NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
MONDAY-FRIDAY. THROUGH DEC 16th
9:00AM-4:30PM TOY DRIVE
Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney would like to encourage your participation in his Toy Drive. Please Drop off a new & unwrapped toy, book or game at Babylon Town Hall Lobby, 200 East Sunrise Hwy. in Lindenhurst, to help bring the joy of the holiday season to those less fortunate. This annul event in run in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps., who distribute the items to children in need. For more information, please call 631-957-3081
THURSDAY, NOV. 28th
THANKSGIVING DAY
9:30AM-12:30PM OYSTER BAY TURKEY TROT BY THE BAY
The Longest Consecutive Turkey Trot in the Tri-State. All Proceeds go to Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary. Start Line: 36 Audrey Ave. Oyster Bay. For more information, please call 516-531-3323, Brendan Dagan.
9:15AM-12:00PM
MASSAPEQUA TURKEY TROT 5K Thanksgiving Day November 28, 8:30AM Fun Run - 9:15AM 5K Start Rain or Shine. John J Burns Park 4990 Merrick Road in Massapequa. Additional race information can be found at http:// www.massapequaturkeytrot.com
HOLIDAYS
3rd - Daylight Savings Time Ends
5th - Election Day
11th - Veterans Day
28th - Thanksgiving
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
SATURDAY, NOV. 30th
9:00AM-4:00PM CRAFT & VENDOR MARKET
St. Bernard Craft & Vendor Market, 3100 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Fresh Wreaths, Christmas Decorations, Sports Memorablia, Candles, Baked Goods... and so much more! For more information, please call 516-731-4220 or parish@stbernardchurch.org
12:00NOON-5:00PM WANTAGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WINTER WONDERLAND
The Sixth Annual Wantagh Chamber of Commerce Winter Wonderland is graciously sponsored by the John Theissen Children's Foundation. Vendors, Food Trucks, Holiday Crafts and Treats, Santa Claus, The Grinch, Entertainment, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting and more. Location: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, visit info@wantaghchamber.com or call 516-679-0100
UPCOMING DECEMBER EVENTS
SUNDAY, DEC. 1st
WINTER ON WELLWOOD
Rain date: December 8 Lindenhurst Village Square Park and Gazebo 12:00 - 3:00 PM - Santa in the Park and FREE Carousel
sponsored by Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce (Photos with Santa ends at 2:30 PM) 12:00 - 5:00 PM - Christmas Kindl Market, Community Wreath Display, Interactive Story-walk, Ice Sculptor & Carolers
4:30 PM - Holiday Parade
Followed by Village Gazebo Tree Lighting
5:00PM
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 210 So. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst, celebrates the First Sunday of Advent with Scriptures and beautiful music led by the adult choir, youth choir, cantors, and instrumentalists. Reception to follow in the School Auditorium. Join us as we prepare for the coming of Christ into our hearts. For more information, please call 631-226-7725
SATURDAY, DEC. 7TH
10:00AM-3:00PM
ST. MARK'S CHRISTMAS FAIR 754 Montauk Highway (across from the Oconee Diner) in Islip. The fair is held in the office building’s Gathering Place. Santa, Decorated Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Ornaments, Toys, Craft Items, Jewelry, Cookie Walk, Raffles, Sweepstakes, Bake Table. December is a very busy time for Santa–but he’ll be at the Fair from around 11:00 to 12:30. For more information, please call 631-581-4950, https://stmarksislip. org
BLACK FRIDAY NAME BRAND JEANS
A Moment Of Gratitude For Massapequa’s Education Leaders
From twice-a-month board meetings to committee meetings to evening and weekend events, the five trustees of the Massapequa School District Board of Education make a big commitment to their volunteer positions. They were celebrated for their
dedication at the Oct. 24 meeting to mark School Boards Recognition Week.
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan presented each trustee with a shirt that has the district’s new slogan, “Creating Leaders…One Child at a Time,” along with a sketch of the high school
done by art teacher Paul Leone.
