September 28, 2022 - October 11, 2022 Nassau Zone 1

(StatePoint) Gardening is not only a means for beautifying outdoor spaces and growing delicious foods. According to those who spend significant time in the yard, getting outside can also support your wellbeing.

“Gardening is good for the mind, it’s good for the soul and it’s good for the body,” said legendary football coach, Vince Dooley. “I enjoy coming out to garden, and when I finish, I feel like I’ve done something, and I feel good.”

Landscape architect Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground recently visited Dooley in Athens, Ga. to discuss gardening and mental health. Here are some of the insights they shared:

Health Benefits

• Active benefits: Gardening exercises the body and clears the mind.

Home & Garden Issue

Designing Your Garden For Better Mental Health

Studies show that increased outdoor exposure leads to fewer long-term health problems, helping improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength, and dexterity—all leading to better mental health.

Simply planting, growing, harvesting and maintaining plants gives you a direct emotional boost. Why?

Gardening helps foster nurturing instincts and restores a sense of hope and purpose, ultimately improving self-esteem.

• Passive benefits: Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry. Scientific evidence proves that just being in nature has positive impacts on stress levels and brain chemistry. It can also lower blood pressure, increase concentration and improve mood. What’s more, being outdoors offers a deeper sense of belonging and a

new sense of purpose outside the daily grind.

Designing Your Garden

Scott advises designing your garden to reflect how you want to live outside. He typically builds “rooms” connected by meandering paths for resting, unwinding, and feeling restored. However, your outdoor spaces don’t always need to be quiet. They can encourage activity as well. If you enjoy company, create gathering spaces. Or, if you have hobbies that can be done

North Bellmore School District To Hold Community Meetings On Potential Bond Referendum

During their Oct. 13 meeting, it is anticipated that the North Bellmore School District Board of Education will adopt a bond resolution for upgrades to the district’s buildings and infrastructure.

Superintendent of Schools Marie Testa and Assistant Superintendent for Business Jacqueline Rehak will present projects to be included for consideration in the December 2022 bond vote. The Oct. 13 meeting will be held at Park Avenue School at 7:30 p.m. For those who cannot attend, the meeting will also be held virtually. Zoom credentials will be available on the district

website on Oct. 13.

If approved by the Board of Education on Oct. 13, Ms. Testa and Ms. Rehak will present information on the potential bond during the following:

Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Martin Avenue School 2616 Martin Ave., Bellmore

Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m.

North Bellmore Public Library

1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore

Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

North Bellmore Public Library

1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore

The district will also host a bond fair on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Saw Mill Road School, if the resolution is approved by the Board on Oct. 13.

If approved by the Board of Education on Oct. 13, the bond vote will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Newbridge Road School. More information on the projects will be made available through the district’s website and via a voter guide mailed to all community residents in mid-November.

outdoors like exercising, painting or writing, you can set aside areas for them.

Finally, Scott recommends designing your garden to awaken your five senses. Here’s how:

1. Sight: Choose calming colors, or those that bring you joy. The simple sight of a breathtaking array of plants or an arrangement of favorite flowers is bound to give your mental health a boost.

2. Taste: Growing your own food will provide you with an incredibly rewarding harvest. Not only will you be able to enhance meals with the fruits of your labor, you’ll get the personal satisfaction of a job well done.

3. Hearing: Among the plants and flowers, add fixtures, such as wind chimes and water features, that’ll produce soothing sounds. And with the new habitat you’ve created, you’ll enjoy bird song, too!

4. Touch: From the light, feathery textures of petals to the rough surfaces of bark or bush stems, touch offers a deeper sense of connection to nature.

5. Smell: You may already use aromatherapy indoors. Take this concept outside by growing fragrant flowers and herbs, so you can literally

“stop to smell the roses.”

Scott and Dooley offer more insights in “Garden Therapy,” a recent episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of outdoor spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.

By gardening, your mental health will be better off for it. Just be sure to start small, simple and stress-free.

North Bellmore Teacher Center Sets Meeting Dates

The North Bellmore Teacher Center announces its meeting dates for the 2022-2023 school year. Monthly meetings are held via Zoom at 3:15 p.m.

This year’s meeting dates are Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, Jan. 17, Feb. 14, March 14, April 18, May 9 and June 13. All dates are Tuesdays.

The Teacher Center is a statewide network comprised of a professional learning system organized and operated by teachers to improve their own

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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.

educational performance.

