January 4, 2023 - January 17, 2023 Nassau Zone 2

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

www.pal-o-mine.org

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today! “Our mission has been, and continues to be, to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. “We proudly serve individuals with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished.”

Their location in Islandia offers an unequaled setting for equestrian activities, with a 20-stall barn on 13 acres, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a 100’ x 120’ indoor arena with state-of-the-art-footing and a rider hoisting system, 3 outdoor riding arenas, classrooms, accessible playground, a greenhouse and a wellness center. They offer the following programs:

Lessons: This program provides quality adaptive riding and unmounted lessons that benefit individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional and mental disabilities. Each one of their riding instructors excels in their field and continues with training and certification throughout their careers.

Equine Assisted Learning: This program incorporates horses experientially for educational and emotional growth and learning. Using unique approaches to create positive and constructive learning experiences for children and adolescents who are at risk of failing in the traditional academic setting, this program has changed the lives of countless individuals.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: This follows a model designed by EAGALA,

Inc., the leading international EAP training and certifying organization.

Currently, Pal-OMine Equestrian has 7 Licensed Mental Health Professionals and 11 Equine Specialists who are certified in this model. Groups that are participating focus on the following issues: grief, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse, addiction and codependency.

Speech & Occupational Therapy: Clients respond well to therapy incorporating activities with animals, and a variety of therapy goals can be addressed using this treatment strategy. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists run this program to provide therapy services with the assistance of wonderful animals.

Military: For more than four thousand years, horses have been an integral part of warfare. Today, horses are still playing an important role in war, this time in the recovery of military veterans who have suffered emotional and/or physical injuries. This program is an EAGALA designated Military Program and offers individual, group and family sessions to help people heal.

Corporate Leadership: The way individuals interact and react with horses is very similar to the way they interact with their clients, customers, peers and work groups. People interpret horse behavior/emotions through the lens of their personal perception. How they interpret horses can often be a metaphor for their work, attitudes and relationships. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is proud to offer a Corporate Leadership program.

For more information about this organization and all they offer, please call 631-348-1389 or visit www.pal-omine.org. Don’t miss next week’s article to learn about how you can get involved and help others in your community.

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

Plainview Author Honored For Charitable Efforts

Levittown Public Library

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

Tuesdays, January 17, 24 & 31, 6:30-8:30 PM

Adult Program: Intro to Computers Classes Registration required at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. These programs will be in-person. No fee.

Friday, January 20, 2:00 PM

Adult Virtual Program: Chinatown and Chinese Culture. Registration required at levittownpl. org on the Events Calendar.

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

Saturday, January 28, 1:30-4:00 PM

Teen Virtual Program: SAT Boot Camp. Registration required at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be on the Zoom platform. No fee.

MUSIC

Sunday, January 22 from 2:00-3:15 PM

The Rockinghams, The band will perform hits from

the 60’s. Tickets required. Register at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be inperson. No fee.

Friday, January 27 from 7:30-8:30 PM

Live @ the LPL: Dream “A cappella” style vocals with background music. Tickets required. Register at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be in-person. No fee.

Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings

12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by

Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice.

For further information e-mail or

call: Donna526@aol.com or (631) 589.3790; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org

PLAINVIEW AUTHOR HONORED FOR CHARITABLE EFFORTS - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Oyster Bay Town Board recently recognized Joel Rauch, an author and retired elementary teacher from Plainview, for his charitable efforts. Mr. Rauch has written several children’s books and gave back to his community by donating the proceeds to the Mid Island Y JCC in Plainview. Supervisor Saladino presented a citation and congratulated Mr. Rauch, thanking him for his efforts and for his generosity

LIPA Announces New Community College Scholarship

Officials from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) joined with representatives from Nassau Community College and Suffolk County Community College to announce a new community college scholarship program.

The LIPA Scholarship is designed to provide education and training for students from households with incomes below the median income of Long Island and the Rockaways (approximately $100,000 for a family of four) living in historically underserved communities.

The LIPA Scholarship is a $350,000 commitment over the next five years to provide 50 full scholarships for students to attend either Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College to obtain an associate degree or certificate that will help them pursue a career in the electric utility or clean energy sectors.

This investment is an effort to ensure that our workforce represents all the communities LIPA serves and that all of our customers can participate in the growing career opportunities available in the electric utility and clean energy industry.

