October 26, 2022 - November 8, 2022 Nassau Zone 2

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

Residents Invited To Enter Free Holiday Concert Lottery

the holiday season fast approaching, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites residents to enter a ticket lottery for this year’s Town Holiday Concerts, being held in early December at the Tilles Center at LIU Post in Brookville.

“Due to the overwhelming popularly

of these amazing shows, the Town hosts a lottery for residents interested in attending,” Supervisor Saladino stated. “This provides a fair and impartial system that has proven to be successful, and gives all residents an equal opportunity to attend one of our wonderful

performances. As always, this outstanding holiday entertainment is provided free of charge for our residents.”

This year’s Holiday Concerts are scheduled for two evenings: Monday, December 5th and Tuesday, December 6th at 7:30pm; as well as a matinee performance on

Tuesday, December 6th at 2pm.

Applications are available on the Town’s website, www. oysterbaytown.com, or can be received by calling (516) 797-7925. Completed lottery applications can be dropped off at the following locations:

Oyster Bay Town Hall North, Town Clerk’s Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Oyster Bay Town Hall South, South Entrance, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

Residents may receive up to two tickets per household. All entries must be received by

Tuesday, November 1st at 4:45pm. Residents selected will receive their tickets in the mail the week of November 21st. Ticket distribution will be based on availability. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 797-7925.

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

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 in-person. 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 ClassicStarring: David Niven, Kim Hunter.

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

Monday, November 14, 7:00 PM

Adult Program: 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 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. 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 African-American 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.

Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00 PM

Edward R. Murrow

Jack Schnur will present the life and career of this famous broadcast journalist, CBS radio and TV personality. This program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters with coordination of the Levittown Public Library.

No Registration required. This program will be inperson. No fee.

Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 PM

Adult Program: First Time Home Buyer Education

During this workshop, a member of the Emigrant Bank Mortgage Division will advise on creating a spending and savings plan, how to build a strong credit history, review what you will need to know from the pre-approval process up to closing, and more.

Registration required at levittownpl.org on the Events Calendar. This program will be in-person. No fee.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for October is Helen Keller Services

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.

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

www.helenkeller.org

Your Vote Is Your Voice

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

Registration Opening For Youth Girls & Adult Learn-To-Play Ice Hockey Clinics

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola announced that registration for Session 2 of the Youth Girls and Adult Learn to Play Ice Hockey Clinics are opening at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center. Online registration runs to October 28th at oysterbaytown.com/ parks and in-person on October 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ice Skating Center.

“These fun and instructional clinics available to girls ages 10U and up to 18U, as well as adults, run for 10 weeks at the Town’s Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park,” said Councilman Labriola. “The Town is also inviting those interested in

coaching for the Town’s Ice Hockey Program to contact the rink as we have openings available for ice hockey coaches.”

Residents interested in joining session 2 of these programs are welcome to sign up online through October 28th or in-person on October 29th. All Girls clinics, including 10U, 12/14U and 16/18U run for 10 weeks. The Adult Learn to Play Clinic also runs 10 weeks. The cost of the program is $150. Registrants should bring a copy of their birth certificate and proof of Town of Oyster Bay residency (tax or utility bill) as well as payment.

“The Town’s Youth Ice Hockey program provides youngsters a great opportunity to improve their skating

and hockey skills in this great program that has earned recognition by the National Hockey League for its high level of quality,” said Councilman Labriola. “We’ve had great success in both our new Girls Hockey Program and Adult learnto-play sessions. Our Ice Hockey Program is among the best around, with a dedicated coaching staff ready to teach this sport to the many boys and girls enrolled in our program.”

All participants must provide their own equipment, and should have some skating ability. For more information, call the rink at (516) 433-7465, x8233 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ hockey.

Free Mega Job Fair

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and The Workforce Partnership announced that a Mega Job Fair will take place on Friday, October 28th, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Avenue in Bethpage. There is no charge for admission and parking is free. Veterans’ admission begins at 9:00 a.m., while doors for General Admission open at 9:30 a.m. The event runs until 1:30 p.m.