North Bellmore’s Teacher Center is located at the Jacob Gunther School, 2600 Regent Place. For any questions regarding the teacher center or for Zoom

access to any meeting, please contact Samantha Paolillo at spaolillo@ northbellmoreschools. org or Janice Jackson at jjackson@ northbellmoreschools.org

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Make A Dining Room More Elegant For Entertaining

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but when it comes to entertaining, a dining room — if one is present in a house — tends to be the prime gathering spot for meals.

Dining rooms may not be top on the list of spaces to renovate, as they tend to be used infrequently. But a dining room makeover may still be a worthy endeavor. Here are some simple ways to make the dining room more elegant and functional.

• Clear out the clutter. The first step toward improving a dining room eating area is to remove any extraneous items from the space. If the dining room table is not used very often, it likely will become a catch-all for other items, such as bills, newspapers, or kids’ homework. Rather than using the dining space as a makeshift office or homework station, invest in a rolling cart to store those papers and other items. Simply roll it into a closet or another room when it’s time to host a party.

• Hang a statement light. Few decorative items add as much drama and ambiance to a dining space as a new

overhead light. People hear chandelier and think of a bejeweled or crystal design, but various chandelier styles can fit the

aesthetic of a home. The light will be a focal point and instantly make the dining area more elegant. Install the light on

a dimmer to adjust the illumination as needed to set the mood.

• Invest in new linens. Purchase coordinating table linens that will be used for special occasions. A decorative table cloth or table runner coupled with cloth napkins and placemats helps to set the scene for the dinner party.

• Add a piece of artwork. Many modern homeowners have eschewed the China Cabinet that once was standard in dining rooms. Rather than a bulky piece of furniture, a large piece of statementmaking artwork or framed photos over a more minimalistic buffet table or small service bar is preferable. Choose artwork that complements the colors in the space.

• Include a centerpiece. Centerpieces add sophistication to the table and tie into the event. Floral arrangements, a bowl or basket of fruit, pine cones or greens from outdoors, or collectibles like shells in a tall canister can serve as centerpieces.

There are many simple ways to dress up dining spaces and make them more elegant.

CLARK

Community Residents

Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, known for its exceptionally beautiful grounds and world-class Arboretum, recently hosted its 5th Annual Arboretum Tour where over 150 guests toured Pinelawn’s magnificent 500-acre Arboretum.

The Arboretum, which was awarded Level II status from the International

Arboretum Accreditation Program, ArbNet in 2021, is home to three distinct collections of trees. This includes their Noteworthy Collection, which boasts 10 of its highest priority and valued trees, including a Weeping Beech, its oldest tree at over 120 years old, with a crown size spread of 74 feet, and the Nikko Maple, its rarest, whose

About Long

World Class

species originated in Japan.

“Long Island tree lovers don’t need to travel far to learn about some of the world’s most beautiful trees,” said said Kristyn Hovanec, Director of Community Outreach, Marketing Manager, Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum. “We hold our Arboretum tours twice a year, but tickets go fast, so

we recommend checking the website periodically, for tickets.”

Guided by boardcertified arborist, James Dublar, guests hopped aboard an old-fashioned trolley to receive a guided, educational tour across the grounds, which are intricately and meticulously maintained daily by a trained, full-

time gardening staff.

Throughout the tour, guests had the opportunity to exit the trolley and see Pinelawn’s serene landscape and variety of historic trees such as the Copper Beech, Zelkova, and the Kousa Dogwood up-close.

“Our staff takes great pride in maintaining a tranquil environment for

families throughout our gardens,” said Kristyn. “Each of our collections play an important role to Long Island’s ecosystem and wildlife and we’re honored to have the opportunity to share our breathtaking contribution to our community’s natural beauty with guests in a meaningful way.”

Home improvement projects run the gamut from minor repairs to complete overhauls. Replacing exterior siding is one of the most significant home improvement projects homeowners can undertake. Such a project can give homes a completely new look, which is why the choice of siding is important.

Homeowners have many siding options, and the following guide can help them make the best choice for their homes.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is easily maintained and among the more budget-friendly siding options. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, vinyl siding is made from PVC plastic that does not rot or flake. Siding professionals

Home & Garden Issue

Options Abound When Shopping For Home Siding

note that the technology used to create vinyl siding has changed considerably in recent years, making this option more diverse than traditional vinyl siding. So homeowners turned off by the potentially plastic look of vinyl siding might be surprised at how different modern vinyl siding looks compared to the vinyl siding of yesteryear.