Thomas Falcone, Chief Executive Officer of LIPA, said: “Electricity is the clean fuel of the future. Studies predict electricity will provide more than 70 percent of New York’s energy needs by 2050 and that it will be entirely carbon-free. With this growing industry, LIPA’s commitment to fund 50 scholarships at Nassau and Suffolk Community College over the next five years will ensure that our workforce represents all the communities LIPA serves and that all our customers can participate in the fabulous and growing career opportunities available in the electric sector.”

Dr. Maria Conzatti,

Interim President of Nassau Community College, said: “Together with LIPA, Nassau Community College is pleased to meet the workforce development needs of our business partners and the educational aspirations of the Long Island community.”

Dr. Edward T. Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, said: “The Long Island Power Authority’s generous scholarships will help us recruit and sustain students entering the STEM fields, transforming our workforce and our region’s economy. With this support, LIPA joins the college in bridging our promising students from financial need to the high-need, high-wage disciplines that lead to a rewarding career.”

The curricula offered at Nassau Community College and Suffolk County Community College include courses relevant to the work LIPA does to meet the clean energy goals set by New York’s Climate Act, as well as to fulfill LIPA’s mission of providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy to Long Island and the Rockaways.

The LIPA Scholarship will support income-qualified, graduating high school seniors, allowing them to extend their educational development and enter the utility and clean energy sectors. Participation in the LIPA Scholarship will provide graduates with a competitive edge in applying for employment at LIPA and its contractor, PSEG Long Island, who plan to hire hundreds of entry-level workers over the next five years.

This five-year program will provide annual funding for ten full-time, two-year scholarships for low- to moderateincome students who reside in disadvantaged communities, as identified by New York’s Climate Justice Working Group,

planning to attend Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College. Residents of the following communities served by LIPA are eligible for the LIPA Scholarship:

Nassau County

· Westbury Village, New Cassel, Elmont, Hempstead Village, Uniondale, East Meadow, Valley Stream Village, South Valley Stream, Inwood, Oceanside, Roosevelt, Long Beach City, Glen Cove City, and East Massapequa.

Suffolk County

· Huntington Station, East Farmingdale, Wyandanch, West Babylon, North Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst Village, Brentwood, Islandia Village, Bay Shore, North Bay Shore, Central Islip, Ridge, Patchogue Village, Yaphank, Shirley, Mastic, Calverton, Flanders, Westhampton Beach Village, and Tuckahoe.

Queens County

· The Rockaways.

Awardees of LIPA’s Scholarship will have the opportunity to:

· Obtain a scholarship toward an associate degree or certificate program at either Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College.

· Attend LIPA Workforce Seminars with utility executives and subject matter experts.

· Receive job placement support for available positions at LIPA, PSEG Long Island, and other LIPA contractors and suppliers.

The first recipients of the scholarship are expected to be announced in 2023. To learn more about the program, please visit www. lipower.org.

The announcement was held on November 8, 2022 at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center in Wantagh, an educational facility that LIPA maintains in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Pi

LIPA ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP -

Officials from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) joined with representatives from Nassau Community College and Suffolk County Community College to announce a new community college scholarship program. The LIPA Scholarship is designed to provide education and training for students from households with incomes below the median income of Long Island and the Rockaways (approximately $100,000 for a family of four) living in historically underserved communities. Pictured: From left to right: Dr. Edward T. Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College; Thomas Falcone, Chief Executive Officer of LIPA; and Dr. Maria Conzatti, Interim President of Nassau Community College

Residents Cautioned Not To Fall Victim To Ongoing Phone Scams

Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Michele Johnson cautions residents to be on alert of potential telephone scams, particularly those soliciting any personal information or monetary contribution. These scams can be performed both by phone call or text message.

“Time and time again we hear about scammers trying to obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting residents, especially our senior citizens,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “Many times, scammers pose as officials from the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration or other well-known agency, designed to intimidate the call recipient. Now, during the holiday season, scammers have been known to ask for immediate payment via gift

card, claiming that victims owe backpay in taxes or other debts.”