Employers from across Long Island will be seeking candidates for positions including entry and middle management level, licensed professional, hospitality and food service industries, banking, staffing and individuals with technical and IT experience.

“We’re proud to have helped thousands of residents find meaningful employment through our career center and private

sector jobs fair,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The Workforce Partnership and Town of Oyster Bay are committed to helping residents find meaningful employment opportunities as well as assisting local businesses in recruiting qualified employees. This Mega Job Fair will connect private and public sector employers with job seekers.”

The Town of Oyster Bay serves as administrator of The Workforce Partnership, a consortium of local governments funded by the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that provides free valuable resources to both employers and job seekers at Career Centers in Hicksville and Massapequa. These centers help train employees to meet the needs of the private sector, connecting qualified job seekers with employers, and by assisting applicants in accessing job

opportunities. The Centers offer Resource Rooms, which are equipped with state-of-the-art computer workstations, complete with Microsoft software and internet access. Additionally, these Centers offer residents access to job listings, resource materials, photocopiers, fax machines and telephones. The Centers provide employability and computer workshops, as well as career counselors who will guide residents through their job search. Computer workshops are taught on-site in modern computer labs. Residents can increase their marketability by updating or acquiring new computer skills at the Centers.

For more information about this program and the many other great services that the Town’s Workforce Partnership program offers, contact (516) 7974560 or email business@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

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Hicksville Student Selected As Scholar-Artist In Music

Hicksville High School student Brandon Baade was recently named a Scholar-Artist as part of the Long Island Arts Alliance program in conjunction with Newsday. Baade was one of only 40 high school seniors named top on Long Island in the areas of music, theater, dance, visual and media arts. The Hicksville senior was selected in the music category for this year’s class of 2023 ScholarArtist recognition.

Student Scholar-Artist profiles will be featured in Newsday throughout the month of May 2023. Additionally, there will be an awards ceremony later in the spring to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s class of ScholarArtists.

The Long Island Arts Alliance developed the Scholar-Artist Awards program to present

outstanding high schoolage artists to the public in monthly profiles that will appear in Newsday and on Newsday.com. Selections are

made from a pool of students nominated by Long Island’s public-school districts, and from independent and parochial schools.

SELECTED AS SCHOLAR-ARTIST IN MUSICHicksville senior Brandon Baade named as a class of 2023 Scholar-Artist through the Long Island Arts Alliance. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

39 Syosset High School Students Named National Merit Commended Students

The Syosset Central School District is pleased to announce that 39 Syosset High School seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Congratulations to Jordan Altman, Devin Awatramani, Sophia Chaudri, Aaron Chiang, Kyle Dapice, Krishiv Dhupar, Willow Dunn, Russell Erfan, Jayson Gutierrez, Clay Jeon, Julia Ji, Natalie Kaplan, Jake Kert, Kelly Kim, Matthew Lee, Matthew Li, Lawrence Liu, Sandra Liu, Aarian Mepani, Ashok Mutyala, Aiden Namkoong, Ella Nguyen, Samir Panchal, Juliet Paradise, Aiden Park, Sean Park, Ketan Raghu, Raiyan Satti, Shayaan Satti, Anika Shah, Rajvi Shah, Yashwant Sinha, Natalie Socci, Leela Tickoo, William Wang, Tristen Wong, Alexander Wyman, Tianyi Zhang, and Ella Zhuo.

These students are among the highest performers nationally on the

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Each Commended

Student will receive Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship

Corporation in recognition of their outstanding potential and academic

promise. Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District

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.

Town Collects Blood Donations For Local Hospitals

To help hospitals meet the pressing need for blood, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino partnered with the New York Blood Center to host a blood donation drive at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

“Blood donations are extremely important to help secure necessary blood transfusions for patients. As blood supplies remain critically low, this blood collection drive, one of the largest in our area, was critical for our local hospitals,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. I thank everyone who donated the gift of life at our blood drive.”