“It’s a week where we get to recognize and thank our school board members for their commitment to our community and the incredible role they play in the success of our schools,” Dr. Brennan said. “The time
and energy and passion that each of them put into our school district is inspiring.”
This year’s board of education consists of President Kerry Wachter, Vice President Jeanine Caramore, Secretary Cher Lepre and trustees Christopher Brooks and Danielle Ocuto.
A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE - Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, left, presented shirts with the district’s slogan to board of education trustees, from left, Danielle Ocuto, Vice President Jeanine Caramore, President Kerry Wachter, Secretary Cher Lepre and Christopher Brooks. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Holiday Coloring Contest!
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce 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 16th. The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 16th 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 during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) 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, call (516) 624-6380 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
Did You Know?
Only certain veterans can get the complete comprehensive caregiver benefit package through the VA. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is working to change these laws and correct this inequity. Many Americans are asking their legislators where they stand on the issue.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Long piece of squared timber
5. Emaciation
10. “Bewitched” boss Larry
14. Combining form meaning “different”
15. Current unit equal to 10 amperes
16. Older
17. Large, stocky lizard
18. Ringworm
19. Actor Pitt
20. Indian hand clash cymbals
22. Data at rest
23. Jeweled headdress
24. Indicators of when stories were written
27. Check
CLUES DOWN
1. Piece of felted material
2. Ancient Greek City
3. Aquatic plant
4. Potentially harmful fungus (Brit. sp.)
5. Body art (slang)
6. One who follows the rules
7. Ordinary
8. Honorably retired from assigned duties and retaining one’s title
9. Relaxing space
10. Japanese socks
11. Indian city
12. Rip
30. Cigarette (slang)
31. Arctic explorers (abbr.)
32. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
35. Delivered a speech
37. A place to bathe
38. Postmen deliver it
39. Surface in geometry
40. More (Spanish)
41. __ and Venzetti
42. Exclamation at the end of a prayer
43. Hawaiian dish
44. Aggressively proud men
45. Fellow
46. Mark Wahlberg comedy
47. Mock
21. Satisfies
23. Where golfers begin 25. Small amount
26. Snag
27. Determine the sum of 28. A distinctive smell
29. Exposed to view 32. Stain or blemish
33. Small loop in embroidery
34. River herring genus
36. Large beer
37. Deep, red-brown sea bream
38. Partner to cheese
40. At a deliberate pace
41. Gurus
43. Of each
48. When you expect to get somewhere
49. Songs
52. Pair of small hand drums
55. Play 56. Sword
60. Evergreens and shrubs genus
61. Filmed
63. Italian Seaport
64. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea
65. Pores in a leaf
66. U. of Miami mascot is one
67. Snakelike fishes
68. Pretended to be
69. Body part
44. Angry
46. Popular beverage
47. Flower cluster
49. Blocks
50. Those who benefitted from efforts of relatives (slang)
51. Polio vaccine developer
52. A (usually) large and scholarly book
53. Popular soap ingredient
54. NBAer Bradley
57. Popular movie about a pig
58. Musician Clapton
59. Not a sure thing
61. Recipe measurement (abbr.)
62. Father
Massapequa Athletes Commit To College Teams With Pride
“This a great day,” Massapequa High School physical education and athletics Chairperson Brian Rath said to 23 athletes and their parents to open the Nov. 13 signing ceremony. It was the first of two celebrations – a second will be held in the spring – to recognize Chiefs athletes who will continue on at the collegiate level.
The seniors will be playing a variety of sports for colleges and universities both locally and around the country. Martin Voigt, interim director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation, reminded the athletes to go forward with pride and class. Principal Barbara Lowell said this moment
is a culmination of their dedication to sports, academics and the school community.
