April 17, 2024 Massapequa

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center) along with Councilman Tom Hand (far left) and Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato (third from left) attended the Massapequa International Little League Opening Day Parade in Massapequa Park. They joined the teams as they marched from Massapequa Park Village Hall to Brady Park to kick off another season of great baseball, teamwork and sportsmanship. In attendance were New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (second from right), Nassau County Legislator James

Kennedy (fifth from right), and Massapequa Park Village Trustee Todd Svec (second from left).

10 year old Lhasa mix. Full of love and loyalty. Enjoys going on walks. CARLY

3 year old Chihuahua mix. Active and playful, the ideal sidekick for your activities.

2 year old Bulldog mix with a down to earth personality. Humorous and cuddly. MOCHA

Young female who enjoys playing, needs a playmate. JACKIE Young female, friendly and outgoing with bunny soft fur. REAGAN Young female, a little shy, you can win her heart with “Temptations.” SABRIE

Adult female, sweet

2 year old male. Strong and powerful in appearance but a gentle giant at heart.

who is known for his sweet and affectionate nature. BATMAN

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Free Family Fun Spring Festival

Inflatables, Games, Petting Zoo & Much More!

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board invite residents and their families to a Spring Festival on Saturday, April 20th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at SyossetWoodbury Community Park, located on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.

The Spring Festival will once again feature free activities such as inflatables, games, refreshments, a petting zoo, multiple photo opportunities and so much more! Additionally, food truck vendors will be on-site with specialties available for purchase.

“This free family-fun Spring Festival brings together local families for games, bounce houses and a petting zoo. There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful day at our park while celebrating the arrival of spring with a full afternoon of family-friendly activities and attractions,” said Supervisor Saladino.

The Town of Oyster Bay extends a special thanks to the following event sponsors: Extreme Auto Body, Action Auto Wreckers, The Gucciardo

‘Shed The Meds’ Drug Take Back Day

Law Firm, Complete Basement Systems of Long Island, Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, School of Rock of Syosset and Oyster Bay, Starkie Brothers Garden Showplace, Busto’s Martial Arts of Plainview, Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care of Plainview, Soccer Stars, Orchard Estate of Woodbury, Champions Martial Arts of Syosset, The Camp Connection, No Limit Ninja of Farmingdale, Webster Bank, Hicks Nurseries, New York Life Insurance Company, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Royal Events Princess Parties, and News 12 Long Island. For more information on the Town of Oyster Bay Free Family Fun Spring Festival, please call the Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/capa

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Massapequa Village Mayor Danny Pearl announced a partnership with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) to host a ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day at Massapequa Park Village Hall on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:00am –1:00pm.

“This Drug Take Back Day is a great opportunity to rid your medicine cabinet of old and unwanted prescription drugs,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Through proper disposal of old medications, we can prevent them from contaminating the environment through improper disposal and also keep them out of the wrong hands and away from young people.”

In cooperation with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department, the Town and Village will host this

event at Massapequa Park Village Hall, in the back parking lot. This program is anonymous. For those who cannot attend this Drug Take Back Day, disposal containers are located at all Police Precincts throughout the county for safe deposit.

For those looking to turn in unused or expired medication, be sure to make sure of the following:

If left in original container, please remove all

personal information from label.

Liquid medication will not be accepted

Illicit substances are also not part of this initiative. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and syringes will be accepted.

For more information about the ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day, please call Drug Free Long Island at (516) 639-2386 or email info@drugfreeli.org

Town Of Oyster Bay Seeks

Nominations For Women Of Distinction Program

Residents Invited To Identify Extraordinary Women In Our Community During Women’s History Month

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson, together with Councilwomen Laura Maier and Vicki Walsh, announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Town’s 2024 Women of Distinction Program. During Women’s History Month, throughout the month of March, residents are invited to nominate extraordinary women who have made a difference in their communities.