Fiber-Cement Siding

The home improvement television network HGTV notes that fibercement siding has grown in popularity among homeowners in recent years. This material does not require much maintenance and it’s nonflammable and resistant to termites. HomeAdvisor notes that fiber-cement siding can create the look of wood, stucco, or masonry,

making it a versatile option capable of creating various looks. In addition, fibercement siding is known for its durability, with some products coming with warranties lasting as long as 50 years.

Wood Siding

Homeowners have many choices if they prefer wood siding in their homes. Cedar, cypress, fir, pine, and spruce are just a handful of the many wood siding options homeowners can

choose from. HomeAdvisor notes that cedar shingle siding offers a natural look that blends well in wooded and waterfront landscapes. Wood clapboard siding is another popular option, though it tends to require more maintenance than cedar shingle siding. Homeowners who want wood siding should discuss their options with an experienced siding professional, as many factors, including the choice of wood, must be considered before making a final decision.

Stone And Stone-Veneer Siding

Many homeowners fall in love with the natural appeal of stone, but the price tag, which tends to be costly, may not be as awe-inspiring. HGTV notes that stone can be difficult

to add to an existing home, and doing so may drive the price up even further. Stone siding is durable, and there are many options, including solid stone and natural stone cladding, making this an option capable of providing an array of looks. Stone-veneer siding is less expensive than natural stone and also comes in an array of styles. As is the case with wood, stone siding options are so extensive that homeowners are urged to discuss each one with a siding professional before making their decisions.

These are just a handful of the many siding options homeowners can choose from. Siding can give homes a completely new look, making the choice of siding a significant decision worthy of careful consideration.

New Teachers Welcomed To The East Meadow School District

The East Meadow School District was excited to welcome new staff and faculty members at East Meadow High School and the LJC Salisbury Center during their annual new teacher orientation.

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration Mr. Anthony Russo greeted the group to open the day of meetings and welcomes. Mr. Russo explained the policies and procedures of the district before handing off the microphone to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth A. Card Jr., for a welcome address and to further disseminate district information.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. David Casamento, and Director of Literacy and Funded Programs, Frank Lukasik, shared a virtual tour of the district’s nine buildings. The duo educated the group about each building while also bantering about the history and pointing out several famous places around East Meadow.

The district wishes the best of luck and warmly welcomes the newest members to the district.

NEW TEACHERS WELCOMED - The East Meadow School District was excited to welcome new staff and faculty members at East Meadow High School and the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center during their annual new teacher orientation. Photo courtesy of the East Meadow Union Free School District

Wantagh School Board Revises October Meeting Dates

The Wantagh School District Board of Education announces date changes for its October meetings, as well as community information nights for the anticipated bond referendum.

The board will hold its next monthly business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. in the Wantagh

High School auditorium.

The planning session (originally scheduled for Oct. 6) will now be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

Additionally, the board will hold three community information meetings for the anticipated bond vote on Dec. 6. The

public meetings will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Monday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

There will be presentations by Wantagh administration and the district’s architect.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Mindfulness & Spirituality Workshop Through Art For Breast Cancer Survivors Register By October 14

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is offering a free four-session creative arts workshop empowering breast cancer survivors to express themselves using art. This therapeutic program offers a safe place to communicate thoughts, feelings, concerns, problems, hopes and dreams. The professional staff guides participants through different exercises and discussions helping to find ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.

This Mindfulness & Spirituality Workshop helps participants stay focused and aware of the present moment while exploring the relationship between spirituality, healing and art.

This workshop will be facilitated by Angela

M. Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director for the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, along with Kimberly Newman, BFA, Communications and Marketing Coordinator for the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program.

The workshop will take place on four consecutive Thursdays—October 27, November 3, November 10 and November 17—from 10 am to 11:30 am.

All four sessions will start with a relaxation/ breathing exercise. Then participants will complete several creative projects focusing on mindfulness & spirituality. These projects will help reduce negativity and will be selfsoothing resulting in stress reduction.

Participants will need computer access with a camera, microphone, and

internet. Each attendee will receive a package in the mail containing: a printed packet outlining each session; printed sheets needed for activities; the zoom link for the workshop; and art supplies. Some additional everyday items will be needed. The packet will list everything needed for each session.

This workshop is free but registration is required and members must commit to attending the entire fourweek-session. Registration ends on October 14.

The support group is sponsored due to generous funding from the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation and New York State.

For information, questions and to register, call Angela M. Papalia, LMSW at (516) 877-4329 or email apapalia@adelphi. edu

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

Call The Classifieds 631-226-2636 Pres s 2

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for September is Harmony Cafe

Harmony Cafe is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people by providing wellness, education and access to affordable nutritious foods, in a socially engaging environment that creates healthy lives.

Rosemarie Mccarthy, the Founder of Harmony Cafe, grew up in a working-class family, where money was tight and food insecurity was sometimes a cause of stress. When she happened upon a mention of the One World Everyone Eats café model in a magazine, she went looking for a cafe to volunteer. This model goes off of the idea of a donation-based cafe that services a diverse socioeconomic range and providing nutritious and delicious meals. It sounded like something to which she wanted to donate her time and energy, but to her surprise, there was nowhere to volunteer in the Long Island region. With grit and determination, she decided to start Harmony Cafe right here on Long Island.

Right now they do not have their own physical cafe, however they have hosted meal events, primarily at the VFW hall on Edwards Street in Patchogue, NY. Their meal events use a Pay-What-You-Can pricing donation model, where anyone can come get a healthy fresh meal and pay only what they can.

When the global pandemic started affecting the Long Island community, the nonprofit organization redirected their mission to assist those in need. This included hosting food drives, grab-ngo sites and free food delivery services. Rosemarie’s vision for this organization is to have a storefront cafe.

Ideally, the cafe would be in or around Patchogue, NY and would

service anyone who walks through their doors. Harmony Cafe is actively looking for the right opportunity to make this happen. Whether you are a chef or someone that is looking for restaurant/cafe space and would like to partner with Harmony Cafe to share the space, or you are someone who knows of a storefront spot that would possibly work as a home for this cafe, please call 631.730.8775 or email info@harmonycafeli.org.

Additionally, volunteers are needed to help their organization continue to grow! You can join their Volunteer Team and help in the following areas:

• Coordinate Fundraisers

• Wellness Chefs

• Wellness Assistant / Instructor (Training Is Provided)

• Fresh Food Donations (Or Supermarket Gift Cards)

• Serve On Their Board Of Directors (Actively looking for a treasurer that has a background in finance or accounting. Retirees are encouraged to apply!)

• Community Outreach

Lastly, Harmony Cafe holds a Free Thanksgiving Dinner each year at Toast Coffeehouse in Patchogue. This year, it will be held on November 22 and there will be live music there as well! The organization is seeking sponsors to help support this great event. Last year the organization proudly served over 300 traditional Thanksgiving restaurant dinners to those in need.

For more information, please visit www.harmonycafeli.org.

If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

Join Our Team!

Open Positions

Bus Drivers Mechanics

Bus Attendants

information or to

Levittown Public Schools is looking for qualified individuals to join its Transportation Department.

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

BUYING?

SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

Wisdom Lane Middle School Receives $1,500 Grant

Mepham To Install Annual Flag Field Of Honor

Seniors at Wellington C. Mepham High School in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District will participate in setting up its 8th annual Flag Field of Honor in November.

The community can participate by honoring a family member or friend by having a flag flown between Nov. 6 and Dec. 8 on the school’s front lawn at 2401 Camp Ave. in Bellmore.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Senior Service Learning Project’s partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who selflessly gave his life to

save others.

The organization continues to support military and first responders by providing mortgagefree homes to fallen first responders and military families. In addition, they provide for injured veterans and aid the victims of major U.S. disasters. Most recently, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation committed $1 million to the children of Ukraine in an effort to help them find a safe haven amidst the conflict in their country.  Flag orders must be placed by Oct. 21.

For more information, please contact social studies teachers Kerry Dennis or Chris Patten at kdennis@bmchsd.org or cpatten@ bmchsd.org.

WISDOM LANE MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES $1,500 GRANT - Wisdom Lane Middle School was chosen to receive a $1,500 grant courtesy of the Walmart Community Grant Program. The program receives more than 150,000 applications each year. School officials worked with the school’s nearby Walmart to apply for the grant. The educational grants are awarded to support the unique needs of local communities in which Walmart stores operates. Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

MEPHAM TO INSTALL ANNUAL FLAG FIELD OF HONOR - The Flag Field of Honor is installed on the school’s front lawn each year by seniors. Photo courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District