November 23, 2022 Massapequa Park

Santa’s Mailboxes From North Pole Have Arrived In Town Offices

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 12th

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 12th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary.

Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily at the following locations:

Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.

For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, please call (516) 624-6380 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the www.oysterbaytown.com.

KiDS NEED MoRE Charity Drive-In Movie

Join KiDS NEED MoRE for a Charity Drive-In Movie at Costello’s Ace Hardware located at 705 Montauk Hwy., in Copiague, on Saturday, December

3, 2022 at 8:30pm. Featured movie: ELF. Proceeds benefit KiDS NEED MoRE helping local families coping with life-threatening illnesses.

Come for a donation of any amount. Donate at the door or reserve your parking spot at: www.kidsneedmore.org/ movie

ENERGY STAR

(NAPSI)—If your family is spending more time at home, ENERGY STAR can help you tackle increased utility costs. The typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save 30% and reduce your carbon footprint. Learn more at www.energystar.gov/ saveforgood.

Massapequa Celebrates 25 College-Bound Athletes

More than two dozen student-athletes from Massapequa High School are set to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level next year. The athletic department hosted a National Letter of Intent signing ceremony on Nov. 9 for 25 seniors, who have committed to schools near and far.

From Nassau County to Chicago to Florida, the athletes will represent colleges and universities across the country. They were joined for their special day by their families and coaches, and received well wishes from Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, high school Principal Barbara Lowell and Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Recreation Shannon McEntee.

“Your dedication and love for your sport has gotten you to this point,” Ms. McEntee told the

athletes. “This is a huge accomplishment and we are very proud of you.”

The committed athletes are:

Baseball – Jack Castillo (SUNY Plattsburgh), Eric Corey and Justin Notargiacomo (Utica University), Dylan Kelly (Mount St. Mary College), Erik Paulsen (Stony Brook University), Michael Vilardi (Queens College) and Tyler Young (University of Tampa).

Girls Lacrosse – Joely Caramelli (Syracuse University), Kate Ciarlo (Marist College), Jessica Giller (Jacksonville University), Mary Koster (Siena College), Ellie Leisen (St. John Fisher University), Emma Mastroberti and Ashley Melillo (SUNY Cortland) and Bridget Valentine (University of Massachusetts).

Boys Lacrosse – Will Birney (Stony Brook University), Michael

Durnin (Adelphi University), Kevin Fiola (Quinnipiac University), Matthew Jannotte (Wingate University) and Patrick Radomski (Siena College).

Golf – Natalie Moody (SUNY Cortland). Gymnastics – Kalea

McElligott (Penn State University).

Softball – Madison Gangi (Molloy University) and Catherine Stork (SUNY Cortland).

Track and Field – Evelyn McCabe (University of Chicago).

Ms. Lowell, a former

college athlete, said that their time in Massapequa has prepared them well for the next step, where the must dedicate time to both their sports and their courses. It will be hard work, but well worth it, she explained.

Dr. Brennan, a swimmer

in college, said that the combination of academics and athletics will create an amazing college experience for them. He recognized the parents for the significant role they played in support the athletic pursuits of their children.

MASSAPEQUA CELEBRATES 25 COLLEGE-BOUND ATHLETES - Massapequa High School held a letter of intent signing ceremony for 25 college-bound athletes on Nov. 9. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Councilwoman Maier Delivers Toy Donation To Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier recently delivered five pallets filled with toys to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, collected by the Town in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and Councilwoman Maier’s fundraising efforts.

“I cannot say enough about the caring people who work Cohen Children’s Medical Center and I thank all those who opened their hearts and wallets to help children

and families going through a difficult time,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This cause means so much to me personally, and in addition to the toys we’ve collected through Town efforts, I’m proud to say many are being donated by Mighty Mason’s Warriors. This is a group organized to help fundraise and collect donations in my son’s name – all to help in supporting the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

Continuing efforts to

help make the upcoming holiday season a brighter for those less fortunate, the Town of Oyster Bay has once again teamed up with Toys for Tots to host a collection drive. Donation boxes have been set up at Town facilities, and the Town will also host the largest ‘CruiseThru’ collection drive on Saturday, December 3rd at John Burns Park in Massapequa. For more information, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com.

