The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Robin Hepworth, owner of Robin Joy Photography, has been honored as the 2024 Massapequa Businessperson of the Year at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce 39th Annual Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast at the Crest Hollow Country Club! This prestigious award is bestowed upon a chamber member who has: “helped make a significant contribution to the local economy and has made a meaningful and important contribution to the general welfare of the local community.” Robin’s dedication to the Massapequa business community has been truly inspiring, and we’re grateful for her leadership as President of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. Please join us in congratulating Robin on this well-deserved recognition!
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.
ATHLETES COMMIT TO COLLEGE TEAMS - Massapequa High School held its fall signing ceremony for college-bound athletes on Nov. 13. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Councilman Imbroto Urges Residents To Give The Gift Of Life By Donating Blood On December 23rd
With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Monday, December 23rd from 1pm to 7pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.
Councilman Imbroto stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”
Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must
be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare
Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”
For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/ blooddrive
Fallen Patriots
(NAPSI)—A foundation that honors the sacrifices of fallen military heroes, Children of Fallen Patriots, provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. You can help by donating time or money. Learn how at www.fallenpatriots.org.
Santa’s Mailboxes Have Arrived In Town Offices
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.
Curtain Rises On Unqua’s New Musical Theater Troupe
Fourth and fifth graders are getting an expanded look into the performing arts at Unqua Elementary School in
the Massapequa School District. Many students already are members of the band, chorus and orchestra, and now they
are adding theater to their repertoire.
The Unqua Players performed their first show on Nov. 20 and 21.
It featured 27 students under the direction of Connor Hubbard, a third grade teacher with professional musical
theater experience. The script for the 20-minute skit was written collaboratively by Mr. Hubbard and his young actors. The story was based on two songs, “Do Re Mi” and “It’s the HardKnock Life.”
Rehearsals began in late September and students learned the dialogue, songs and choreography during more than a dozen sessions. The fruits of their hard work was displayed in daytime shows for students in grades K-2 and 3-5, as well as an evening performance for families.
Mr. Hubbard said that he hopes this will spark interest among students to take advantage of arts opportunities in the district when they get older like the musicals at Berner Middle School and Massapequa High School. This experience helped them with valuable performance skills like singing, dancing and storytelling, while gaining more confidence and improving their leadership abilities.
A new drama club at Unqua Elementary School, led by teacher Connor Hubbard, debuted with a trio of shows on Nov. 20 and 21. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Celebrating 10 Years
Town Open
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 are open for the season and remain open through Sunday, February 23rd.
“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect 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!”
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, with special extended hours on most holidays and school breaks. For a full list of hours, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown. com/ice.
For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 797-7990 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.
Congratulations to Shelley Siemsen, the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Office Manager, on her 10th Anniversary with the Chamber. Shelley always goes above and beyond for the Chamber and their members. She is incredibly dedicated and always puts her heart into everything that she does. They are incredibly lucky to have her and send her their sincere appreciation.
Go visit them and tell them Santa sent you. Even Santa needs a li le help for the holidays! xoxo
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11th
2:30AM-5:00PM
THE HELPING HANDS
35TH ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
The Toy Drive will be held at 944 West Bay drive or the BBEA clubhouse - block of Villa Monaco in West Islip. For more information, please contact contact Jennifergalllozzi@gmail.com or to make a donation visit https://www. paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_ id=Q84FKWW5F42DW
FRIDAY, DEC. 13th
7:30PM
A GILBERT & SULLIVAN
CHRISTMAS CAROL
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Islip will bring people together to experience a vibrant performance of “A Christmas Carol,” performed with the music of Gilbert & Sullivan. The production takes place in the church’s Fenton Hall. Presented in tandem with the Islip Arts Council. Proceeds will go to the church’s music ministry. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, please visit. https:// stmarksislip.org or call 631-581-4950 – or come into the office. Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-1:00PM
