March 8, 2023 Massapequa Park

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LEADERS UNITE AGAINST GOV’S HIGH DENSITY HOUSING PLAN - Teaming up in a united front against the resurgence of Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal for high density housing in single-family neighborhoods on Long Island, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino – along with a chorus of village mayors, state senators and other elected officials across Nassau and Suffolk counties –descended on the Port Washington Train Station, one of many railroad stations targeted by the Governor for the purposes of developing high-density housing, to protest the Governor’s “attack on the suburbs.”

INVESTMENT FOR LONG ISLAND

Sands, the world leader in developing integrated resorts, is proposing a multi-billion-dollar investment at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This groundbreaking, worldclass hospitality and entertainment project will be transformational for the Long Island economy, creating thousands of quality union jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue.

A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES

Sands is committed to developing long-term partnerships with local businesses. For Long Island-based manufacturers, distributors, wholesale suppliers and other companies servicing the hospitality and entertainment industries, the Sands project will be an unprecedented opportunity to grow your business and be part of what will surely become an iconic centerpiece of the Long Island landscape.

Moriches Field Brewing Company received $18,750 to revitalize an empty downtown space.

(Cheers to that.)

Revitalization grants are just one of the ways we help businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways. For Moriches Field Brewing Company, a grant from our economic development program was a perfect fit to help them renovate a previously vacant property. A discount through our Vacant Space Revival Program saved them more than $4,000 on their electric bills, and rebates for upgrading to LED lighting are keeping them saving month after month.

Helping revitalize our Island, one business at a time, is something we’re proud to be part of and something definitely worth celebrating.

Grants | Rebates | Incentives | Assessments | Community Support

For more information, visit PSEGLINY.com/EcoDev

March Happenings

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

9:00AM-4:00PM

FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING

The Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Mobile Mammography Van will be in East Northport at 319 Clay Pitts Road. For women forty and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. Appointments are neccesary. Call 631-638-4135 to schedule.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

11:00AM-3:00PM

DROP OFF FOOD DRIVE

The Babylon Boy Scout Troop 194 will be hosting a food drive to support community food pantries. Drop off your items at the Babylon American Legion Post 94, entrance in rear.

12:00PM-4:00PM

IRISH LUCK ON THE FARM

Celebrate Irish Heritage with an afternoon on the farm- walk through petting zoo, traditional Irish step-dancing performance, music, and peat fires. $5 per person at 239 E. Main Street in Smithtown.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

1:00PM-2:00PM

HOLY FIRE (R) REIKI LECTURE, DEMO & Q+A

Held at the Wild By Nature West Islip Lecture Room. Free admission. All are invited to come and experience this energetic healing and social. Presented by Joseph Graziose, Reiki Master. Contact Joe for any questions or to register at 516-901-0422.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

6:30PM-9:30PM

ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER FUNDRAISER

Hosted by Last Hope Animal Rescue at Lily's Babylon (formerly Lily Flanagan's). Tickets are $70 per person or $75 at the

Items listed are free of charge. Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run in the calendar on a space available basis. For further information, call 631.226.2636, extension 211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com

door. Seating is limited, reserve your space early. For more information contact Doreen at 631-445-2326 or Letty at 631-946-9528.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

2:00PM-3:00PM

ALZHEIMER'S SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be holding an in-person event called “Memory Cafe” as apart of the Early-Stage Social Engagement Program at The Arbors at Islandia East. To register for the event visit www.alz.org/events.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

6:30PM-8:30PM

SAINTS DAY SOCIAL

Join us at the Brumidi Lodge to celebrate St. Patrick and St. Joseph. Dinner, refreshments and dessert included. $40 per person, ages 7 and under are free. Contact Karen at 631-943-3622 to purchase tickets in advance.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

9:00AM-12:00PM

4-LEAF CLOVER 5K RUN/WALK

Rain or shine at the East Moriches Middle School. The first 100 participants are guaranteed a race t-shirt. Contact 516-531-3323 for more information.