Calling All Sisters Of St. Joseph Alums “Together Again”

The Sisters of St. Joseph invite alums from all classes, faculty and staff to the Annual Alum Holiday

Event on Thursday, December 8 at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn. For more information or

to purchase tickets, please visit www.brentwoodcsj. org or call 631-273-1187 ext. 154.

BOBBI AND THE STRAYS • 2 RIDER PLACE, FREEPORT • 516-378-4340 • BOBBIANDTHESTRAYS.ORG

KITT 10 weeks old. Hound mix. Full of light and love.

Enjoys going for a walk and run.

WINNIE 10 weeks old. Hound mix. Adorable and irresistible.

PEARL & ABRIL

Bonded pair. Playmates who brought out the best in eachother.

CAROLINE 7 year old Terrier mix. Good natured and affectionate girl. The star of the month.

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown Office Celebrates The Gift Of Giving

For Douglas Elliman Realty—one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the nation, with more than $51 billion in national closed sales volume in 2021— giving back is core to the company culture and its brand identity. The firm is deeply committed to supporting the local communities it serves, along with important causes nationwide through its philanthropic initiative, Elliman Cares. More than 6,600 agents across the country are making a difference every day—and here on Long Island, where the company runs 25 residential sales offices, one especially giving-driven office is making a major impact this holiday season.

Centrally located on the North Shore of Long Island, Elliman’s Smithtown location is best known for its consistent success and carefully selected group of agents that take their careers and reputations seriously. Many of the agents are passionately involved in charitable endeavors, and this holiday season is the perfect time to shine the light on their efforts.

Katy Cardinale, Smithtown’s Branch Manager and Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is a model of hard work, humility and generosity who inspires the same qualities in those around her. “Community service has always been a priority for me,” said Katy. “I’ve volunteered at Cub Scouts, PTA events and with local families in need. I also founded and currently serve as the President of the Kings Park High School Robotics Booster Association. It’s important for me to give back and be involved in my community. I’m grateful to be surrounded by generous agents who

Rob Scarito, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker on Team Scarito, currently serves as Vice President of the Hauppauge School Board. Rob said, “I am honored to have played an integral role in the passing of the largest tax discount for veterans in the Hauppauge School District.” Aside from making a difference right in Hauppauge, he and his sons participated in the Annual Food & Toy Drive at Brookhaven Town Hall on Sunday, November 13th, which benefited people from all over Long Island.

Noelle Lambert, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, is also holding a holiday drive with the Bryn Elliott Team now through December 19th to benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization dedicated to reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on Long Island. “I’m actively collecting non-perishable foods and personal care items, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, that will be given to local individuals facing homelessness,” said Noelle. “It’s heartbreaking to think how each night, many of us head to our warm homes that are filled with more than we need, yet others right here on Long Island are battling homelessness. We have to continue to help these people.” If you would like to donate to this drive, please visit the Douglas Elliman Smithtown office and

drop your donations in the appropriate bin. You can also contact Noelle at 631-478-3819 for a full list of donation drop-off locations.

John Matthew, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is holding his annual Holiday Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive now through January 30, 2023—benefitting the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. Elliman’s Smithtown office is receiving donation dropoffs, as well.

Also, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the office is hosting the annual Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive and is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys in the specially marked Toys for Tots bin.

The giving keeps on keeping on with several Smithtown agents leading campaigns to raise awareness and funds for the causes close to their hearts. Carlos Salinas, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, is an Ambassador for Real Men Wear Pink, an annual, year-long initiative from The American Cancer Society. As an Ambassador, Carlos raises awareness

and money in the fight to end breast cancer. Although he has exceeded his fundraising goal for 2022, he continues to campaign because every dollar really does make a difference. You can donate to his campaign, online or by check, now through the end of the year. Please contact Carlos at 347-277-9431 for more information.

