October 26, 2022 - November 8, 2022 Nassau Zone 1

Your Vote Is Your

By Lisa Scott President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County

As a member of the League of Women Voters (LWV), a 102 year old nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, this is my “busy season.” With my LWV colleagues, all volunteers, I speak to groups, answer countless questions, organize and moderate debates, and write articles; all as outreach during election season. Additionally, we encourage all citizens to vote responsibly in every election in which they are eligible, whether that be fire districts, libraries, school districts, local, state or federal. Your vote is your voice and I urge you to use it this Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. Below is some significant information to keep in mind:

• Be sure you are registered to vote prior to heading to the polls.

• Because of redistricting, mandated by the US Constitution after the (2020) census, some of your district numbers may have changed! You can find your polling place easily on the NYS Board of Elections (BOE) website at www.voterlookup. elections.ny.gov. If you don’t have access to the internet, go to your local public library, where you can find assistance to get on one of their computers. Your information is private.

• You may have applied for an absentee ballot. If you plan to vote this way, the same website allows you to track your ballot to be sure it’s been received and will be counted by your county’s BOE. With a new tracking system now in place, if you have applied for an absentee ballot, but you decide you’d rather vote in person, you will not be able to cast your vote in a machine during early voting or on Election Day. Instead, you’ll be given an “affidavit ballot” and the BOE will check your records

to confirm whether or not your absentee ballot was received. This is to ensure no one’s vote is counted twice.

• This year you’ll be voting for your local member of the House of Representatives, one US Senator, NYS Governor and Lt. Governor and your local member of the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly. In Suffolk County, you’ll also vote for County Comptroller and County Clerk. There may be some local races on the ballot too.

• There is a NYS Environmental Bond proposition on the back of your ballot. If approved, this would allow the NYS Comptroller to issue and sell $4.2million in bonds to be used to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. This is not a tax, investors buy NYS bonds.

• Suffolk County also has a countywide proposition clarifying the wording of the term limits law and four Suffolk townships have local propositions too. Nassau does not have a county proposition on this year’s ballot.

Please plan ahead; learn about the candidates and know what’s on your ballot. You can visit www.vote411. org, enter your address (no need for your name or personal info) and you will see the offices, candidates, and propositions that will be on the ballot. All candidates were sent questions and given the opportunity to answer them on the site; sometimes candidates refuse to respond, this is indicated. No one ever should be too busy, too disinterested or even too frustrated to vote. Your vote is your hard-earned right, but also your obligation as an American citizen.

Important Contact Information:

Suffolk County Board of Elections: 631-852-4500

Nassau County Board of Elections: 516-571-2411

Wantagh Halloween Harvest

The Wantagh Preservation Society presents “Wantagh Halloween Harvest” at the Wantagh Museum, located at 1700 Wantagh Avenue

in Wantagh.

Saturday October 29th, 2 - 8pm, Trick or Treat on the Haunted Train! Pumpkin painting, snacks and refreshments, Jack

o Lantern display, kids crafts, family fun, come in costume. $1 donation.

Contact the Wantagh Preservation Society at (516) 826 - 8767

Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Ranked No. 15 School District In The State By Niche.com

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is proud to learn that it was just ranked No. 66 in the nation in Niche. com’s 2023 study of 10,751 school districts across the United States.

This represents an incredible accomplishment, and a significant climb in the rankings since 2019. It was also ranked No. 15 in the State of New York out of 700 districts.

All three of the district’s high schools, John F. Kennedy in Bellmore, Sanford H. Calhoun and

Wellington C. Mepham, were ranked in the top 60 in NYS out of many thousands of high schools statewide. Similarly impressive, both Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue middle schools were listed in the top 40 in New York.

These rankings are based on factors obtained from the U.S. Department of Education and include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality and public school district ratings.

“We are pleased that the Central High School

District continues to receive accolades and high rankings from national publications,” Superintendent of Michael Harrington said. “We are proud of our students who consistently achieve success in a variety of academic, artistic and athletic areas. This is a credit to our engaged and driven student body, conscientious faculty and staff, committed board of education and wonderful and supportive school community.

Merrick South Shore Homemakers

Merrick South Shore Homemakers - Seeking new members

where we

(including speakers), crafts, baking or cooking classes, community service projects and much more. We meet on Thursdays at 10:00 am

at the Seaford American Legion, 2301 Penatiquit Avenue, Seaford. Please contact President Mary at 1-631-567-4483 for any additional information.

Wantagh Board Of Education Adopts Bond Resolution Community Referendum Scheduled For Dec. 6

During the Oct. 6 Wantagh School District Board of Education meeting, the board adopted a resolution to present a bond proposition to its community for consideration.

