November 23, 2022 - December 6, 2022 Nassau Zone 2

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown Office Celebrates The Gift Of Giving

For Douglas Elliman Realty—one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the nation, with more than $51 billion in national closed sales volume in 2021— giving back is core to the company culture and its brand identity. The firm is deeply committed to supporting the local communities it serves, along with important causes nationwide through its philanthropic initiative, Elliman Cares. More than 6,600 agents across the country are making a difference every day—and here on Long Island, where the company runs 25 residential sales offices, one especially giving-driven office is making a major impact this holiday season.

Centrally located on the North Shore of Long Island, Elliman’s Smithtown location is best known for its consistent success and carefully selected group of agents that take their careers and reputations seriously. Many of the agents are passionately involved in charitable endeavors, and this holiday season is the perfect time to shine the light on their efforts.

Katy Cardinale, Smithtown’s Branch Manager and Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is a model of hard work, humility and generosity who inspires the same qualities in those around her. “Community service has always been a priority for me,” said Katy. “I’ve volunteered at Cub Scouts, PTA events and with local families in need. I also founded and currently serve as the President of the Kings Park High School Robotics Booster Association. It’s important for me to give back and be involved in my community. I’m grateful to be surrounded by generous agents who

Rob Scarito, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker on Team Scarito, currently serves as Vice President of the Hauppauge School Board. Rob said, “I am honored to have played an integral role in the passing of the largest tax discount for veterans in the Hauppauge School District.” Aside from making a difference right in Hauppauge, he and his sons participated in the Annual Food & Toy Drive at Brookhaven Town Hall on Sunday, November 13th, which benefited people from all over Long Island.

Noelle Lambert, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, is also holding a holiday drive with the Bryn Elliott Team now through December 19th to benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization dedicated to reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on Long Island. “I’m actively collecting non-perishable foods and personal care items, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, that will be given to local individuals facing homelessness,” said Noelle. “It’s heartbreaking to think how each night, many of us head to our warm homes that are filled with more than we need, yet others right here on Long Island are battling homelessness. We have to continue to help these people.” If you would like to donate to this drive, please visit the Douglas Elliman Smithtown office and

drop your donations in the appropriate bin. You can also contact Noelle at 631-478-3819 for a full list of donation drop-off locations.

John Matthew, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is holding his annual Holiday Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive now through January 30, 2023—benefitting the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. Elliman’s Smithtown office is receiving donation dropoffs, as well.

Also, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the office is hosting the annual Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive and is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys in the specially marked Toys for Tots bin.

The giving keeps on keeping on with several Smithtown agents leading campaigns to raise awareness and funds for the causes close to their hearts. Carlos Salinas, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, is an Ambassador for Real Men Wear Pink, an annual, year-long initiative from The American Cancer Society. As an Ambassador, Carlos raises awareness

and money in the fight to end breast cancer. Although he has exceeded his fundraising goal for 2022, he continues to campaign because every dollar really does make a difference. You can donate to his campaign, online or by check, now through the end of the year. Please contact Carlos at 347-277-9431 for more information.

Margaret Remhild, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is a member of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and the St. James Chamber of Commerce, while also being involved with both the Smithtown Children’s Foundation and the Thomas Matthew Miloscia Foundation. On November 15th, the Smithtown Children’s Foundation held their Community Table Grand Tasting event at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown, with proceeds going to help local families in crisis. On December 3rd, the Thomas Miloscia Foundation, a local organization with the mission to provide financial and emotional assistance to children and young adult cancer patients, will hold a fundraising event from 2-6PM at Maia Salon Spa & Wellness at 725

Smithtown Bypass in Smithtown. Come down for pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, holiday shopping, tinsel hair, children’s activities and more, all for a great cause!

