December 21, 2022 - January 3, 2023 Nassau Zone 1

Kennedy’s Ty Gelman Named ‘Rising Scientist’

Ty Gelman, the salutatorian at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, was named a Rising Scientist during Child Mind Institute’s annual On the Shoulders of Giants Symposium.

The annual celebration of scientific achievement highlights the researchers that form the groundwork for future neuroscience discovery.

Gelman was awarded a $2,000 college scholarship for his advanced science research project, “The

Concurrent Effects of Exercise and Dietary Restriction on a Drosophila melanogaster Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.”

He is one of five students across the nation awarded this designation.

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.

male. Sweet and bouncy. Loves attention and getting lots of pets.

LILY & HERMAN

8 year old Lhaso Apso and 5 year old Yorkie mix. Bonded pair. The best of friends.

S’MORES

10 year old female.

Pomeranian. Sweet girl with an open personality.

OREO 2 year old male. MinPin. Clever, spirited, and a bit comedic. Loyal and devoted.

RAMON 9 year old male. Pomeranian. Confident. Extroverted and inquisitive.

‘RISING SCIENTIST’ - Ty Gelman, the salutatorian at John F. Kennedy in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, was named a Rising Scientist from the Child Mind Institute. Photo courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage

pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

EAC Staff & BCFU Volunteers at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Sign-In Station at the Holiday Shopping Spree

The Levy Lakeside PTA and school community recognized veterans and their families at an assembly on Nov. 10.

Students, along with Merrick Board of Education members, administrators and local politicians filled the school’s gymnasium.

Music teacher Jeffrey Glemboski provided musical accompaniment as the crowd sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and

Lakeside Honors Veterans At Assembly

“America The Beautiful.”

The school’s color guard presented the flags.

“Keep this patriotic spirit as you grow older,” said Assemblyman David McDonough.

Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini emphasized the importance of remembering the service and sacrifice of veterans.

Legis. Steve Rhoads added, “these individuals have provided the blanket

of freedom that has afforded us to live in a world as we choose to live.”

Principal Elizabeth Trencheny and Assistant Principal Meredith Kelly read the biographies of honored veterans. Excluding McDonough, the other individuals honored were family members of students. These students presented their family member with a red carnation.

• VFW representative Peter Stasinsky, U.S. Navy

• Matthew J. DeGregorio, U.S. Air Force, grandfather of third grader Max Sonbert, and kindergartner Penny Sonbert

• Max Forcht, U.S. Army, grandfather of sixth grader Tyler Gish

• Thomas Hart, U.S. Marines, grandfather of

kindergartner Thomas Hart

• Col. Pat Keane, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), father of sixth grader Thomas Keane, and second graders Audrey Keane and Erin Keane

• Dr. Kenneth Malia, U.S. Marines, grandfather of third grader Valentina Volpe, and first graders Adriana Volpe and Giuliana Volpe

• Ronald Mazza, U.S. Army, grandfather of fifth grader Jessi Lasky

• Katina Tsahalis, U.S. Army, mother of kindergartner Rania Panopoulos

After the presentations, students Maxwell and Penny Sonbert presented letters and donations to VFW representative Peter Stasinsky for distribution to veterans.

Nov. 10.

LAKESIDE HONORS VETERANS AT ASSEMBLY - The Levy Lakeside PTA and school community recognized veterans and their families at an assembly on

Photo courtesy of Merrick Union Free School District

Students Honored At Annual Community Gala

On Dec. 4, W.T. Clarke

High School students

Cassandra Cascone and Natalie Feliciano were honored as students of the year during the seventh annual Diamonds of our Community Gala hosted by the Committee Civico Argentina, at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.

Cascone and Feliciano

were two of the 12 honorees at this event. The Committee Civico Argentina is dedicated to feeding more than 1,000 children in northern parts of Argentina. The organization also collects toys for children in need from Queens and Nassau counties during the holiday season.

Clarke’s honorees were recognized as students of the year for their exceptional work as interns at the Westbury Florist creating floral arrangements and designs for weddings and events.

The East Meadow School District congratulates both students on earning this distinction.

Alexandra Thompson Earns Prestigious All-American Honor

The Levittown Public School District Athletic Department is proud

that General Douglas MacArthur

has been named an AllAmerican, the highest honor that a high school athlete can earn.

Alexandra, the goalkeeper for MacArthur’s outstanding girls’ soccer team – a Long Island Champion – has earned the honor of joining the United Soccer Coaches High School All-American team with her impressive plays on the field and her tremendous personal characteristics off the field. Alexandra was one of only four goalkeepers in the entire nation named to this team, one of only three players from New York State and the only player from Long Island to earn this honor.