The proposed bond will be presented as three propositions totaling $69.5 million. For Proposition 2 and Proposition 3 to pass, Proposition 1 must be approved.

Proposition 1 addresses core infrastructure districtwide, replacing components that are original or haven’t been

replaced in decades, such as windows and unit ventilators, and subsequent upgrades to electrical, central heating and air conditioning to all instructional spaces.

Proposition 2 focuses on enhancing areas of play and creativity, including upgrades to our athletic fields at the secondary campus and Forest Lake Elementary School, a complete renovation of our districtwide auditorium and new playground equipment for our three elementary schools.

Proposition 3 proposes

complete renovation of the library media center and cafeteria at Wantagh High School, creation of outdoor eating spaces for the middle and high school, kitchen replacements at each elementary school and districtwide bathroom renovations.

Voting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Forest Lake, Mandalay and Wantagh elementary schools. For more information on the bond, please visit the district’s website, www. wantaghschools.org.

Levittown Public Library

1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown, N.Y. 11756 www.levittownpl.org, contact: pr@levittownpl.org 516-731-5728

Wednesday, November 2, 8:00 PM

By Noelle Lambert

Helen Keller Services (HKS), a nonprofit organization with locations across Long Island and the nation, works with thousands of individuals who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Helen Keller Services, located in Port Washington, recently held its 3rd annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event, celebrating The US Department of Labor’s theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation”, recognizing the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive.

“Accessibility to job opportunities affects everyone and should be integral to hiring practices, and not just an afterthought,” said Joseph Melillo, National Business & Employment Relations Specialist at Helen Keller Services. “With equal access, people who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind can unlock their inner ability.”

Highlights of the event included a keynote address from Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)/ National Employment Team (NET), and experts who spoke about disability inclusion, use of technology and the talents of the DeafBlind community in the workplace.

“The DeafBlind community is just like the rest of us; they simply communicate differently. And like the rest of us, they have unique gifts and talents to share that can

make our world a more diverse and vibrant place to work and live,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services.

Every year, Helen Keller Services spotlights companies that work with the DeafBlind community at its Access-Ability Awards, held in June.

“We recognize leaders who have made it their business to take action and advance accessibility within their companies or organizations and for the people they serve,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “We continue to make progress towards greater accessibility and inclusivity for and among the communities we work with, but there is still a great deal more of work to be done.”

If you would like to get involved with this organization, there are various opportunities to do so! HKS is actively hiring for multiple positions and they’re also accepting new volunteers. Your HKS experience, whether through a paid or volunteer position, will no doubt be rewarding on a personal level. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with blind or DeafBlind individuals, helping to enhance their quality of life and to expand their social circles. Additionally, you can donate to HKS anytime on their website.

To learn more about Helen Keller Services, including their employment, volunteer and donation opportunities, please visit their website, www.helenkeller.org.

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public. The agenda includes a period for Public Expression. Please check www.levittownpl. org for more information.

Saturday, November 5 from 2:00-3:30 PM and Sunday, November 6, 1:30-3:00 p.m. Theater-The Ivy Lane Players: Tartuffe by Moliere

The Ivy Lane Players will perform the comedy Tartuffe by Moliere. Tartuffe, a penniless scoundrel, is invited by a gullible benefactor to live in his home. He wreaks havoc among the family members, but his schemes ultimately lead to his down

fall. Plays have a mature theme and may have some profanity.

Tickets required. Register at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be inperson. No fee.

Monday, November 7 at 2:00 PM

MATINEE MOVIE

A Matter Of Life and Death with commentary given by “The Movie Man” John Carpenter 1946 Classic-Starring: David Niven, Kim Hunter.

Total time-1 hr. 44 minutes. Romance/ Fantasy. No tickets required. In-person program. No Fee.

Tuesday, November 8 at 1:00 PM

CURRENT EVENTS

Jack Bilello will summarize current world

issues to be discussed in an open forum. No registration required. Inperson program. No Fee.

Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 AM

Understanding Medicare 2023

Learn about the new Medicare options, prescription plans, supplemental insurance, advantage plans, “donut” hole, and eligibility requirements for the enrollment period that runs from October 15 through December 7. Registration required. Inperson program. No Fee.

Monday, November 14, 7:00 PM

Adult Program: Understanding Medicare 2023

Continued On 7

From

Learn about the new Medicare options, prescription plans, supplemental insurance, advantage plans, “donut” hole, and eligibility requirements for the enrollment period that runs from October 15 through December 7. Registration required at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This

program will be live on the Zoom platform. No fee.