Rounding out the volunteerism, Michelle Bender, Licensed R.E. Salesperson, happily volunteers at the Smithtown Historical Society, while Nick Albanese, Licensed Associate R.E. Broker, is an active volunteer at the Smithtown Booster Club. Noelle Lambert is a

loyal volunteer at Connect Church and Tom Diana donates his time as a volunteer at the Commack Basketball Association, an organization that’s dedicated to providing a basketball league that is free to join for boys and girls of Commack and its neighboring communities.

Please consider celebrating this holiday season by making a donation to one of the aforementioned drives— together we can help the season to shine brighter for those in need.

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown location is at 200 W Main Street, in Smithtown. For more information, please call the office at 631.543.9400.

share my vision.”

Douglas Elliman’s Smithtown Office

Hicksville High School Announces Class Of 2023 Top Ten

4th Annual Run 4 Beigel

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (DPlainview) joined hundreds of runners, supporters and gun safety advocates at Heckscher State Park in East Islip on Saturday, Oct. 22 for the fourth annual Run 4 Beigel - a fundraising 5K run/walk that was held on what would have been Long Island native Scott Beigel’s 40th birthday.

Beigel was a geography teacher and cross-country coach who was one of the 17 people who were

murdered on Feb. 14, 2018 during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre. Beigel’s courageous actions on that day have been credited with saving the lives of numerous students.

On Saturday, more than 650 runners laced up their running shoes to support the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund and its mission of sending at-risk children who have been affected by gun violence to sleep-away summer camp.

“Events like the Run 4 Beigel ensure that the legacy of Scott’s heroism on one of our nation’s darkest days will live on for eternity,” Legislator Drucker said. “It was truly inspiring to be with so many people who are committed to confronting the scourge of gun violence in our society, and my heart will always be with Linda Beigel Schulman, whose strength and unwavering determination are an inspiration to us all.”

4TH ANNUAL RUN 4 BEIGEL - Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (DPlainview) joined hundreds of runners, supporters and gun safety advocates at Heckscher State Park in East Islip on Saturday, Oct. 22 for the fourth annual Run 4 Beigel - a fundraising 5K run/walk that was held on what would have been Long Island native Scott Beigel’s 40th birthday. Photo courtesy of Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker

HICKSVILLE HS CLASS OF 2023 TOP TEN - Hicksville High School is proud to announce the class of 2023 top ten students (l-r) Hicksville Assistant Principal Timothy Sweeney, Daniel George, Michael Varghese, Lily Wagner, Aarti Bhasin, Samantha Mason, Brandon Baade, Bhumika Shori, Sara Ashraf, Archana Murugan, Isabella Diaz and Hicksville Principal Ray Williams. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Syosset And Jericho Libraries To Host Winter Coat Drive

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) is joining forces with the Syosset and Jericho Public Libraries to support an annual coat drive spearheaded by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.

Donors are invited to drop off new and gently used winter coats at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, N.Y. 11791 and the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane, Jericho N.Y. 11753 during normal business hours through Wednesday, Dec. 21.

“When a person donates a winter jacket, they are not just giving the gift of warmth - they are wrapping its recipient in a spirit of compassion and hope for the future,” Legislator Drucker said. “With winter on the horizon, each of us can do our part to help keep every person in

Nassau County safe and warm. I am proud to once again be partnering with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless on such a worthwhile endeavor.”

Anyone interested

in donating a coat can contact Legislator Drucker’s office at 516571-6216 or adrucker@ nassaucountyny.gov for details.

31 Syosset High School Students Selected For NYSSMA All-State And All-National

Thirty-one Syosset High School student-musicians were selected as 2022 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State and All-National musicians. Ten of the students were selected to participate in All-State Ensembles. They will have the opportunity to work with world-class conductors for three days, leading up to a performance at the historic Eastman Theater in Rochester during the NYSSMA Winter Conference this December.