6:30PM

TALENT SHOW

The Grace United Methodist Church in Lindenhurst will be hosting a talent show. All talents are welcome. Free coffee and cake will be served. A free-will offering will be taken. Call 631-226-8690 for information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

1:00PM-2:00PM

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Parade begins to form up at noon in the area of the Finley Middle School at Forest Avenue and Dosoris Lane in Glen Cove. It

steps off at 1PM and proceeds through the streets of downtown Glen Cove, ending at 70 Glen Street. For more information visit www.glencoveparade.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

6:00PM

BUDGET INFORMATION MEETING

The meeting will be held at the North Babylon Public Library.The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its March meeting immediately following the Budget Information Meeting. The public is invited to attend. Contact Marc D. Horowitz at 631-669-4020.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

9:00AM-11:00AM

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Held at Brumidi Lodge Deer Park. Ages 3 and under are free. Ages 4-12, $12 and 13+ are $18. Includes breakfast, toy auction, 50/50 raffle, lottery cash board raffle and crafts. Contact Karen at 631-943-3622 to reserve your seat or table.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

1:00PM

MUSIC LOVER'S CLUB

Enjoy a free musical performance the last Monday of every month through April at the United Methodist Church in Islip, Meeting Room 1. Refreshments to follow. For more information contact Donald Warner at 516993-9032.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

6:30PM

WANTAGH PRESERVATION SOCIETY MEETING

Interesting "Show &Tell" meeting planned. Bring any Wantagh related items to share information on, or just come and listen. Light refreshments will be served. Contact 516-826-8767 for questions.

Students Have Lifesaving Knowledge Up Their Sleeves

Hunger Affects All Family Members, Including Pets

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato announced that the Town of Oyster Bay will host a Pet Food & Supply Drive in partnership with LI Cares. The drive will take place from March 1st to March 31st with a focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.

“Pets truly are members of our family,” said Tax Receiver Pravato. “Pet food and supply donations will help furry friends in need, which in turn keeps pets at

home with their loved ones. The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with LI Cares to collect generous donations for this worthwhile cause.”

The creation of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute over one million pounds of pet food, all of which has been donated through pet food drives like this one and corporate donations.

“Unfortunately many beloved pets are placed into shelters or given away because families cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” added Supervisor Saladino. “When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food

drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families.”

Those interested in supporting the Town’s Pet Food & Supply Drive can place donated items in drop-off boxes located in the following Town of Oyster Bay locations:

Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage

Regular business hours for the locations are Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information, visit www. licares.org or call Esther Alter in the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.

RECEIVED RED WATCH BAND WRISTBANDS - Elena Walsh, Gerrit Dabovich and Jim Curran, right, received Red Watch Band wristbands for finishing the lifesaving program.Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Help

Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) in partnership with Save the Great South Bay invites all residents to participate in its 3rd Annual Keep the Preserve Pristine Cleanup (Rain or Shine) on Saturday, March 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The cleanup starts at the entrance to

the bike path from the LIRR parking lot located at 510 Park Side Blvd, Massapequa.

MTAC and its partners including the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the Nassau County Police Department will work together to help keep the Massapequa Preserve

a safe environment for community residents and their families. To learn more about MTAC’s Preserve cleanup or become a part of MTAC’s efforts, please contact Brooke Langella, MTAC Project Coordinator at (516) 799-3000 ext. 131 or visit mtacoalition.com.

Massapequa.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for March is Canine Companions®

www.canine.org

Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. They proudly o er their support services free of charge to recipients.

Clients come to Canine Companions because of their reputation, the quality of their dogs, the experience of their training sta and the desire to lead a life with greater independence. The organization is proud to have various chapters and training centers across our nation, with their Northeast Region (Long Island Chapter) located right here on Long Island, in Medford.