“Each year, the Town has the honor of recognizing women who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them through our Women of Distinction Program,” said

Councilwoman Johnson, who serves as Chairwoman of the Women of Distinction Committee. “If you know a special woman who helps make your community a better place to live, we invite you to nominate her to be a 2024 Town of Oyster Bay Woman of Distinction.” Supervisor Saladino added, “We are proud to recognize women in our Town and invite residents to submit nominations of those who make a difference and enrich the lives of others. We look forward to sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts to make our community, families and Town a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Women of Distinction will be recognized at a special awards ceremony hosted by the Town Board in May. Nominations may be submitted for any achievement or honorable cause performed by the nominee. The Town seeks to recognize individuals for their contributions to the arts, education, environment, athletics, community or civic service, volunteerism or business. Honorees must live or work in the Town of Oyster Bay. To submit a nomination for the Women of Distinction Awards Program, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ women or call (516) 6246380 for an application.

April Happenings

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

7:00PM

AUCTION/TRIVIA NIGHT

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Blue Door Boutique is sponsoring an auction/trivia night at the school auditorium, 240 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst. There will be a fun-filled night of trivia and exciting auctions. Admission$5 and includes an auction paddle, entrance to the trivia quiz. Admission tickets are available at the door. Please email gtonness@optonline.net for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

10:30AM

GARDENING CLASS

A series of gardening classes created to address everything that's going on in your garden at the time of the class. Held at Organics Today Farm in East Islip. Visit OT Farm on Facebook for more information or text 631-480-6497.

MONDAY, APRIL 22

4:00PM-8:30PM

BLOOD DRIVE

Held at the Amityville Fire Department, 55 West Oak Street, in the Meeting Room. For more information or to schedule your appointment visit their website, at nybc.org or call 800.933.BLOOD.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT MEETING

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

7:15PM-10:30PM

JINGO

The Constantino Brumidi Lodge n Deer Park presents JINGO, a fun spin on traditional bingo where bingo balls are replaced with music beats. Doors open at 6:30 PM $30 per person Includes: 1 JINGO packet, crayons or markers on the table,dessert, coffee/tea, cash bar, and door prize. For tickets or more information call 631-943-3622.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

8:30PM

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

A charity drive-in movie, screening Back To The Future, at Costello's Ace Hardware in Copiague. Attend for a donation of any amount. Proceeds benefit Kids Need More, helping families coping with life-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot on their website at kidsneedmore.org/movie.

9:00AM

GARAGE SALE

The Seaford Historical Society Garage Sale will be held at the Seaford Historical Society Museum in Seaford, rain date is Sunday April 28. From furniture, frames to tolls, toys and toasters-everything is priced to sell. Don't miss these steals and deals. Something for everyone. For more information email mapfannon@verizon.net.

The next public meeting of the Republic Airport Commission will be held at 7150 Republic Airport, Rm 201, Farmingdale NY. Please call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email, info@republicairport.net for more information.

10:00AM-2:00PM

ANNUAL SPRING YARD SALE

For the past ten years, the members of the Islip United Methodist Church have held a huge, church-wide garage sale to raise money for their various mission projects. This year,

the event will be held at the Islip United Methodist Church, in Islip. There will be lots of items available. For more information, please call 631-581-7663.

10:00AM-2:00PM

SPRING BOOK SALE

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lindenhurst Library, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the Sale. The address is One Lee Avenue, Lindenhurst NY 11757. For more information visit their website, lindenhurstlibrary.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

3:00PM

SWINGING WITH THE RAT PACK

Swing with the Rat Pack and experience a musical extravaganza that brings to life the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy the captivating performance at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Book your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or please call 631-581-2700.

MONDAY, APRIL 29

1:00PM-4:00PM

EARTH DAY CLEANUP

The Levittown Community Council is hosting an earth day cleanup at Veterans Memorial Park in Levittownn. This is a free event. Levittown families, organizations and business groups are welcome to participate as they clean up various locations throughout Levittown. Adult supervision is required for all groups. For more information email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com.

ERA® Real Estate, a global franchising leader within the Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) portfolio of brands, recently announced its latest affiliation with Bon Anno Realty ERA Powered, a 40-year-old mainstay in the Long Island real estate market.