Congratulations to Syosset High School’s 2022 NYSSMA

All-State and All-National Musicians: Chase Aaronson (Trumpet), Luca Alexandru (Jazz Guitar), Kyle Cheng (Viola), Nicole Christy (Oboe), Maria DiBello (Alto 1), Evelyn Feusi (Bassoon), Shannen Fung (Violin), Sabrina Guo (Violin), Emma Hong (Violin), Senhan Hu (Violin), Alan Huang (Choir), Stanley Hwang (Cello), Daniel Ji (Cello), Sabina Kim (Cello), Kelly Kim (Violin),

Mako Kobayashi (Violin), Maya Kopacz (Alto 2), Jason Lee (BbClarinet), Kaity Lee (Flute) Sharon Lim (Soprano 1), Amber Lo (Violin), Hagen Lu (Violin), Jessica Lubell (Snare Drum), Jake Mallen (Viola), Sean Park (Cello), Michael Sabatino (Tenor 1), Elizabeth Shyer (Jazz Baritone), Blake Weingarten (Jazz Trumpet), Jonathan Wong (Cello), Abigail Wu (Violin), and Warren Zhao (Viola).

Photo courtesy of Syosset Central School District

“Color The World Orange Day”

“COLOR

THE WORLD ORANGE DAY” - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently joined with his colleagues on the Oyster Bay Town Board

welcoming Jennie Riegler of Plainview as well as Richard Haunss of Syosset, to

Town Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Open On November 25th

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announce that the Town’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and SyossetWoodbury Community Parks will officially open for the season on Friday, November 25th and remain open through Sunday, February 26th.

“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Councilman Imbroto. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months,

and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”

Public Skating Sessions are available at both outdoor rinks on Fridays from 4pm-6pm and 7pm9pm, Saturdays from 1pm3pm, 4pm-6pm, and 7pm9pm, and Sundays from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm. Adjusted hours take effect during Holiday Breaks, with information available on the Town’s website.

For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, including: Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 5:30pm and 8:30pm to 10:30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm; Saturdays from 2:45pm to 5:45pm; and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. While the Ice Skating Center is open on New Year’s Day, it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and for Special Events. For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 7977990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink. All information is available on the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/ice.

Largest ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys For Tots Collection Drive Coming To Long Island

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Town’s massive ‘CruiseThru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, December 3rd from 9am to 2pm (rain date is Sunday, December 4th). In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the Town is collecting toys to help families and those less fortunate throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the ‘Cruise-Thru’, collection boxes are located at Town facilities through December 14th.

Supervisor Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just

last year we collected over 20,000 toys for Long Island children. I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”

The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents an excellent way to contribute directly to the cause and help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, and a drop box where kids can drop their letters to Santa off at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.

“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less

fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our dropoff locations,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of families hardest hit by the effects of the coronavirus this holiday season.”

Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations: Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay; Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa; Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage. For more information, please contact Councilman Tom Hand’s Office at (516) 624-6309; or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

Santa’s Mailboxes From North Pole Have Arrived In Town Offices

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 12th.

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 12th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary.

Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily at the following locations:

Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.

For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, please call (516) 624-6380 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the www.oysterbaytown.com.

Councilwoman Maier Delivers Toy Donation To Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier recently delivered five pallets filled with toys to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, collected by the Town in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and Councilwoman Maier’s fundraising efforts.

“I cannot say enough about the caring people who work Cohen Children’s Medical Center and I thank all those who opened their hearts and wallets to

help children and families going through a difficult time,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This cause means so much to me personally, and in addition to the toys we’ve collected through Town efforts, I’m proud to say many are being donated by Mighty Mason’s Warriors. This is a group organized to help fundraise and collect donations in my son’s name – all to help in supporting the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

Continuing efforts to

help make the upcoming holiday season a brighter for those less fortunate, the Town of Oyster Bay has once again teamed up with Toys for Tots to host a collection drive. Donation boxes have been set up at Town facilities, and the Town will also host the largest ‘CruiseThru’ collection drive on Saturday, December 3rd at John Burns Park in Massapequa. For more information, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com.