Tuesday, November 15, 10:30 AM

Meet the Audiobook Narrator Imogen Church Informative discussion with acclaimed UK based audiobook narrator whose work includes books by bestselling authors Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, Paula Hawkins and Lucy Foley.

Levittown Public Library

She is also the author of her own audiobook Death and the Burlesque Maiden. Registration required at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be live on the Zoom platform. No fee.

Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 PM Unsung HeroesMilitary Units There were other

segregated AfricanAmerican units besides the Tuskegee Airmen who bravely served their country in the face of discrimination. Learn about the Triple Nickles (WWII Army smokejumpers), 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and more with American History teacher Howard Rosenberg during this multimedia

presentation. Registration required at levittownpl. org on the Events Calendar. This is a hybrid program in-person and on the Zoom platform. No fee.

Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00 PM

Adult Program:  PAGE TURNERS BOOK DISCUSSION Honor by Thrity Umrigar

An Indian American journalist returns home to cover the story of a Hindu woman attacked by her own family for marrying a Muslim and deals with a society that places more weight on tradition than one’s heart. Register at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be online through the Zoom platform. No Fee.

Long Island’s Largest Halloween Event, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze!

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a 28-day immersive, family friendly Halloween experience that’s set on Long Island’s historic 19th century village at the beloved Old Bethpage Village Restoration. It began on September 30, 2022 and runs through November 6, 2022. Historic Hudson Valley, which develops and produces the event, is a not-for-profit education organization that owns and operates National Historic Landmarks in New York’s Sleepy Hollow region. Proceeds from ticket purchases will support the education and preservation of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Historic Hudson Valley. An immersive, familyfriendly event, set to an original soundtrack and

synchronized lighting, this event includes more than 25 elaborate themed exhibits. New this year is:

• The Long Island Hall of Fame - featuring pumpkin portraits of local Long Island icons Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J and more

• A galloping, animated Headless Horsemanfeaturing an advanced chase scene of the Horseman flying down the hill

• An elaborate Pumpkin Portal - a 32-foot immersive light experience

• The Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s New York Mutuals Baseball Players – a Halloween tribute to this beloved 19th century baseball team

• The Deep Sea Divers

– featuring pumpkin deep sea divers, a humpback whale, turtles, a shark and a squid

• Classic Hollywood Monsters – old-school Hollywood icons haunting a house

• And much more!

Other exhibits include the Pumkin Planetarium, and a magnificent Long Island Lighthouse, which pays homage to Long Island’s Montauk Light. The event has limited capacity and all admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket or FLEX anytime ticket. No tickets are sold on site. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17 and are free for children 2 and under.

Photo Credit: Matteo Raccuglia

On Sunday, October 2nd, Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) presented the Woman of Distinction Award to Chief Kaitlyn Bazarewski of the North Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department.

In 2021, Chief Bazarewski made history when she became the first woman to rise to the rank of Assistant Chief in the North Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department. Accomplishing her duties with great achievement, she became Lieutenant, and later the Department’s first female Captain, leading Company 2, in March 2019.

At the firehouse, she handles the day-to-day operations of running the building, making sure new members are receiving adequate training from senior membership, maintaining the fire trucks, and ensuring everything is in working order.

She not only undertook this responsibility of

becoming a volunteer firefighter, she accomplished this endeavor while simultaneously attending the Police Academy to become a New York City Police Officer. Assigned to the 103rd Precinct at the New York City Police Department Detective Bureau in Jamaica, Queens, she is vigorously working to remove illegal guns from our streets to make our community a safer place to live.

Reflecting on Chief Bazarewski’s accomplishments and service to her community, Senator Brooks remarked, “Chief Bazarewski is an example and inspiration to women everywhere to continue breaking the glass ceiling and take on leadership roles in traditionally maledominated lines of work. She has already helped pave the way for newcomers, particularly women, to similarly take up the mantle

of a Volunteer Firefighter, and just recently through her work with the NYPD, she was assigned as part

of the detail for the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. It is a tremendous honor

to commemorate her dedication to public service — for fighting daily to make our community a

better place to live — by presenting her with the 2022 Woman of Distinction Award.”

WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD - On Sunday, October 2nd, Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) presented the Woman of Distinction Award to Chief Kaitlyn Bazarewski of the North Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department. Senator Brooks with Chief Kaitlyn Bazarewski and Chief Bazarewski’s family.

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On The 80th Anniversary Of The Sherman Tank, The Museum Of American Armor Seeks Those Who Crewed These Legendary Vehicles

On the 80th anniversary of the iconic Sherman tank that spearheaded America’s liberation of Europe during

World War II, the Museum of American Armor is seeking to honor those veterans who crewed these legendary

vehicles along their families.

The Armor Museum has put out an “All Points Bulletin” for Sherman tank

families to join the Armor Museum in observing the milestone anniversary on Thursday, November 10th at 12 Noon, on the eve of Veterans Day 2022.

“Sadly, we recognize that many of the Sherman tank crews are gone but their legacy is lasting. The invitation is out to all surviving Sherman tankers but we are also asking the families of Sherman veterans to join us in ceremonies that mark the 80th anniversary of when this iconic tank was introduced into combat,” stated Kevin Carroll, the Armor Museum’s Community Affairs Director.

Armor Museum’s founder and president Lawrence Kadish stated, “The Armor Museum continues to offer a powerful presentation that keeps alive the legacy of our nation’s military and the gift of freedom they have given all of us. The Sherman tank is an important part of that story and so we are asking tanker veterans or their survivors to come forward

and help us preserve their legacy.”

In recognition of its considerable importance, the Armor Museum’s acquisition of a Sherman tank was one of the first actions undertaken by Mr. Kadish when he undertook the creation of the museum.

“You can’t effectively tell the story of American courage during World War II without this particular tank on operational display,” observed Mr. Kadish.

Some 50,000 Sherman tanks were built by nearly a dozen different manufacturers during World War II, making them available to the Allies as well as American forces fighting in Europe and the Pacific. While not as well armed as its German opponents, the Sherman proved to be reliable, relatively fast, and produced in great numbers. As combat evolved during the conflict American tankers changes their tactics to confront and defeat the enemy’s superior armor.

Michael Sapraicone, Senior Armor Museum Trustee said, “This museum is a unique commitment by public and private sectors to preserve and present a seminal chapter in the history of our world that is still defining current events around the globe. But to put that in perspective, we need to hear from our Sherman veterans and their families as we pay tribute to a weapon that was manned by brave Americans nearly a century ago.”

Sherman veterans or their families are invited to reach out to the museum through its web site, www. museumofamericanarmor. com to confirm their attendance.

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.

Jets, Rams Marching Bands Victorious

NYC Columbus Day Parade

The East Meadow School District congratulates the East Meadow High School’s Jets Marching Band, who captured first place in New York City’s 78th annual Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 10. The district also commends the W.T. Clarke High School’s Rams Marching Band, who took second-place honors.

“It is always so exciting to march down 5th Avenue in Manhattan and we are so proud of our kids,” said Stephen Engle, East Meadow High School’s chairman of music. “They worked extremely hard and showed a great deal of growth this season.”

The Jets have performed in the annual Columbus Day Parade since 1992, and this year marked the 16th

time that the Jets were awarded first-place honors. Their 2022-23 performance program includes “Gitana” by Victor Lopez and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

Both bands also took part in the annual Columbus Day parade in Huntington on Oct. 9. The Rams marched and played with precision, while the color guard students spun beautiful pink flags that represented Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October.

“I am so proud of the work these students have put in since the start of the school year,” said W.T. Clarke High School music teacher and Band Director Molly Tittler-Ingoglia.

“We have been discussing

taking personal ownership of their performance, and they have really taken this idea to heart. I can see the growth from the start of our season until now and it’s just a pleasure to watch. Leaders have been emerging from within the group that have mentored the freshmen students. The students represented our organization and school with pride and professionalism. They put out a beautiful performance that the parents, alumni and entire community can be proud of.”

The district commends both marching bands for their success in the Columbus Day parades and looks forward to a fantastic remainder of the season.

Park Avenue Students Take Aim At Cancer With Gold Garb

“Compassion” is a cornerstone of the North Bellmore School District’s mission statement, and students and staff at the five elementary schools showed their care and concern for others on Go Gold Day in support of children battling cancer.

On Sept. 30, gold could be found just about everywhere. The color was chosen because the gold ribbon is the symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Children and adults united for a good cause by adding splashes of yellow, gold and neon green to their wardrobes. They made a bright statement in the fight against pediatric cancer.

At Park Avenue Elementary School, a high number of students were donning gold. Every

classroom was filled with children in yellow shirts and a few even added gold coloring to their hair.

“We want to represent

the cancer patients and we want to save lives,” said Park Avenue fourth grader Catalina Fioranelli.

GO GOLD DAY - Park Avenue Elementary School Principal Michael DeBlasio and sixth graders all showed their support for children battling cancer during Go Gold Day on Sept. 30. Photo courtesy of the North Bellmore School District