The district congratulates Alexandra for this extraordinary accomplishment.

to announce

High School student athlete Alexandra Thompson

THOMPSON EARNS PRESTIGIOUS ALLAMERICAN HONOR - General Douglas MacArthur High School athlete Alexandra Thompson has been named to the United Soccer Coaches High School All-American team. Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

STUDENTS HONORED - On Dec. 4, W.T. Clarke High School students Cassandra Cascone, right, and Natalie Feliciano, left, were honored as students of the year at the seventh annual Diamonds of our Community Gala hosted by the Committee Civico Argentina at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville. Also pictured is their teacher Mrs. Maggie Trovato. Photo courtesy of the East Meadow Union Free School District

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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”

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”

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”

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

Outstanding Phys. Ed Students Honored

District

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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

This Winter, Make Protecting wwYour Pipes A Priority!

Whether you love a winter wonderland or would rather hibernate, one thing we can all agree on is that winterizing our pipes is a priority since the bitter cold winter air can bring unwanted disasters in your home.

“Every winter, we get calls from customers with frozen pipes, which is not only inconvenient and frustrating, but it can be very expensive to clean up and repair,” said Brenda Wall, Director of Operations, Liberty New York Water. “We want to encourage all of our customers to take some time to winterize their homes and familiarize themselves with the additional tips for extended freezes to protect their home’s plumbing. It will save both time and money.”

• Keep the temperature in your home at no less than 55 degrees.

• Wrap your pipes with insulation.

• If pipes run through cabinets, leave the cabinet doors open to let warmer air in.

• During periods of an extended freeze, let a small trickle of water flow to keep the water running through the pipes.

• Fix drafty windows and doors to avoid cold air hitting the pipes.

Outdoor tips:

• Ensure sprinkler systems are turned off and drained.

• Know the location of your main water valve and how to turn it off.

• Disconnect all hoses and drain water remaining in faucets.

• Cover or insulate outdoor faucets.

• Check any water lines leading to unheated structures.

• Insulate or wrap heat tape around any exposed pipes.

• Keep your garage door shut to keep the cold air out.

“For most homes, these steps take a short time to complete,” said Wall, “but the potential savings are immense. We want to do anything we can to help our customers prevent unwanted damage and expenses.”

It is

school, one female and one male, are recognized for demonstrating physical performance, scholastic ability and leadership qualities. Joanna and Tim were selected by the physical education teachers for this honor, and they were recognized at an awards

Liberty recommends several easy steps customers can take, inside and outside the home, to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during the cold months heading our way. Indoor tips:

OUTSTANDING PHYS. ED STUDENTS HONORED - The Wantagh School

congratulates seniors Joanna Valvo and Tim Hennig on being selected as this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Physical Education Student Award from Wantagh High School.

presented by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Two students from every high

dinner on Dec. 5 at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Calhoun Girls Volleyball Clinches Class A State Championship

The Sanford H. Calhoun High School girls volleyball team made school history on Nov. 20, winning the Class A New York State championship.

Furthermore, Calhoun is the first women’s team sport in the CHSD to capture a state championship.

Calhoun defeated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, 25-11, 25-19, 2519 at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls.

Calhoun went 5-1 prior

to sweeting the state final.

Julia Lawrence was named the Class A MVP for the tournament and Ella Maldonado was named to the All-Tournament team. Gianna Lucchi and Maldonado were named to the All-State team and Olivia Katz was named the Team Sportsmanship winner. The entire team also won the Team Sportsmanship Award presented by the National Volleyball Officials Association.

Coach Christina Strezenec, a 2010 graduation of Calhoun and special education teacher in the district’s COORE program, was elated about the historic win.

“This was an amazing performance by the entire time,” she said. “Every single player played at the championship, making it a genuine teamwork win.”

Junior varsity coach Eduardo Martinez was also on hand to assist the team at states.

Wantagh Athletes Taking The Next Step

WANTAGH ATHLETES TAKING THE NEXT STEP - Wantagh High School honored 16 student-athletes who have committed to playing for college sports teams next year. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Wantagh High School celebrated National Signing Day with a celebration for 16 college-bound athletes on Nov. 9. They were joined by administrators, coaches and family members who proudly watched as the seniors signed their letters of intent.

In a few months, they will wrap up their careers as Wantagh Warriors and move on collegiate teams across the country. The committed athletes are: Baseball: Timothy Hennig, Binghamton University

Boys lacrosse: Michael Aufiero, Dominican University; Brian Doherty,

Adelphi University; Daniel Fisenne, Adelphi University; Joseph Martin, Bridgeport University; and Anthony Tsakos, Long Island University.

Girls lacrosse: Madison Alaimo, University of Virginia; Nicole Baudo, University of South Florida; Eva Ingrilli, University of North Carolina; Julia Nicholson, Jacksonville University; Olivia Nicholson, Siena College; and Lauren Rochel, Bentley University.

Softball: Brigid Hood, Ave Maria University

Soccer: Thalia Valdez, Long Island University

Swimming: Ashlee Favata, Bentley University

Wrestling: Ryan Arbeit, Hofstra University

“Regardless of the name on the front of your jersey next year, never forget that you are forever a Warrior,” proud Wantagh High School Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone told the studentathletes.

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CALHOUN HS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM MAKES SCHOOL HISTORY

- The Sanford H. Calhoun High School girls volleyball team made school history on Nov. 20, winning the Class A New York State championship. Photo courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District