The district congratulates college-bound athletes from several varsity teams:
Baseball: Christian George, Salve Regina University; Thomas Harding, St. John’s University; Jason Romance, College of Staten Island; Jackson Tucholski, SUNY Maritime; and Vincenzo Della Porta, University of Bridgeport.
Softball: Samantha Portz, Amherst College; Naomi Tesoriere, Wesleyan University; and Madison Tucholski, Roger Williams University.
Boys lacrosse: Joseph Diesso, Adelphi University; Michael Jannotte, Stevens
Institute of Technology; and Matthew Pettis, University at Albany.
Girls lacrosse: Reilly Cereghino, Sacred Heart University; Olivia DeTommaso, Mount St. Mary’s University; Kiersten Farrell, Merrimack College; Paige Garguilo and Micaela Gillis, Jacksonville University; Isabella Grosso, Loyola University Maryland; Cassidy Morrow, Siena College; Jamie Petrullo, Pace University; and Molly Solnick, Mercy University.
Girls soccer: Mackenzie Ferrara, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Dominica Rasi, West Chester University.
Girls volleyball: Shea Ringel, Union College.
fall signing
COMMIT TO COLLEGE
for college-bound
Wantagh Bird Walk
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, starting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 1 . The Park is on the north side of Merrick Road, 4 blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway . The group will meet at the gazebo.
Bring binoculars. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge.
To register, text your name and contact information to 516 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees F will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable conditions.
ATHLETES
TEAMS - Massapequa High School held its
ceremony
athletes on Nov. 13. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Small Business Saturday is November 30th!
Why Supporting Local Small Businsesses Matters
The holiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transactionit is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities.
Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
· Strengthen the local economy: A large percentage of the money spent at small
businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
· Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
· Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they
offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
· Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
· Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 7PM-9PM
TAYLOR SWIFT TRIVIA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 7PM-9PM HOLIDAY HITS MUSIC BINGO
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 9PM-10PM HOLIDAY TRIVIA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 7PM-9PM
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 11AM-2PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 11AM-2PM
DINNER WITH THE GRINCH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 4:45PM-6PM
Antipasto Choose One
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
Main Course Choose One
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)
Holiday Feast - Order by Dec. 19 For Christmas Eve Pickup Ready for pickup Tuesday Dec. 24th before 6pm.
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
First Course Choose One
• Meat or Cheese Lasagne
• Manicotti
• Stuffed Shells
• Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Linguine Frutti di Mare
• Boar’s Head Sweet Slice Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)
• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
Vegetable Choose Two
• String Bean Almondine
• String Bean Casserole
• Roasted Potato Wedges
Salad Choose One
• Garden or Caesar
• Spinach & Goat cheese w berries
• Eggplant Rollatine or Parmigiana
• Candied Yams
- Sautéed Broccoli
2024 New York State Assembly Woman Of Distinction
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino honored Debra Ragusa as a 2024 New York State Assembly Woman of Distinction during a surprise visit to her classroom at the Town of Oyster Bay PreSchool in Massapequa.
The New York State Assembly Woman of Distinction program recognizes extraordinary women for their professional accomplishments, personal achievements, and significant contributions to their communities.
The honorees are leaders, entrepreneurs, mothers,
wives and role models from diverse backgrounds and fields, who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.
Debra Ragusa was selected for her decades long service as an early childhood educator in the Massapequa community, where she is affectionately known as Miss Debbie. Since the inception of the Town of Oyster Bay Pre-School in 2008, she has been instrumental in developing a nurturing philosophy combined with an academically driven curriculum, which has had an incredible impact on the education of countless children.
Debbie has volunteered her time and talents to various community organizations, including Cub Scouts, Massapequa Soccer Club, Massapequa Mustangs, and the PTA. She loves her community, constantly searching to enrich those around her. Debbie Ragusa and her husband, Michael, both graduates of Massapequa High School, have proudly raised their children, TJ and Monica, in Massapequa. This award is especially meaningful as Debbie’s mother was a 2001 Women of Distinction and she is proud to continue her mother’s legacy.