In The Spotlight Highlighting Local Businesses

Originally founded by Lucille Bonanno in 1984, the company is now entering its third generation of ownership / management in the

hands of Lucille’s son, Russell “Russ” Bonanno, and her grandson, Russ Bonanno Jr. Russ is the primary broker/ owner while his son Russ Jr. is the associate broker/manager and the primary overseer of agent onboarding. Together, the Bonannos offer trusted assistance with residential and commercial real estate primarily in Massapequa, Seaford and Farmingdale, as well as other parts of

Hazardous

Long Island and New York City.

Russ came into the family business in 1986, first as an agent, and then later as a broker in 1990. After his mother left the business in 1995, Russ took a more pronounced

leadership role where he helped oversee some of the company’s most explosive periods of growth. His son Russ Jr. joined him at the firm in 2014, immediately after graduating from Stony Brook University. Russ Jr.

was raised in Seaford, where he still lives, and spent much of his childhood in and around the office, where he was able to realize his natural aptitude for the business at a young age. Today, both Russ’ have continued the work that Lucille started and have made “Bonanno” one of the most reputable names in the area.

Now as part of the ERA Real Estate network, Russ, Russ Jr. and their full-

service company’s affiliated agents will be able to utilize the brand’s robust business-building tools and leverage the most up-to-date marketing programs to connect buyers and sellers. With these tools at their disposal, the Bonannos want to evolve from a reactive, local provider in Massapequa, to a proactive name-brand that can be recognized throughout Long Island and into New York City.

Material & Homeowners Cleanup Days Kickoff For 2024

Free Paper Shredding Services Available During Homeowners Cleanup

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announce the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days return for 2024 with dates scheduled for weekends in April and May. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.

S.T.O.P. programSaturday, May 4th from 9am – 4pm: collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged); automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol

cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.

“Improperly disposing of products such as waste oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”

Homeowners Cleanup Days – Saturday, April 20th & May 18th from 8:30am – 4pm: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership requiredoil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

“Many of our residents take the opportunity to

clean out their yards in the summer months and may have large amounts of non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman Hand. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”

Free Paper Shredding Services - Saturday, April 20th & May 18th from 8:30am – 4pm: provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and

Registration Open For GAP Summer Program

secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.

The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town board today announced that the Group Activities Program (GAP) will run a Summer Program from July 1st through August 9th at Marjorie Post Community Park in Massapequa and Syosset-

Woodbury Community Park. The Summer Day Camp program will run daily from 10am to 3pm, and will be open to developmentally disabled children and young adults ages 5-21.

“Our Group Activities Program Summer Day Camp is one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation and our activities specialists take great pride in fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere at the day camp,” Supervisor Saladino said. “We’re focused on group interaction, and as part of the summer camp,

participants will be able to take part in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, sports, music, and playground time. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to register now and take advantage of this great program.”

This GAP Summer

Day Camp provides a unique socialrecreational experience for developmentally disabled town residents in a well-supervised setting over the course of sixweeks. The GAP Program is administered through the Handicapped Services Division of the Town’s

Department of Community and Youth Services. The focus of the GAP program is group interaction. The 6-week program costs $250 per child registered. To register for summer camp, please contact the GAP Office at (516) 797-7947.

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We are excited to announce floor-to-ceiling room renovations to our Mt. Laurel Suites, as well as our Springbrook rooms!

First renovations completed as early as this spring!

Students Take A Safe Driving Journey

Massapequa High School juniors and seniors learned the consequences of distracted and impaired driving from the safety of the gymnasium. The Save a Life Tour came to the school on March 27, which featured simulation machines on which students could explore the consequences of bad driving decisions.

At one machine, students put on a pair of goggles that simulated being impaired by drugs or alcohol. To demonstrate the effects of distracted driving, they had to navigate the streets at the other machine while holding a cell phone and responding to text messages.

“Just as the students are starting to drive and are excited to drive, it’s important for them to remember there are a lot of distractions on the road,” said PTSA President Sheila Grauling. “Their safety, and everybody else’s safety,

The comprehensive, high-impact safe driving awareness program is designed to educate and inform students about the potentially deadly consequences they can make as drivers. It was sponsored by the Massapequa PTSA. Following a video presentation, students could go to the gymnasium throughout the day to use the simulators.

is very important.”