The Councilwoman noted that many times, scammers’ return phone numbers can also be falsified to appear as a familiar number. In addition to seniors, others frequently targeted include students and firstgeneration Americans. Current common scams include offers of debt relief, credit repairs or opportunity to share lottery earnings. Scammers have also been known to pose as family members allegedly in trouble and seeking money.

“The last thing families need, especially during these ongoing uncertain times, is someone trying to scam them out of their hard-earned money,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “We alert all residents to be wary of

any unsolicited phone calls and texts, especially those requesting money or personal information, even if they claim to be from a government or bank entity.”

The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips to residents who fall victim to scam phone calls:

Hang up the phone. Don’t press numbers to speak to alive operator or take your number off the list, this just confirms your phone number.

Block any numbers from which you have received scam calls or texts.

Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers use the internet to make calls all over the world.

Report your experience to the FTC online or by calling 877-382-4357. Visit www.ftc.gov for more information.

Syosset High School Honors

Student-Athletes

Gifted Bethpage Students Earn Spot At Prestigious Institute

Syosset High School celebrated its studentathletes at the high school’s annual Athlete Commitment Day on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Seven of Syosset’s most distinguished student-athletes committed to play their respective sports at the collegiate level during a ceremony held in the High School’s guidance office. The event was hosted by varsity lacrosse coach John Calabria, and attended by family, faculty coaches, and members of the administration, including District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers, Athletic Director Scott Steuber, and High School principal Dr. John Durante.

Coach Calabria commended the studentathletes for their character, dedication, and achievement. He also recognized the students’ families for supporting them throughout their journey to becoming a collegiate athlete. Dr. Rogers reminded the students that the District will always be cheering for their success, even from afar. Coaches also recognized each of the student-athletes, highlighting their various achievements over the years.

The District would like to congratulate the following student-athletes:

Ansh Chadha Tennis, Bentley University

Samantha Mayer Cross Country/Track and Field, Tufts University

Madison So Swimming, U.S. Naval Academy

Dylan Stadler Lacrosse, Marist College

Alexis Stragalas Volleyball, SUNY New Paltz

AJ Zuleta Lacrosse, Williams College

Three Bethpage High School sophomores were accepted into the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury. Lavleen Kaur, Aashka Shah and Yuvraj Singh are among 88 students to be selected into the prestigious institute to pursue the study of mathematics and its applications.

were recommended by educators from public and private schools across Long Island. Earning a spot at the Institute is a high honor and implies that Kaur, Shah and Singh are among the top one-tenth of one percent in math of all Long Island students in their grade. To qualify, the Institute evaluates a student’s grades, teacher recommendations and a brief statement. Students must also participate in a rigorous entrance exam.

year, the students will spend a total of 50 hours in class during the course of 20 Saturday mornings. The class curriculum covers mathematical topics in algebra, geometry, discrete math, number theory and topics that are not included in the standard courses of study.

The Bethpage Union Free School District congratulates all three students on this outstanding achievement.

Maddy

Camp Softball, Johnson & Wales University

Last spring, they competed against approximately 535 topranking students who

Throughout this school

Syosset High School student-athletes who

committed

play at the collegiate level pose at ceremony honoring their accomplishment. Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District

BETHPAGE STUDENTS EARN SPOT AT PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTE - (L-R) Bethpage High School sophomores Yuvraj Singh, Lavleen Kaur and Aashka Shah were accepted into the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

GET YOUR AD NOTICED!

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

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

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

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

Call The Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

BUYING? SELLI NG?

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

Hicksville’s Pre-K Lottery Deadline

Hicksville Public School District is offering a fullday Pre-Kindergarten Program for the 20232024 school year. Children must be four years of age prior to Dec. 1, 2023 to be eligible to participate. Selection for this program is lottery based and requires the completion of an

application. Applications for the lottery must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Classes for the fullday pre-K program will be held from Monday through Friday and will follow the school district’s calendar. There is no cost to participate in this program.

Families are responsible for providing transportation for their child. The curriculum follows New York State prekindergarten standards and is taught by New York State certified teachers.

Students will be selected for the program by a random lottery to be observed by the district’s auditing firm.

Requests to enter the lottery past the deadline are unable to be accommodated. Please check the Hicksville Public School website, www. hicksvillepublicschools.org, for the lottery date. Seats are limited, and placement is not guaranteed. Students must be a Hicksville Public School District resident

to participate. For the 2023-2024 Pre-K Program, students’ birth dates must be between Dec. 2, 2018 and Dec. 1, 2019.