School in Massapequa. Pictured L to R: NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, Debbie Ragusa, and Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino honored Debra Ragusa as a 2024 New York State Assembly Woman of Distinction during a surprise visit to her classroom at the Town of Oyster Bay Pre-
Councilman Hand Honors Retiring Massapequa Challenger Baseball Commissioner
Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Tom Hand recently honored Al Friese, of Massapequa, upon his retirement as Massapequa Challenger Baseball Commissioner after over three decades of dedicated service to the organization he founded in 1991. Massapequa Challenger Baseball is a division of Little League that enables boys and girls with physical and mental challenges to enjoy the game of baseball and make lifelong friends. Al has been the cornerstone of Massapequa Challenger Baseball, growing the program from a small handful of players to over 100 players across five divisions based on age and ability.
Councilman Hand stated, “Al may have started by forming a baseball team, but he has ended his tenure having cultivated an entire community. He has given these youngsters the opportunity to experience the joy of America’s pastime, instilling in them a sense of confidence and accomplishment, and reminding them that their potential is limitless.”
CENTER STAGE MUSIC CENTER’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY - The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Center Stage Music Center’s 5th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Massapequa Park location. The event marked a significant milestone for the business, which has become a beloved part of the community, offering music lessons and fostering creativity for local musicians of all ages. The event was attended by Massapequa Park Chamber President Robin Hepworth, Treasurer Karen Gawrych, Chamber Board member Isabelle Rapacciuolo, Chantel Rapacciuolo, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Tom Hand, and Center Stage employees, who came together to celebrate the music center’s success and growth. Owners Veronica McCormick and Angela Munro, who founded Center Stage Music Center in 2019, were on hand to cut the ribbon and thank the community for their support over the years.
GUTTERS
With Winter Heating Season Nearing, PSEG Long Island Customers May Be Eligible For Assistance Company Reminds Those Struggling With
As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island reminds customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.
“While PSEG Long Island is not a provider of natural gas or heating oil, we want all of our customers to be able to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Operations. “To help customers manage their electricity expenses, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. There are also state programs that can help with heating costs. We know some customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. We’re here to help.” Assistance available to those struggling with bills
PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.
PSEG Long Island also offers its Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program, a free program for incomeeligible customers designed to help them save energy and lower their energy bills. A REAP technician will visit a customer’s home to conduct a free home energy survey and may install
energy-saving measures. To learn more, visit psegliny.com/myaccount/ customersupport/ financialassistance/reap.
Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance programs offered by New York State:
• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/ programs/heap/.
• Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or or if they are running low or are out of their deliverable heat source (i.e. fuel oil, kerosene or propane). This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2025. If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/
• For low-income households facing no-heat situations, the State Office of Temporary and
Disability Assistance is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/
Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program, which provides a discount of $40 or more a month on their electric bill.
Customers who do not or cannot receive one of these state and federal benefits can apply for the Household Assistance Program in other ways. More information is available at psegliny. com/myaccount/ customersupport/ financialassistance/ householdassistance
How customers can lower their bills
The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more
Bills That State Programs Are Available
Island’s director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables,
Long Island Energy Forum for Advocates on Oct. 23, 2024. The annual event is an information sharing opportunity for groups and agencies that provide services to the financially disadvantaged.
efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:
• Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.
• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.
• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.
• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs. ENERGY STAR® estimates that homes with high heating and cooling bills, as well as homes that are unoccupied for much
of the day, can save approximately $100 a year with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.
• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
• Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.
• Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.
• Customers on Time-ofDay rates can run the dishwasher, clothes dryer and other highenergy-use appliances outside of peak hours.
• Customers on Time-ofDay rates can charge electric vehicles to run outside of peak hours.
• Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Plus program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications. More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at psegliny.com/ saveenergyandmoney/ energystarrebates.
Michael Voltz, PSEG Long
speaks at the PSEG