Located at 286 Middle Island Rd in Medford, the Long Island Chapter works to raise awareness, recruit new puppy raisers and volunteers and support one another’s work on behalf of the Canine Companions’ mission. This Chapter is a lively network filled with opportunities for social engagement from puppy classes to fundraisers. Beyond the satisfaction of doing good work for Canine Companions, lifelong friendships are often formed among chapter members.

The benefits of having a service dog can be indescribable, often life-changing.

Canine Companions provides dogs for an array of disabilities; they o er service dogs for adults, children and veterans with a physical or auditory disability or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as professionals working in a health care, visitation, criminal justice or education settings. The organization typically places between 325 and 375 service dogs per year.

In recent years, Yucca, a Facility Dog, became a new furry member of the Phillips Avenue Elementary School in Riverhead, NY (placed by Canine Companions). She helps students learn responsibility, come out of their shell and even helps those that experience issues at home, such as past traumas or emotional/social issues.

“Having a dog there to just talk to or pet can really help the children,” explained teacher Emilee Raynor. “Yucca loves our

Help Wanted: Town Seeks Counselors For Summer Recreation Program

students and they know she is not judging them, so they take more risks when working with her than with their peers.”

Yucca is incorporated into daily lessons, such as language practice, when students read to her and describe the commands Yucca is following. “I have already seen the huge impact that Facility Dog Yucca has made in the classroom. Students are so excited to come to class. They work hard for Yucca and understand their responsibilities.”

Yucca’s impact is among countless success stories. If you are looking to make a di erence, you can become a Puppy Raiser with the Long Island Chapter today. Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers provide specially-bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love.

Volunteers are warmly welcomed in other capacities as well, such as Front Desk Reception, General O ce Support, Puppy Transporter and Event Support, amongst other fields. Without loyal volunteers, this organization couldn’t fulfill their mission, so they are beyond grateful for each individual that gives their time and e orts to help.

To learn more about these opportunities, please visit www.canine.org or call 631.561.0200.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the Town is seeking counselors for its 2023 Summer Recreation Program. The six-week program provides a rewarding employment experience for counselors as they work with children and make a difference.

“This great summer job is ideal for residents age 16 or older who are looking to build their

resume. Our summer recreation counselors get real-world experience while having fun, making memories, and making a difference in the lives of others,” said Supervisor Saladino.

Applicants must be available for the duration of the program, which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning July 5th through August 11th.

Summer Recreation Program participants

take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, including the TOBAY Games, making being a counselor a great first job for many residents.

Employment opportunities are offered at Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa), Plainview-Old Bethpage and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, and Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.

For more information, prospective counselors should contact Town’s Department of Parks at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation.

If your non-profit would like to be featured in this column,please email noellelambert@longislandmediagroup.com for consideration.

Students with Yucca at Phillips Avenue Elementary School

Rockstar Readers Emerge

Their dedication to reading earned them rockstar status at East Lake Elementary School in the Massapequa School District, as students took part in the Pick a Reading Partner program from Feb. 6-17.

The literacy initiative was in partnership with the PTA and this year’s theme was “Reading Like a Rockstar.”

The two-week program began with an author visit from Alan Katz, who has published more than 40 children’s books.

As an author-in-residence for a day on Feb. 6, he hosted sessions with each grade

level to talk about his books, his inspiration for stories and the writing process.

East Lake students greeted him warmly with handmade displays representing his stories. They also surprised him with a song from one of his books that students sang to a prepared accompaniment by music teacher Gina Aspetti.

Feb. 10 was decades dressup day, with each grade representing a different era. Kindergartners stepped back to the 1950s, while fifth grades donned more recent fashion from the early 2000s.

PARP also included a two-

day book fair, a bookmark design contest and a secret reader night at Barnes & Noble. Students kept digital logs to record their daily reading, completed a word search, submitted silly jokes for Valentine’s Day and earned raffle tickets by checking books out at the public library.

Classroom activities supported good reading habits. Christine Marshall’s second graders read through books and online resources to gather information for nonfiction research projects on topics of their choice.