Margaret Remhild, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is a member of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and the St. James Chamber of Commerce, while also being involved with both the Smithtown Children’s Foundation and the Thomas Matthew Miloscia Foundation. On November 15th, the Smithtown Children’s Foundation held their Community Table Grand Tasting event at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown, with proceeds going to help local families in crisis. On December 3rd, the Thomas Miloscia Foundation, a local organization with the mission to provide financial and emotional assistance to children and young adult cancer patients, will hold a fundraising event from 2-6PM at Maia Salon Spa & Wellness at 725

Smithtown Bypass in Smithtown. Come down for pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, holiday shopping, tinsel hair, children’s activities and more, all for a great cause!

Rounding out the volunteerism, Michelle Bender, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, happily volunteers at the Smithtown Historical Society, while Nick Albanese, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is an active volunteer at the Smithtown Booster Club. Noelle Lambert is a

loyal volunteer at Connect Church and Tom Diana donates his time as a volunteer at the Commack Basketball Association, an organization that’s dedicated to providing a basketball league that is free to join for boys and girls of Commack and its neighboring communities.

Please consider celebrating this holiday season by making a donation to one of the aforementioned drives— together we can help the season to shine brighter for those in need.

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown location is at 200 W Main Street, in Smithtown. For more information, please call the office at 631.543.9400.

share my vision.”

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown Office

or Marsala or Grilled)

Express Lunch Prix-Fixe #3 - $29.95 - Bistecca alla Barolo - Branzino Oreganata Zuppa di Pesce - Veal (Milanese or Marsala or Parmigiana or Sorrentino)

Note - Choose One Side: (Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables, Pasta)

Penne

Pappardelle Bolognese: Authentic Meat Sauce With Green Peas Topped With Ricotta Cheese

Branzino Oreganata: Fresh Mediterean Sea Bass Topped With Seasoned Breadcrumbs In A Lemon White Wine Sauce With Shrimp Pollo: Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala Or Toscana

Veal: Piccata, Marsala Or Parmigiana, Or Sorrentino

Eggplant Parmesan: Melted Mozzarella Baked In A Marinara Sauce

Zucchini Linguini: In A Spicy Marinara Sauce

Pork Chop: Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry Peppers Served W/Roasted Potato & Vegetables

Scampi Con Rico: Garlic, Butter, White Wine And Lemon Served Over Rice

Bistecca: Grilled Steak Topped With Asparagus And Melted Mozzarella In A Barolo Sauce Served With Onion Rings

Sole Portofino: Parmesan Encrusted In A Lemon White Wine Saucem Risotto

Ames Food Drive To Benefit Massapequa Community

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for November is Association for Mental Health and Wellness

www.mhaw.org

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW)offers a wide range of assistance to veterans in Suffolk County, home to more veterans than any county in the state. These offerings address affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, peer support and other services.

issues, poverty and their need for supportive systems.

Some SSVF services include personal financial planning, credit counseling and income support services. Qualifying veterans may also obtain legal assistance, housing counseling and healthcare navigation.

Community service is the mission for the National Junior Honor Society at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus, and students did just that with a fourweek food drive. Hundreds of nonperishable items, such as boxes of pasta and canned vegetables, were collected

from Oct. 13 through Nov. 4.

Donations were given to the parish outreach center at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park, which then distributes food to people in need in the community. Adviser Michelle Grossi said honor society members were asked

to contribute at least one food item each. Additionally, they created and hung posters throughout the school to promote the food drive.

Ninth grader Brady Gil noted that the food drive was a way for students to take meaningful action, show leadership and “be more than yourself.” Fellow honor society member Antonella Esposito said that it allowed them to show their care for the local community.

“It’s important to help those in the community who are less fortunate,” added Sofia Dalton. “It warms my heart to help out people in my town.”

In this article, we’ll look at Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), an initiative in which MHAW collaborates with the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. SSVF programs provide housing and support services to eligible, low-income veteran families who are homeless, or who are about to become homeless.

Regrettably, America’s veterans require a number of support services. The National Library of Medicine recently estimated that up to 16 percent of U.S. service members who had been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq now have post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Their other health concerns include suicide, traumatic brain injury, substance use and instances of interpersonal violence.

While Long Island has made significant strides in addressing homelessness among veterans in recent years, “Suffolk County still has its population of homeless veterans,” said Marcelle Leis, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who serves as MHAW’s Director of Veteran Services. “They’re living in train stations or they might be living in the woods. Yet even though they’re in need, these individuals often don’t trust government or community agencies enough to step forward and request assistance. And they often don’t feel safe going into shelters.”