To donate blood today, visit https://donate.nybc. org/donor/schedules/zip for more information and to make an appointment.

TOWN COLLECTS BLOOD DONATIONSSupervisor Joseph Saladino (far left), Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato (back center) and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca (far right) join a local resident in donating blood.

friends, neighbors, family members, and community behind

who

They launched the Teen Initiative in 2020 to empower young adults to fundraise in ways that are relevant to them and inspire others to join the cause.

During closing ceremonies for the Teen Initiative that were held on Sunday, Oct. 2, Legislator Lafazan presented Nassau County Legislature Citations in recognition of their efforts, which raised $227,392 for the cause during the 2021-22 season.

“We are thankful to the Gold Ribbon Riders for all they do to empower Nassau County’s youth as part of their charitable mission,” Legislator Lafazan said. “I commend this outstanding team of young philanthropists for their tremendous contributions toward the fight against cancer in Nassau County and around the world.”

GOLD RIBBON RIDERS - Legislator Lafazan presents Nassau County Legislature Citations to the members of Teen Initiative of the Gold Ribbon Riders on Sunday, Oct. 2. The Syosset-based Gold Ribbon Riders Teen Initiative raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support children who are battling cancer. Photo courtesy of the Office of Legislator Joshua A. Lafazan

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Northwell Direct, NYPD Announce Finest Care: Free, Confidential Counseling For Police Officers

Northwell Direct and The New York Police Department recently announced a new collaboration that will connect the 36,000 uniformed Members of Service with free, confidential counseling and other mental health services. Finest Care enables officers to call a confidential Northwell Health behavioral health access and navigation center to be assessed and linked to Northwell’s

expansive network of psychologists and psychiatrists through the Northwell Direct provider network*. Northwell Direct is owned by Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer.

“Northwell Direct is honored to be able to provide New York’s Finest with the highestquality mental health services available,” said Nick Stefanizzi, CEO of

Northwell Direct. “By providing a confidential and easy-to-use navigation service, we’re breaking down barriers and changing how behavioral health is accessed. With Finest Care, the dedicated public servants of the NYPD will be immediately connected to the help they need by making a simple phone call.”

The 24/7/365-day-aweek call center will be available for all uniformed Members of Service and

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

all calls will be received and triaged by trained nurses and master-level therapists. If a Member of Service is experiencing an acute crisis, the nurse or therapist will be able to arrange for an appropriate and immediate medical response, including the dispatch of an ambulance or access to emergency tele-psychiatry services.

“We are excited to be able to increase police officer access to Northwell’s stellar behavioral therapy teams, and wide choice of venues, helping us provide Finest Care, everywhere,” said Eli Kleinman, MD, MPH, NYPD chief surgeon.

“Finest Care through Northwell Direct is an excellent resource for NYPD, said Lokesh Reddy, MD, NYPD deputy chief surgeon. “Our police officers will have more access to exceptional mental health services.”

“To best serve our women and men police officers, the NYPD is dedicated to

ensuring the continuity of all aspects of our proactive and comprehensive wellness program,” said Dr. Adria Adams, the director of the NYPD’s Health and Wellness Section. “And our collaboration with Northwell Direct is integral to that important work. It ensures there is no interruption in accessing immediate mental health care, outside of the department, on an ongoing basis, in a comprehensive manner, and with a health partner that offers a large footprint of service facilities throughout our region. We know this continuation of the Finest Care program will meet our officers’ needs with the thoughtfulness and confidentiality they require.”

Appointments with a psychologist or psychiatrist for comprehensive evaluation and counseling will be available within 48 hours of the call for urgent issues. In-person or

virtual visits will be offered to accommodate personal preference and schedule.

“Mental health disorders are among the most common illnesses in our communities, and they can have a severe impact on functioning and quality of life,” said Manish Sapra, MD, executive director of the behavioral health service line at Northwell Health. “Police officers face unique stressors not seen in the general public. We are confident this program will help reduce stigma associated with seeking and accepting help.”