TOY DONATION - Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier recently delivered five pallets filled with toys to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, collected by the Town in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Pictured: Councilwoman Maier (center) with Demi Lonergan and Venhar Burani of Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting St. Joseph Hospital

Please join us on Tuesday, December 6th for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! This event is open to the public!

Starting at 5:00 pm, in front of St. Joseph Hospital located at 4295 Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage.

Fun festivities include:

• A Santa train from Bethpage FD will transport Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and holiday characters to our hospital for hot chocolate and cookies.

• Meet and greet and photo opp with Santa. Each child will receive a Christmas surprise.

• East Lake Elementary School Bell Choir performance conducted by Gina Aspetti, Music Director.

• Solo performance by Kendall Mathew.

• DJ, giveaways and much more!

Hosted by St. Joseph Hospital.

Plainview Water District Continues Annual Support Of Toys For Tots

In order to spread holiday spirit throughout the Plainview-Old Bethpage community, the Plainview Water District (PWD) is once again proud to partner with the Toys for Tots Foundation, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The PWD headquarters, located at 10 Manetto Hill Road, will serve as an official drop-off location for the foundation. The District encourages residents to donate new and unwrapped gifts to help less fortunate children.

“We are honored to once again be playing a role in supporting the good work of these organizations who work tirelessly to lift spirits throughout the community,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “The holiday season is always a time for reflection, to give thanks for what we have and to give back to those who are less fortunate. We encourage all those able to support this program in PlainviewOld Bethpage to help us bring some joy to children in need this year.”

New and unwrapped

gift donations can be dropped off at the PWD headquarters now until Monday, December 19th

Since the District started this partnership several years ago, hundreds of toys have been donated from the community to support this cause.

“Each year, we continue to look to partner with local organizations like Toys for Tots, to do our part and give back,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “As a community, it is our responsibility to support those who might be down on their luck. If you have the ability to support these causes, it would be a meaningful and positive impact to make this holiday season.”

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve ‘Toys for Tots’ Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide all children across the United States with happiness and joy throughout the holiday season. Through the gift of a new toy, disadvantaged children will not be overlooked during the holidays, and will know that a community of people

cares for them.

“We want to ensure that we are supporting the local community in any way we can,” said PWD Commissioner Amanda Field. “We continue to have such a positive experience during our Toys for Tots donation drives in the past, and are so excited to see what this year will bring. We thank all of those who continue to support these wonderful causes each year!”

The Plainview Water District thanks the community in advance for their generous contribution.

For additional information about the Plainview Water District, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.

TOYS FOR TOTS - In order to spread holiday spirit throughout the PlainviewOld Bethpage community, the Plainview Water District (PWD) is once again proud to partner with the Toys for Tots Foundation, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The PWD headquarters, located at 10 Manetto Hill Road, will serve as an official dropoff location for the foundation. The District encourages residents to donate new and unwrapped gifts to help less fortunate children. New and unwrapped gift donations can be dropped off at the PWD headquarters now until Monday, December 19th.

With Winter Heating Season Nearing, PSEG Long Island Customers May Be Eligible For Assistance

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island recognizes that many households are facing challenging times and wants to remind its customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.

“Everything is more expensive today, and PSEG Long Island continues to work hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services.

“To help manage energy use and costs, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. We also know many of our customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs.

Colder weather is coming, which will mean higher heating costs. We urge our customers to act now, and we’re here to help.”

The costs associated with purchasing fuel for electric power supply are directly passed through to the customers. With energy costs rising due to global conflict, inflation, and high demand as the winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island understands the impact this increased financial burden can have on its customers.

In accordance with a policy established by the LIPA Board of Trustees, a hedging program is in place to reduce the volatility of power supply costs for customers. Hedging provides price stability in case of unforeseen commodity market and weather events that drive up prices. In addition,

PSEG Long Island and LIPA work to further mitigate the monthly volatility to customers as costs materialize.