Community-based resources like SSVF, says Ms. Leis, can make a major difference in these veterans’ lives by helping them deal with mental health

In relation to employment, SSVF also offers vocational and rehabilitation services through the state’s Department of Labor Employment Training Assistance by way of Suffolk County’s One-Stop Employment Center.

Also, SSVF provides case management services, as well as peer support and outreach services through MHAW’s Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Veterans may also receive assistance obtaining VA and other public benefits though the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.

SSVF can also help veterans with temporary financial assistance in the form of rental assistance, utility bills, security or utility deposits, moving costs and childcare support. Eligible veterans may be single, or part of a family in which the head of the household, or spouse, is a veteran.

If you are a veteran in need, or you know of one, MHAW urges them to contact Marcelle Leis, their Director of Veteran Services, by calling 631-9460147 or by emailing her at mleis@mhaw. org.

AMES FOOD DRIVE - Ames Campus National Junior Honor Society Members, from left, Antonella Esposito, Sofia Dalton, Brady Gil, Nick Gallo, Kaitlyn Kopp and Sophia Ruggiero helped out with a food drive to benefit Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give us a call today! 631-873-4775

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announce that the Town’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and SyossetWoodbury Community Parks will officially open for the season on Friday, November 25th and remain open through Sunday, February 26th

“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect

Town Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Open On November 25th

setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Councilman Imbroto. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months, and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”

Public Skating Sessions are available at both outdoor rinks on Fridays from 4pm-6pm and 7pm9pm, Saturdays from 1pm3pm, 4pm-6pm, and 7pm9pm, and Sundays from

1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm. Adjusted hours take effect during Holiday Breaks, with information available on the Town’s website.

For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, including: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 5:30pm

and 8:30pm to 10:30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm; Saturdays from 2:45pm to 5:45pm; and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. While the Ice Skating Center is open on New Year’s Day, it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and for Special Events.

For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 7977990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink

or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink. All information is available on the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/ice.

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.

Mechanical Engineer wanted by Flexographic Printing Company in Hauppauge, NY. Will oversee preparation of all production orders at a exographic printing company. Check for food safety & quality issues throughout the production line. Insure the mfg team’s compliance w/ the company’s high quality stds. Monitor the workforce for compliance w/ internal & external Good Manufacturing Practices. Ensure the company’s Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are being followed on the production line. Routinely update the company’s quality mgmt s/ware to avoid production interruptions. Train less knowledgeable members of the team. Reqmts: Bach deg in Mechanical Engg or closely rltd eld, & 12 yrs of exp in the job o d or closely rltd. Forward resume to: Silvia Avila, HR/ SQF Practitioner, Aladdin Packaging LLC, 115 Engineers Rd, Hauppauge, NY 11788

GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure 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

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced 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

GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

Lockhart Students Send Veterans Some Love

To mark Veterans Day, students at Lockhart Elementary School in the Massapequa School District showed their support for the men and women who have served in the United States military.

Students in Karley Riegel’s third grade class penned personal letters

to veterans on Nov. 10. She said that the letters, which included heartfelt messages of appreciation and gratitude, would go to members of AmVets Post 88, one of the organizations that participated in Lockhart’s Veterans Day assembly that morning.

The school also hosted

a collection drive for veterans. Students were asked to bring in different items. Kindergartners and first graders contributed nonperishable food such as applesauce, oatmeal and rice. Hygiene products, like deodorant, shaving cream, shampoo and soap, were requested second through

fifth graders. All of the donations, which filled several large boxes, will go to the parish outreach center at St. Kilian’s Church in Farmingdale, which partners with local veterans organizations to distribute items.

LETTERS FOR LOCAL VETERANS - Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan visited Karley Riegel’s third grade class at Lockhart Elementary School to see the letters they wrote for local veterans. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

LETTERS FOR LOCAL VETERANS - Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan visited Karley Riegel’s third grade class at Lockhart Elementary School to see the letters they wrote for local veterans. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Did You Know?

Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.