Members of Service can be seen at Northwell Health facilities located in: Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Manhasset, Bay Shore, Port Jefferson, Glen Oaks, and Ossining.

*Northwell Direct’s provider network is provided through Northwell Direct Administrative Services Organization, Inc.

Town Partners With Community Group To Collect Peanut Butter

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Town will partner with the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club to host a peanut butter collection drive. Residents are invited to donate new, unopened and sealed peanut butter to help replenish local food pantries and support families in need. Drop-off containers are located at Town Halls North and South, as well as at the Town Ice Skating Center.

“We are proud to partner with this great organization to help ‘spread the love’ and stock local food pantry shelves with this very popular product,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Peanut butter has a long shelf life, provides many nutrients and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it among the most highly requested items from local food banks. We thank the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club for again putting our local communities first with another wonderful initiative

to help others.”

The Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club mission is to provide and encourage involvement in education, charitable and social programs for the men of local communities, and to support the local and wider community with activities and contributions.

“The MassapequaFarmingdale Men’s Club has been assisting local foodbanks for more than five years, especially during the most trying times at the height of the COVID pandemic,” said Councilman Hand. “Like all of the organization’s endeavors, proceeds from this event go entirely to help those in need.”

The Peanut Butter Collection Drive will run through November 15th. Drop off bins are located during regular business hours at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay), Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa) and the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating

Center (1001 Stewart Ave, Bethpage).

“Our organization has worked to help the local and greater community for several years, and we are thrilled to once again partner with the Town of Oyster Bay to supply this much-needed item to local food pantries,” said Tom Sabellico, president and founder of the Men’s Club. “We’ve run many successful food drives and have found over the years that local food banks like peanut butter thanks to it being easy to use, it keeps a long time, provides a variety of nutrients, is high in protection and is enjoyed by all age groups.”

For more information about the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club and their mission, visit www.massapequa farmingdalemensclub.com.

For more information about the Peanut Butter Collection Drive and other Town programs, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.

Breast Cancer Screenings At Mid Island Y JCC

Nassau County Legislator

Arnold W. Drucker (DPlainview) is partnering

with NuHealth to bring the breast cancer screening van to the Mid Island Y JCC on

Wednesday, Nov. 16. Free mammograms will be made available to women over the age of 40. Appointments include a breast exam from a nurse, a mammography, and self-examination instructions.

Appointments are required, and mammograms are free for uninsured women based on eligibility guidelines. Women with health insurance may be required to make a copayment. Women who have gone more than a year since their last mammogram will be required to get a prescription from their doctor (if they have insurance) and provide any past films (if available).

For more information and to make an appointment, contact Legislator Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny. gov.

Legislator Drucker Tours Restoration Farm In Old Bethpage

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) visited Restoration Farm in Old Bethpage on Friday, Sept. 23. Founded in 2007 by husband-and-wife team Daniel Holmes and Caroline Fanning, the seven-acre organic farm is leased from Nassau County at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, and fresh vegetables, berries, flowers, and herbs are available to the public through a CSA (community supported agriculture) program and

weekly farm stand.

“Every time I visit Restoration Farm, I come away with a newfound appreciation for their commitment to sustainable agriculture and this unique farm’s importance as an educational resource in our community,” Legislator Drucker said. “I thank Caroline and Daniel and the staff and volunteers for all of their hard work throughout the year, and I encourage you to plan a visit to Restoration Farm with your family this

autumn and experience this truly special place for yourselves.”

During the month of October, the farm stand will be open from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Visit https:// www.restorationfarm. com/ for the farm stand’s November and December hours and dates and to learn more about purchasing winter shares starting Oct. 15.

LEGISLATOR DRUCKER TOURS RESTORATION FARM IN OLD BETHPAGE

- Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) visited Restoration Farm in Old Bethpage on Friday, Sept. 23. Founded in 2007 by husband-and-wife team Daniel Holmes and Caroline Fanning, the seven-acre organic farm is leased from Nassau County at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Photo courtesy of the Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker