world of natural beauty. $10 Suggested Donation. Refreshments will be served. Our Lady of Grace, 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call 631-587-5185
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
9:00AM-4:00PM
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
This event is proudly presented by the Copiague Kiwanis in collaboration with the Town of Babylon and will take place at Tanner Park. Get ready for a day filled with chrome, classic tunes, and family fun. For further questions, Phil Guerra can be contacted directly at 516-647-2754 or via email at philcarshow@optonline.net.
9:30AM 9/11 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, will hold a Remembrance Service on the 23rd anniversary of 9-11. Following the service everyone is invited to honor the day by placing ribbons around the Memorial Tree dedicated to Lt. Christopher P. Sullivan, FDNY, who generously led our Nursery School children in fire safety. All Farmingdale firemen/emergency responders and their families are invited to attend, as is the general public. Please join us.
10:00AM BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
Community United Methodist Church, 100 Park Boulevard in Massapequa, will be hosting a Blessing of the Backpacks - Start the school year off right with a blessing from Pastor Sue. For more information, please call 516 541-7008 or massapcumc@aol.com
MONDAY, SEPT. 9
7:30PM
BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS
36th ANNUAL COPIAGUE KIWANIS CAR SHOW & MARKET PLACE
The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions on Monday evening, starting with rehearsal at 7:30pm at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus. All
voice parts are welcomed. For further information, visit www.babylonchorale. org or email info@babylonchorale.org
THURSDAY, SEPT. 12
7:00PM
LONG ISLAND IN THE MOVIES
The Seaford Historical Society will host a presentation by Greg Blank about Long Island in the Movies, at the Historical Society Museum. The Museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Members Free. $5 fee for nonmembers. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-660-2275
CALL FOR TIME
GENERAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP & LOSS OF ADULT CHILD GROUP
The General Support Group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss at least three months prior to the start of the group. The Adult Child Group has a no wait requirement. Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited. The groups will be offered at St. John Nepomucene, 1140 Locust Ave. in Bohemia. Please call to reserve your seat, 631-589-0540, ext. 250.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14
9:30AM-11:00AM
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
If you have lost a loved one, Our Lady Of Grace Church at 666 Albin Avenue in West Babylon is now forming a bereavement support group to help you through your grief. It will run every Saturday. The first class begins 9/14/24 and ends 11/23/24. Call John at 631-874-0210 or Fran at 631-587-1578.
Rebuilding Together Long Island Awarded NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant
Rebuilding Together Long Island, Inc., a nonprofit with a vision of safe homes and communities for everyone announced on August 20, 2024, they are a winner of The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s 2024 Local Impact Grant Challenge. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is granting $2.5 million this year to nonprofits that are strengthening our communities.
Rebuilding Together Long Island is an affiliate of the national organization, Rebuilding Together, Inc. with 112 affiliates across the country. For 32 years, Rebuilding Together
Long Island’s dedicated core of volunteers have served qualifying, struggling homeowners in communities across Long Island by providing FREE handyman type maintenance, as well as modifications for those with physical limitations. From minor repairs to modifications that may include wheelchair ramps, grabs and railings, modifications of bathtubs to walk-in showers, every home is assessed for safety and accessibility. By winning this competitive grant, we hope to continue strengthening our community and serving the seniors, veterans, families and people with physical limitations who
need a helping hand. “We care about our neighbors” states Stella Hendrickson, President, and grant programs like this help us achieve our mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives. This grant is more than an award to our program, it is a celebration of our mission and we are very excited to share this wonderful opportunity for growth. For more information, whether you are a homeowner in need or would like to sponsor a project, please call 631.777.7894. Volunteers may apply on our website at www. rebuildingtogetherli.org
Fall for the Beauty of the Pocono Mountains
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•
Healthier Salad Makes Barbecues Better
WGreek Yogurt Potato Salad
Serves 6
2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
1/2 onion
6 eggs
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed or 1 teaspoon fresh
1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Parsley, for garnish (optional)
arm weather beckons people outdoors. Al fresco dining offers a chance to spend even more time outdoors, and many people will attest that no outdoor gathering is complete without the requisite grilled fare and complementary sides that are staples of spring and summer dining. Potato salad is one such food that turns up regularly this time of year in many shapes and forms. Traditional potato salad is delicious, but it may not be so great for health-conscious individuals, as it’s typically swimming in mayonnaise. A lighter version featuring Greek yogurt in the dressing is ideal for those who want to eat healthy. Greek yogurt also adds gut-healthy live active cultures to the recipe, which may provide gastrointestinal benefits. Enjoy this recipe for “Greek Yogurt Potato Salad” courtesy of The Diabetes Council and Pitchfork Foodie Farms.
Directions:
1. Peel and dice potatoes and onions. Put them and a teaspoon of salt in a pressure cooker and cover with an inch of water. Close valve. Set pressure cooker to high pressure. Set timer for 5 minutes, cook and quick release when it’s done. Drain potatoes. Cool until just warm. (If you don’t have a pressure cooker, boil potatoes in a pot of water on the stove until tender.)
2. Set eggs on a rack in the pressure cooker. Add 1/2 inch of water. Close valve, set to high pressure for 5 minutes. Cook for 5 minutes, quick release, and leave lid closed for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, take lid off. Drain eggs and cover with ice water to stop the cooking process. Let sit in ice water bath for about 5 minutes, then peel eggs. (If you don’t have a pressure cooker, hard-boil eggs according to your favorite recipe.)
3. Add Greek yogurt, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, celery seed, and dill weed to a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. You can taste test to see if you need to add ingredients.
4. Add cooled, diced potatoes, pickles and hard-boiled eggs. Gently stir until potatoes are coated with dressing. Adjust seasonings to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Notes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best in potato salad. White distilled vinegar is classic in potato salad, but you also can use cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting residents to its Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park on Saturday, September 28 from 9 am to 12 pm at Eisenhower Park on Long Island (Field 6, 1899 Park Blvd., East Meadow, NY). New York baseball icon Dwight Gooden will be on hand to greet the walkers and participate in the opening ceremonies, as well as sign autographs and take pictures with eligible participants.
The walk is free to
attend, however, walkers are encouraged to raise funds, either individually or as part of a team, through the walk website at www.alzfdn.org/walk.
Proceeds raised will support AFA’s programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and research toward better treatment and a cure.
“In the fight against Alzheimer’s, each step counts, which is why we are encouraging everyone to walk with us on September 28,” said
Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO.
“The funds and awareness raised will make a tremendous difference for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses in their time of need. We are grateful to Dwight Gooden for serving as our honorary Alzheimer’s Ambassador for the event and invite everyone to help us strikeout Alzheimer’s.”
“When I was invited to be an Ambassador for this Walk, I immediately
said yes because I know about the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has on many families. I am excited to help spread awareness and be a part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Walk to raise funds to help families impacted by this disease and to fund research for a cure,” said Dwight Gooden. “I encourage everyone to join us on September 28th as we attempt to strike out Alzheimer’s disease.”
Walkers who fundraise
at least $100 can meet Dwight Gooden and receive an autographed baseball. Those fundraising $250 or more will also receive a professional photo opportunity with the former Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion with the Mets and Yankees.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health issue. More than 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s
disease right now, and that number is expected to more than double by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Locally, approximately 410,000 New Yorkers, including an estimated 60,000 Long Islanders, are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number which is projected to grow in the years ahead.
Those interested in registering and fundraising for the walk can do so by visiting www. alzfdn.org/walk.
Town Clerk LaMarca Announces Special One-Stop Passport Weekend
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship
– Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport,
certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current
Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall
South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.
Requirements:
- Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to handle inquiries and complaints professionally
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively
- Accurate data entry skills with attention to detail
- Clerical experience in an office setting is preferred
- Phone etiquette skills to handle calls with professionalism and courtesy
The successful candidate will have the chance to develop their administrative skills while providing excellent customer service. Only candidates who meet these requirements will be contacted for an interview.
Salary: $43,000 - $50,000 annually with generous medical and retirement benefits package.
For consideration please submit resume to ccomando@ccbklyn.org
POWER WASHING
Benefits To Cooking Your Own Meals
Aging men and women may be tempted to eschew home cooking entirely. After all, there are plenty of convenient frozen or takeout foods available that can be whipped up in a snap. However, there are certain benefits to cooking your own meals. John Moore, DO, an Aetna medical
director and senior health specialist, says that cooking can be good for helping to stave off cognitive decline. Dr. Moore notes that, when cooking, the mind is put to use following a recipe and learning new skills and tasks. Furthermore, cooking for oneself can boost seniors’ self-
confidence, reassuring them that they can handle an important daily task without having to rely on their family for meals. As long as it is deemed safe (i.e., no sign of cognitive decline or forgetfulness), seniors should be encouraged to continue cooking.
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
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
(NAPSI)-A recent online survey by Toluna/Greenfield Online, Inc. found that while most consumers try to protect their identity, many admitted to risky behavior that could put them at risk for ID theft. To help educate and protect consumers, world-renowned fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale offers these tips:
• Shop smart: Limit the credit cards you carry.
•Keep receipts and check your statements: Examine every charge on your statement before paying. Your receipts provide a great cross-reference check and guard against suspicious activity. You have 30 days from the date of your statement to notify your financial institution of any discrepancies; otherwise, you can be liable for any purchases.
• Protect your computer when online shopping: Make
sure your security patch and anti-virus software are updated regularly. Consider technology to protect against potential viruses.
• Watch where you shop online: Look for the lock icon on the site’s browser status bar, a sign that that site is safe. If you have never heard of a website before, see if it has security precautions in place and isn’t a fake site set up by identity thieves.
•Don’t write checks: Give cash or gift cards. The information on a check— name, signature, address— can be used to steal identity.
•Strengthen passwords: Use passwords with at least eight characters, including a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that are easy for you to remember but difficult for predators to guess.
• Watch your wallet: Be careful at parties, restaurants, fitness clubs,
shopping carts and your car.
• Don’t take the bait on phishing scams: Also, beware of shoulder surfing (when a thief looks over your shoulder while you’re at an ATM, either directly or via a camera).
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery when you’ll be away from home.
• Consider an identity theft protection service: One low-cost solution monitors the online criminal underground where identities are bought and sold and instantly alerts you if your Social Security number or up to 10 credit card or debit card numbers are posted by thieves. The service also scans online directories and search engines, prime sources for spammers and thieves, letting you know where your information is available, and provides advice on how to remove it.
“We selected Michele and Mark Goodman as our listing agents. They are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable professionals and did a fantastic job selling the home. It was definitely our very best decision! Michele and Mark listed it & also sold it due to their marketing strategy which created an event with numerous offers and their negotiating expertise resulted in a sale within 30 days for $32,300 over list price. We highly recommend them to all sellers and buyers!” ... Michael Patoka
“We give Michele & Mark Goodman our very highest recommendation!! My husband who is a real estate attorney & I knew that we wanted Michele and Mark to find a buyer for our home and quickly! That was a good decision!! They found a buyer within a few weeks & negotiated a price of $82,000 higher than our asking. We have already recommended this team to clients and will highly recommend them to friends & family. They are true professionals!!” ... Arnie & Resa Hauptman