After completing the simulations, students signed a safe driving pledge. They also completed surveys about the program.

Students said that it definitely made an impact. Senior Colleen Emanuele explained that it was a safe way for students to experience actual risks.

“It’s a safer, proactive way to teach us about distracted driving without having to learn the hard way,” added senior Bianca Della Porta. “We’re really lucky that they provide us with this opportunity because this program can save lives.

SAVE A LIFE TOUR - C.J. Rich from the Save a Life Tour showed students the machine that would simulate driving while impaired. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

STUDENTS LEARNED ON THE SIMULATORS - Students learned on the simulators so they could experience the consequences of impaired and distracted driving in a safe setting. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) is awarding 15 fully paid music scholarships to its four-week Summer Arts Academy to students with a passion for music— whether it be singing, playing an instrument, or producing music. These scholarships are provided with funding support by The Joel Foundation.

Located on LIHSA’s Syosset Campus, the Summer Arts Academy, which runs in partnership with Hofstra University’s Continuing Education, offers aspiring youngsters (grades 5-12) a one-of-a-kind opportunity to develop their skills as musicians and performers. The program takes place from June 27-July 26, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., weekdays.

Scholarships are awarded based on merit. Interested students must submit an audition video and application by May 10, 2024. For details on how to apply and audition, visit: www.longislandhigh schoolforthearts.org/ admissions/summer-music-scholarship/

For questions, email Jerry Nobile at jnobile@nasboces.org, or visit www. longisland highschoolforthearts.org/ summer/ for more information.

About LIHSA – Celebrating 50 years!

Long Island High for the Arts offers

emerging artists the opportunity to explore and refine their talents in a one-of-a-kind, expert apprentice, arts-centered community. Nestled in Syosset, NY, students learn in a safe and supportive environment where they can pursue their artistic passion and discover who they are as individuals and as artists. For more information, visit www. LongIslandHighSchoolForTheArts.org.

About Nassau BOCES

A vital regional resource, Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as costeffective services for school districts and municipalities. We empower students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative, artistic, outdoor, special education, virtual, and career and technical environments. We offer adult education programs that are vital to improving the Long Island regional economy. In addition, our technology services form the backbone of many school districts’ infrastructures. As the county’s educational leader in implementing the state’s reform efforts, we are helping to shape the future of education. To learn more, visit www.nassauboces. org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

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Massapequa Schools Conducting Breakfast Program Survey

The Massapequa School District will be conducting a survey of parents of students in kindergarten through fifth grade who attend the district’s elementary schools to determine if there is any interest in a school breakfast program. If insufficient

interest is determined, an exemption to participate in this program will be requested by the Massapequa Board of Education to the New York State Education Department. Parents and taxpayers are asked to share their concerns regarding the district’s survey

and exemption request by contacting the Massapequa Food Service office in writing at Massapequa Administration, 4925 Merrick Road, Massapequa, N.Y. 11758 or by phone at (516) 308-5745.

Pravato Reminds Residents Second Half School Taxes Due

Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the Second Half of the 2023-2024 School Tax Levy was due on April 1st, but can be paid without penalty through May 10th.

“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” Receiver Pravato explained. “After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid. So, make your payment before May 10th and don’t delay, and you will ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”

Saladino & LaMarca Launch Collection Drive To Support Veterans At VA Hospital

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca call on residents to ‘Spring into Action’ to support veterans by donating to a collection drive in support of the Northport VA. Residents are invited to donate toiletries and new clothing through May 15th.

“From hosting veteran appreciation events to recognizing their service with Hometown Heroes Banners in our parks, the Town of Oyster Bay is committed to honoring veterans for their service to our nation,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Please join this mission to help bring the comforts of home to

veterans living at the Northport VA Hospital by making a donation to our collection drive.”

Most needed items include toiletries (toothbrushes/ toothpaste, denture adhesive, hairbrushes/ combs, unscented deodorant, body wash, unscented lotion, nail clippers/ files, and shampoo/ conditioner), men’s/ women’s clothing (assorted sizes of underwear/ briefs, sweatshirts, sweatpants with no drawstring, longsleeve t-shirts, slippers and flip flops sized L, XL).

The Town’s Collection Drive will run for 30 days beginning April 15th. Collection Bins will be available on weekdays from 9:00am to 4:45pm at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay) and Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa).

For more information, please call (516) 624-6380 or email ealter@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

“When I learned that the Northport VA has a ‘Wish List’ of items their veterans desperately need, I knew residents would generously spring into action to help ensure these needs are met,” said Clerk LaMarca. “I thank the residents of our wonderful Town in advance for their generosity and support of our veterans.”

FREE Musical Performances At Local Libraries Enjoy Music Of Various Eras And Genres

When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. There are also outdoor walkup windows, and drop boxes have been installed at both locations for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments, should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539.

Please make your check payable

The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card*. On May 9th and 10th both offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes and indicate your property’s Section, Block and Lot and telephone number on the check.

Tax payments may also be made online through a link on our Town website, www. oysterbaytown.com. Residents may view tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment for a fee of $1.75, or by credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies. *The Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.

Residents may contact the Tax Office with any questions about their tax bill at (516) 624-6400 or email receiveroftaxes@oysterbayny.gov.

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced that the Town Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue this spring with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances for April and May include: Squeaky Clean Band on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – Performing songs familiar to those who enjoy 1960s-era AM radio.

Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 2:30 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library – Performing rockabilly, twang & Johnny Cash-style country music. Bay Big Band on Sunday, May 19,

2024 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – an 18-piece big band playing greatest hits.

The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services.

For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 7977925 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.

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Pet Partners Looking For Some Special Animals

April 30 Is National Therapy Animal Day: Consider Volunteering With Your Pet

It’s no secret animals can have a positive impact on a person’s mental and physical health. That’s why every year thousands of facilities such as libraries, schools, hospitals, assisted living, and more ask Pet Partners volunteers to bring therapy animals to visit and provide comfort to their students, residents, patients, and customers. This April 30 is a special day to recognize the beneficial role therapy dogs and other therapy animals, in partnership with their human companions, play in creating happier, healthier communities.

Unfortunately, there’s a shortage of therapy animal teams in the United States. Pet Partners is the nation’s leading registry of therapy animals, and their volunteer teams can’t fulfill all the requests they receive for therapy animal visits. The need for

therapy animals has never been greater to provide comfort and support, especially after the impacts of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social discord in recent years.

The good news is that a wide variety of species can be therapy animals, not just dogs. Cats, equines, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mini pigs, birds, and even llamas and alpacas are eligible for registration through the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, which makes more than three million visits a year.

“An animal’s temperament is what determines whether they might make a good registered therapy animal with Pet Partners, not any specific species or breed,” said Pet Partners President and CEO C. Annie Peters. “Many of our therapy animals are rescue pets, and they assist

everyone from veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, and people with intellectual disabilities. We couldn’t be more grateful for all that our volunteer therapy teams do for people in need around the world.”

Therapy animals have a special aptitude for interacting with members of the public and enjoy doing so. Therapy animal handlers have a strong trust-based bond with their pet and facilitate interactions that benefit all involved. The handleranimal pair takes part in an extensive evaluation process to make sure they will be successful with people in a variety of circumstances.

We have experts available to talk about the value therapy animals bring to communities, what

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

behaviors a pet should exhibit, how the process works and more. We also have therapy animal handlers all across the United States who would love to talk about the joys of volunteering with their pets.

Pet Partners is also

specifically seeking more cats and handlers to become registered volunteer teams. In partnership with Cat Person, a cat care brand, a research study on the Cat Human Bond found that cats can provide a special form of comfort that dogs cannot. Special incentives

are also being offered for new cat teams.

Learn more about National Therapy Animal Day at petparters.org/ntad.

If you are interested in an interview, please contact Mary Tan at the above contact information.

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Support Group On Zoom

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is forming a new online support group for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 18-months. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity for people to meet with others, and receive support.

Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom for 6 weeks from May 2nd through June 6, 2024. For more information and to register, call Nina Foley, LMSW at (516) 877-4315.

The Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support

Program offers emotional support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu. You are not alone.