If you would like to enter your child in the pre-kindergarten lottery, please complete the online application no later than Feb. 10, 2023 by 3

CALL NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS to place your classified ad. 631-226-2636,

p.m. To access the form please visit: https://www. hicksvillepublicschools. org/programs/pre-_ kindergarten.

If you have additional questions, you may contact the Pre-Kindergarten Department at 516-7332371 or email preschool@ hicksvillepublicschools.org.

Clothing Donations Needed For Long Island Children

Ethical Friends of Children, a program helping needy families on Long Island, seeks clothing (tops, bottoms, pjs, sweaters and socks) in certain sizes. Specific sizes are: GIRLS: 3-4, 4-5 and 9-10 and BOYS: 7-8 and 9-10.

Ethical Friends of Children is an outreach

program of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island., established in 1985.

“We assist more than 2,500 children and their families each year by providing them clothing for children from newborn to size 12 as well as infant furniture at no cost,” says Pat Spencer of Port Washington. The “store” – staffed entirely by

volunteers – lets families pick out the things they need, at no cost to them. Those interested in making contributions of clothing or gift cards, should call Ethical Friends of Children at 516-2805526 or email efoc@ehsli. org

Successful Donation Drive

On Monday, December 19, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team concluded their Holiday Donation Drive, which ran for four weeks and had drop-off locations throughout Long Island. The drive brought in countless donations, all of which were given to a local non-profit organization, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH).

“It was such a great experience and people didn’t hold back,” said Noelle Lambert, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “I received calls, texts and emails from people who heard of the drive and wanted to donate, many of which ended up giving so much that they couldn’t bring it all into a drop-off location in one trip. Although it’s a very sad reality that many individuals are experiencing homelessness and other hardships right here on Long Island, it was really refreshing to see our community come together and do something about it.”

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless strives to end homelessness on Long Island, and to alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The organization’s distribution center where the donations were brought is located at 600 Albany Avenue in Amityville,

and is also known as their boutique. People in need can make an appointment to come to the boutique and leave with clothes and other items, such as non perishable food and personal care products for free. LICH is here to work directly with people in need, as well as with case managers, shelter staff members, school employees, church members and the like who are helping these individuals.

”This organization does so much good and it was a pleasure to contribute towards their important mission,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “So many people have clothing and miscellaneous items that they aren’t using, while others are in real need; it’s just a matter of coordinating a collection. However, it’s clear that the holiday spirit helped our drive quite a bit. I want to express how thankful we are to all who donated, as well as for the businesses that allowed us to use their locations for the drive, which includes USA Auto Body in East Patchogue, The Fish Store in Bayport, Long Island Media Group in

Farmingdale and Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Smithtown and Farmingville.”

“We are so very grateful for this drive that Noelle and The Bryn Elliott Team put together,” said Bailey Riekkinen, Community Engagement Specialist at LICH.

“The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless will continue to advocate and serve until we achieve our mission of ending homelessness on Long Island. In 2022, we referred over 700 households for permanent housing through Coordinated Entry, a system that ensures the most vulnerable Long Islanders are prioritized for permanent, affordable housing.

Affordable housing is scarce on Long Island, and we are consistently working hard at connecting Long Island’s most vulnerable to the available resources. Additionally, we received and distributed over 10,000 pounds of food and toiletries along with countless clothing items to locals that are homeless and at-risk on the streets and in shelters through our boutique and pantry.”

Together we can make a true difference in our community.

If you would like more information about starting a donation drive with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, please contact Bailey at 631.464.4314 x125. For more information about LICH and all they offer, visit www. addressthehomeless.org or call 631.464.4314.

Noelle Lambert & Bryn Elliott

PATTY 1-2 years old male. Loves going out for walks, playtime and running.

SIR SPARKLEPUFF

8 year old male. Lhasa Apso mix. Full of playfulness and enough cuddles to go around.

ROWDY

6 month old male. Pit mix. Sweet natured and affectionate boy.

CARNE ASADA 5 month old male. Labrador mix. Spunky little fellow. Eager to learn.

NAPOLEON

10 year old male. Pekingese mix. Confident and an ideal lap warmer.