SATURDAY, DEC. 14TH
10:00AM-3:00PM
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Islip United Methodist Church will be hosting their Annual Christmas Craft Fair at 350 Main Street in Islip. Lots of Homemade items, Jewelry, Antiques, Raffles, Baked Goods, lunch and so much more. For more information, please call 631-581-7663
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
3:00PM CONCERT OF SACRED CHRISTMAS MUSIC
Grace United Methodist Church will be hosting a Concert of Sacred Christmas Music. Featuring soprano soloist Kathryn Wilson. A free-will offering will be taken. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
4:00PM-10:00PM FARMINGDALE UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL
The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar and Lounge, 342 Main Street in Farmingdale. Get ready to don your ugliest holiday sweaters and join us for the ultimate festive adventure on December 14th! This is more than just a bar crawl-it's an Ugly Sweater extravaganza where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the holiday season in style. Email: Info@pubcrawls.com
9:30AM-11:00AM SANTA AND FRIENDS BREAKFAST
United Skates of America
1276 Hicksville Rd. in Seaford. This is a non-skating event that includes a breakfast buffet and a special meeting with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and a Gingerbread Man! Wear your cutest holiday pajamas and have some good old fashioned fun! For more information, please call 516-795-5474
10:30AM-3:00PM
BABYLON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Village Gazebo & Bayman Park
The Babylon Beautification Society is pleased to host this outdoor Christmas Market, featuring over 90 vendors selling fine and unique gifts. Plus, enjoy food and beverages for sale in the Gazebo area. The rain date for the event is December 15. Visit babylonbeautification.org for more information
THROUGH DEC. 31st
8:00AM-6:00PM
CHRISTMAS AT HICKS
Pictures with Santa, every day through December 23. Make sure to bring your own camera for pictures. A walkthrough Christmas story features Santa, his elves and friends as they prepare for the big day! A festive animated story for the young and young at heart! Please bring your donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for Long Island Cares and drop off at the end of your walkthrough. 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. For more information, please call 516-334-0066
THROUGH JAN. 02, 2025
10:00AM-3:00PM
CHRISTMAS HOUSE LONG ISLAND
If you are looking for an exciting and fun, indoor family holiday attraction, Christmas House Long Island is now open daily at the Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway in Hicksville. This unique 45+ minute walk-through features interactive and imaginative experiences that will delight people of all ages! For more information, please call 516-878-0273
Bird Walk At Jones Beach West End
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk in the west end of Jones Beach State Park on Sunday, December 15. The group will meet at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin is on Bay Drive going west. 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.
Artificial Or Real Christmas Tree?
Even though the debate continues regarding the merits of artificial and real Christmas trees, it seems there is a winner, at least within the United States. According to Statista, 47 percent of American households own an artificial Christmas tree, while 24 percent purchase real trees. Though real trees might not be as popular as their artificial alternatives, the number of real trees that are purchased each year remains significant. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, roughly 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States.
Celebrating our 15th Year in Copiague
NOODLE & FRIED RICE
L 1. Pad Thai ............................. $10.25
Stir-fried Thai noodles with chicken or shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, dry tofu & topped with ground peanuts
L 2. Kwyatio Pad Gai ................ $10.25
Fresh noodles stir-fried with chicken, vegetable & lime leaf
L 3. Pad See Eaw....................... $10.25
Thai country style stir-fried broad rice noodles with Chinese broccoli & eggs (Choice of chicken or beef)
L3A. Pad Ki Mao (Drunken Noodle) . $10.25
Spicy stir-fried board rice noodle with basil, onion, scallion & bell peppers (Choice of chicken or beef)
L 4. Lar Nard ............................. $10.25
Stir-fried broad rice noodles topped with chicken or beef & Chinese broccoli in brown gravy
L 23. Kratieum Prik .................... $11.95 (Thai Garlic Shrimp)
Garlic shrimp with shitake mushrooms, scallions & bamboo shoots
L24. Goong Ta Kria.................... $11.95 (Lemongrass Shrimp)
Lemongrass shrimp stir-fried with pepper, bamboo shoot, basil & chili paste
L25. Gung Pla Murk Pat $11.95
Shrimp & calamari stir-fried with onion, mint, chili & black beans
L 26. Spicy Basil Shrimp $11.95
Stir-fried shrimp with pepper, onion, basil & chili paste
L 27. Mango Shrimp................... $11.95
Mango, red onion, pepper, sweat pea pod, shrimp stir fried in sweet & sour sauce.
Monday-Thursday: 9:30am-8:00pm
9:30am-9:00pm
11:00am-6:00pm
CLUES ACROSS
1. Thou __ do it
6. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
9. Brainstem part
13. Town in New York state
14. Little (Spanish)
15. Continent
16. Retch
17. Short-billed rails
18. Small period of time (abbr.)
19. Confused
24. Spanish be
25. “The Godfather” character Johnny
28. Not around
29. City in Zambia
31. A type of beginning
33. Numb
36. Gurus
38. Small, gray-headed crow
39. Vehicle type
41. Disorders
44. One point east of southeast
49. It cools your home
51. Corn comes on it
52. Ship’s deck
54. A way to bake
56. Improvised
60. Butterfly genus
61. Baseball fields have them
62. Designated space
63. Discharge
64. Two of something
65. Once more
21. A team needs one
22. Woman in ancient times
23. Republican Party
CLUES DOWN
1. One-time Aaron Rodgers target
2. Wings
3. Overly studious person
4. They protect your valuables
5. The Volunteer State
6. Non-hydraulic cement
7. Horse mackerel
8. Jackson and Diddley are two
9. Splendid displays 10. Mountain in NE Greece
11. A daughter or your brother or sister
German surname
Having more than one husband at a time
45. Indian soldier
46. Tree type
48. Midway between south and southeast
17. Romanian city
20. Energy
21. Makes less hot
23. Gas diffusion electrode
25. Former CIA
26. Set an example for others
27. Support
66. Part of your face
67. Tax collector
68. Cassia tree
Sparkling Wines Accessing Schooling Options
Sparkling wines can make special occasions even more enjoyable. That is why they're generally reserved for big events that warrant toasts, like weddings or New Year's Eve celebrations. But bubbly can be enjoyed at any time of year. Many
people mistakenly believe that all sparkling wines are champagne, so much so that the term champagne has become something of an umbrella term. However, true champagne is made in the Champagne region of France from a combination
of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. It can only be made in the region's traditional method, called Méthode Champenoise, and the taste will typically be nutty and toasty. Sparkling wines can be produced across the globe in various ways. The taste will vary depending on how it is produced. Sparkling wines are named depending on where they are made. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, cava a Spanish variety and sekt is a German version.
(NAPSI)—Parents are more optimistic about their children’s academic, emotional, and social development and they
increasingly support school choice according to EdChoice, which wants all K–12 students to access the schooling options—
public, private, charter, homeschooling or other— best for them. Learn more at www.edchoice.org.
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SPECTACULAR NEGUNTATOGUE CREEK 3,700 SQ. FT. CUSTOM BUILT CONTEMPORARY WATERFRONT PARADISE! PRICE BREAK $1,289,000
LETS TALK WATER/YARD - There Are 5 Boat Slips, You Can Park At Least 5 Yachts, Because Of The Deep & Wide Open Waterway, Plus 75 Feet Of Navy Bulkhead. The Views Sipping Your Drinks Either Outside Or From Any Room In The Home Is Breathtaking!!! Your Own Private Kitchen On The Dock For Catches Of The Day, Together With Water & Electric. Inground Pool, 2 Koi Ponds, Trek Decking, Balconies, Shed, And Much More. LET’S TALK THE HOME - This Home Boasts Of 5 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths. Upon Arrival You Are Greeted With Pavers Which Cover The Multicar Driveway & Walkways, Nestled On Approximately 75x223 Lot, The Ambience Of Serenity Captures You With Open Floor Plan With Breathtaking Water View’s In Almost Each & Every Room. Custom Built Gas Glass Tiles Fireplace In Living Room With Granite Mantel-Second Granite Gas Fireplace In Guest Quarters/Den Area. Back Of The Home On Both Levels Have 12 Foot To 6 Foot Sliders That Embraces The Scenic Views. Custom Kitchen & Bathrooms, With State Of The Art Therma Foil Shrink Wrap Vinyl Moisture Resistant Mica With Granite Countertops, Artsy Silver Cable Metal Railings On Staircase That Glides To The Second Level. Walk In Closets, Cedar Closets, Top Of The Line Security Systems, Spiral Staircases, Master Bedroom Suite & Bath So Over The Top That You Can Have A Party There. Much More Too Much To List, YOU WANT THAT DREAM LIFESTYLE WELCOME ABOARD, A Spiral Staircase That Leads To Captains Walk That Leads To A Private Captain’s Quarter!!!! Ahoy Matey!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS MAGNIFICENCE AT ITS BEST.
Is No Place Like Home For The Holidays!
Seasons Greetings
As the holiday season surrounds us with its warmth and joy, we are reminded of the invaluable connections we share with our clients, neighbors & friends
Thank you for your continued support - it means the world to us. We look forward to working together and delivering the same professional service and care you know and trust
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success!