South Shore Audubon Offers Scholarships

The South Shore Audubon Society has begun accepting applications for two $1000 Environmental Scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students earning a degree in areas of biological or environmental science, or sustainable and renewable energy .

For the Evelyn and Jerry Bishop Environmental Scholarship, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www. ssaudubon.org/areas-weserve.asp and/or attend a college in Nassau or Suffolk County.

For the Jay Koolpix,

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.

Environmental Scholarship, applicants must be residents of Nassau County and/or attend a college in Nassau or Suffolk County.

May 31,2023 is the deadline for submission of applications. Completed applications include a brief explanation of the reason for applying for the scholarship and the plan to use the money, a copy of

the most recent transcript of grades, and at least one letter of recommendation. Applicants may apply for both scholarships but cannot be awarded more than one. For applications and more information, go to www.ssaudubon.org/ or contact Betsy Gulotta eagulotta@optonline.net, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@ optonline.net.

“READING LIKE A ROCKSTAR” - Third graders flashed back to the 1980s for this year’s PARP program, which was themed “Reading Like a Rockstar.” Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

THE LOVE OF READING AND WRITING - Second graders Mason Smith, left, and Mikey Zappia have embraced the love of reading and writing that PARP promotes. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

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Are you looking to increase the value of your home?

If you are planning on selling your home, now is the best time to do so. Before you list your house on the market be sure to upgrade your home in order to get the highest price possible for your property. In order to get the most out of your sale you must invest some money into home upgrades. This will increase the curb appeal & the overall value of your property. There are plenty of low-cost upgrades that are affordable and will give you a high return on your investment. One of the main projects that will increase your home's curb appeal the most, with low initial investment, is a new entry door. The entry door of your home sets the tone for your entire house. It is one of the first features potential buyers see as they walk into your home. A beautiful new entry door will increase the value of your property dramatically. An initial investment of a few thousand dollars can bring you a return of up to 95%! This return is also true for replacement windows in your home. However, the upgrade that will give you the best return on your investment is the siding on your home. The siding on your home is the largest portion of your property and accounts for the majority of your home's exterior style. Replacing just the front siding on your home can increase the value of your property substantially. New siding on a property can bring in up to a 110% return on your investment! If you are looking to sell your house or just increase its value, upgrading your windows, doors, siding, and roofing will bring you the best return on your investment.

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Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries Enjoy The Sounds Of The Beatles, Music Of The 50’S & 60’S And More

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2023 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 March include: The Tribunes on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 1:00

pm at the Syosset Public Library – Performing the music from the 50’s and 60’s. Registration is free and required, visit: syosset. librarycalendar.com/events/ month select the date of the concert and register. Registration starts February 19th.

Phil Costa & The Something Special Swing Band on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 4:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – Performing a variety of big band music including arrangements of Count Basie, Doc Severinsen and Maynard Ferguson.

Glenn Sings Glen on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Locust Valley Library – A Tribute to Glen

Campbell.

Metro Music with John Walters on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2:30 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library – A rich variety of wellknown, delightful songs played in an upbeat style that will have you swinging along!

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) 797-7925 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.

Massapequa Vocalists Named To Regional Ensemble

The Massapequa School District is proud to announce that two music students will perform at the 2023 Eastern Division Honors Festival in Rochester, N.Y. from April 13-16. Massapequa High School senior Ariana Surrow and junior Cooper Arbisi, both chorus students, were selected for this prestigious honor.

The event is sponsored by the National Association for Music Education and hosted by the New York State School Music Association. Ariana and Cooper will be among the more than 200 students selected from school music programs across the state. Approximately 700 students will participate from schools across the east coast.

Students will rehearse and perform with renowned conductors. Ariana and Cooper were selected for the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus, which will be led by Jason Max Ferdinand. They will also get to take part in a variety of music workshops.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Ariana

VOCALISTS NAMED TO REGIONAL ENSEMBLE - Massapequa High School chorus students Cooper Arbisi and Ariana Surrow were selected for the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus and will travel to Rochester, N.Y. in April. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

and Cooper, two incredibly talented singers,’’ said Vincent Greene, Massapequa’s director of fine and performing arts. “They will work collaboratively

with other young musicians from schools outside of New York and gain valuable experience by working with notable master conductors.”

Storm Resiliency Solar Project Completed At Burns Park

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the installation of solar lighting backup energy panels throughout John Burns Park in Massapequa has been completed. Funded entirely through a New York State grant through the New York State Office of Storm Recovery, lighting along the walking path and throughout parking lots at the facility have been retrofitted to LED with solar power and battery backup. The project was selected as part of the New York Rising Community Construction Program, through which the community identified areas of the community heavily impacted by severe weather events such as Superstorm Sandy.

“Through the New York State Office of Storm Recovery, the Massapequa community was identified as being eligible for reconstruction funding, to help rebuild and improve resiliency.

Residents came together to gather public input, strategize and implement an effective plan to establish a stronger and better

future,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This project not only improves our resiliency in the event of a future storm, it helps the environment while assisting the Town in its emergency readiness.”

John Burns Park is often heavily utilized as a command center during weather events, whether it be for gathering of equipment, drop off and pickup of supplies, or temporary location of storm debris. These newly retrofitted lighting fixtures, which will also be installed in other areas of the community, collect and store power from sunlight, going into effect in the event of a power outage.

“This lighting, which is also being installed along local roadways in the southern area of Massapequa, will help the community maintain functionality during power outages,” said Supervisor Saladino. “In the event of a power outage, this project will help make it safe for residents to traverse the area and evacuate when necessary.”

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Town Announces Environmental Poster Contest For 4th Grade Students

Starting

Family

GET YOUR AD NOTICED!

Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

To raise awareness of pollution and its impact on Mother Nature, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s poster contest, Our Town Our Environment, invites youngsters to create a poster depicting ‘Marine Pollution Solutions.’

“This poster contest presents a great opportunity to bring environmental awareness to our young people, making them more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting our waterways and safeguarding our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino.

Students should submit a poster to communicate awareness of how items of plastic litter harm our waterways and various ways to solve the issue of marine pollution, including proper recycling. Submissions should be made on poster paper (no larger than 12”x18”). No

edible items should be used on the poster.

The top three winning posters to be displayed at a Town facility and showcased in a future Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.

“This contest is being co-sponsored by The Waterfront Center, Friends of the Bay, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program. These organizations greatly contribute to our efforts in further protecting and preserving the environment,” said Councilwoman Walsh.

“I invite all 4th grade students to participate in this great program, which provides an opportunity to become more educated on the serious issue of how to protect our environment and improve the quality of our waterways while having the potential of winning some great prizes.”

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions, with 1st Place receiving a private tour of Oyster Bay Harbor aboard a Friends of the Bay vessel, $200 gift certificate for the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, a $100 gift

certificate to Long Island Aquarium, a tree planted at the winning student’s school for Arbor Day, a nautical trivia game, Friends of the Bay apparel and a Choose Local F.I.S.H. t-shirt from CCE. Submission deadline for the contest is Friday, March 31st, with winners to be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd. Second and third place winners will also receive a gift certificate to the Waterfront Center, receive a tree planting in their school district, as well as apparel and reusable items.

Along with their poster submission, students must include an entry form, which is available at www. oysterbaytown.com/ postercontest. Mail or email posters to the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29 Spring Street, Oyster Bay NY, 11771. Entries can also be emailed to environmental@ oysterbay-ny.gov with the subject line ‘2023 Poster Contest.’ Visit www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest for more details.

Thyroid Cancer Support Group

BUYING?

BUYING?

ThyCa Long Island, a support group for thyroid cancer survivors will be holding a free virtual meeting on the Zoom platform on Sunday, March 12 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Please contact Abby Melendez at 516-608-5113 or via e-mail at longislandny@thyca.org for further details.

ThyCa Long Island, a support group for thyroid cancer

survivors, is affiliated with ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.; a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. We are dedicated to the support, education, and communication of thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends. We also sponsor Thyroid Cancer Awareness

Month, year-round awareness activities, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants. At meetings, people share thyroid cancer information, their experiences, and insights on how they are coping with thyroid cancer. The support group is free and open to any survivors and their families and friends.

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 2023 Women of Distinction Program.

At the start of Women’s History Month, 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 2023

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

“Memory Cafe”

Early-Stage Engagement Event Takes Place On March 15

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be holding an in-person event called “Memory Cafe” as apart of the Early-Stage Social Engagement Program on Wednesday, Mar. 15 from 2-3 p.m at The Arbors at Islandia East.

The Early-Stage Social Engagement Program offers a fun and comfortable way for people living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia to get out, get active and get connected with one another through a variety of social events and communitybased activities.

“Memory Cafe is a free early-stage social engagement program that offers a fun and comfortable way for people with earlystage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and their care partners to get out, get active, and connect with one another,” said Danielle Peters, Care Services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter. To register for the eventhttps:// www.alz.org/longisland.

To learn more about the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900

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.

Town Clerk LaMarca Announces

Special One-Stop Passport Weekend

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special onestop Passport Weekend on Saturday, March 18th and Sunday, March 19th from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for

applying for a passport include:

One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last

six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).

This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.

Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.

Volunteers Wanted For March 25th

Dune Day At TOBAY Beach

Residents who love visiting the beach and want to help protect the shoreline can join Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board at the Towns’ annual Dune Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 25th at

Fairfield Students Provide News To Use

With news, sports and weather, fifth graders at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District are creating a newscast each morning just like their professional counterparts.

The popularity of Fairfield’s Broadcasting Club is evident, as 55 students take turns putting together the morning announcements. There are both on-camera and behind-the-scenes roles, with six assignments each day.

The daily show includes school announcements, a weather report, an update on local sports teams, the lunch menu, a fact of the day and joke of the day. Students gather the information and write their own scripts. A technician operates the iPad,

which is used to record the show, as well as lighting and sound equipment. Students are supported by club advisers Stephani Cantelmo, Dallas Dano and Caitlyn Pereira.

When it’s their day, Broadcast Club members report to the library when they arrive at school and begin preparing for the show. It is recorded in front of a green screen so students can use different background images. They also can add music and sound effects. Once it is recorded, it is uploaded to the school website and teachers can play the morning announcements on their electronic display board.

Emily Bialous, who does lunch menu and weather

reports, said that this prepares her for public speaking roles.

“You get to know what it’s like to have everyone watching you,” she said.

Zuzanna Sulawa recounted one day when she felt like a celebrity after an awe-struck kindergartner came up to her in the hall after seeing her on the news that morning. Joseph Andrews added that he feels like he is on SportsCenter when he gives his update.

Assistant Principal Megan Pavlick said that students were able to select their jobs based on interests and strengths. It’s a true team effort, she noted as every role is equally important to the production whether on camera or on the technical side.

TOBAY Beach. The event begins at 10 a.m. by the dunes at TOBAY.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Dune Stabilization Project brings together residents of all ages in an effort to protect and preserve our beautiful shoreline

and environment by planting stalks of dune grass. Dunes along our south shore continue to face environmentally damaging storms that have a significant impact on the beach. Statistics indicate that the planting of dune grass provides a natural shield that is perfect for withstanding storm surges and high winds.”

The Dune Stabilization Project helps preserve our beach and barrier island for future generations. Volunteers work alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share an interest in helping preserve TOBAY Beach.

To register as a volunteer, residents can visit www.oysterbaytown. com/volunteerform. For additional information, contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or email environmental@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

BROADCASTING CLUB CREATES DAILY NEWSCAST- Fairfield Elementary School’s Broadcasting Club creates a daily newscast featuring morning announcements, sports, weather and other information. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District

GREEN-SCREEN TECHNOLOGY - Using green-screen technology, students can add different backgrounds to their broadcast. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District