How Customers Can Lower Their Bills

The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs.

ENERGY STAR estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save the average American household about $180 a year. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.

• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.

• Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.

• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.

• Seal windows and doorframes with

weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.

• Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.

• Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Robust rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

• More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at https:// www.psegliny.com/ saveenergyandmoney/ energystarrebates.

Assistance Available To Those Struggling With Bills

PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.

Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance

programs offered by New York State:

· The New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program: Customers enrolled in PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program will automatically receive a credit toward their arrears as of May 1, 2022, via this new, state-run program. Customers who meet the eligibility requirements and have not yet enrolled in the Household Assistance Program have until Dec. 31, 2022 to enroll in the Household Assistance Program to qualify for this bill credit.

· Customers who have received a payment on their PSEG Long Island account through the New York State-administered Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) also qualify for the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program. As ERAP payments continue to be received, the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program will remain open through Dec. 31, 2022.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to

eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/ programs/heap/.

Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating fuel source. This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 3, 2023. If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/

· For low-income house-holds facing noheat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications

for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance rate and the residential energy affordability program providing energy efficiency measures and suggestions to help lower consumption.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for November is Association for Mental Health and Wellness

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW)offers a wide range of assistance to veterans in Suffolk County, home to more veterans than any county in the state. These offerings address affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, peer support and other services.

In this article, we’ll look at Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), an initiative in which MHAW collaborates with the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. SSVF programs provide housing and support services to eligible, low-income veteran families who are homeless, or who are about to become homeless.

Regrettably, America’s veterans require a number of support services. The National Library of Medicine recently estimated that up to 16 percent of U.S. service members who had been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq now have post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Their other health concerns include suicide, traumatic brain injury, substance use and instances of interpersonal violence.

While Long Island has made significant strides in addressing homelessness among veterans in recent years, “Suffolk County still has its population of homeless veterans,” said Marcelle Leis, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who serves as MHAW’s Director of Veteran Services. “They’re living in train stations or they might be living in the woods. Yet even though they’re in need, these individuals often don’t trust government or community agencies enough to step forward and request assistance. And they often don’t feel safe going into shelters.”

Community-based resources like SSVF, says Ms. Leis, can make a major difference in these veterans’ lives by helping them deal with mental health

issues, poverty and their need for supportive systems.

Some SSVF services include personal financial

planning, credit counseling and income support services. Qualifying veterans may also obtain legal assistance, housing counseling and healthcare navigation.

In relation to employment, SSVF also offers vocational and rehabilitation services through the state’s Department of Labor Employment Training Assistance by way of Suffolk County’s One-Stop Employment Center.

Also, SSVF provides case management services, as well as peer support and outreach services through MHAW’s Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Veterans may also receive assistance obtaining VA and other public benefits though the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.

SSVF can also help veterans with temporary financial assistance in the form of rental assistance, utility bills, security or utility deposits, moving costs and childcare support. Eligible veterans may be single, or part of a family in which the head of the household, or spouse, is a veteran.

If you are a veteran in need, or you know of one, MHAW urges them to contact Marcelle Leis, their Director of Veteran Services, by calling 631-9460147 or by emailing her at mleis@mhaw. 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

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

PEARL & ABRIL

Bonded pair. Playmates who brought out the best in eachother.

WINNIE

KITT

CAROLINE 7 year old Terrier mix. Good natured and affectionate girl. The star of the month.

Student Artists Work To Be Featured In Cornell Cooperative Extension Of Nassau County Gardening Calendar

The Syosset Central School District is pleased to announce that the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County will feature works of art by two of our High School Students in their annual gardening calendar.

Senior Shi Fang Chen and Junior Jasmine Guan were selected to have their artwork published in the 2023 calendar. They created their nature-themed work with coaching from their art teacher Demi Protonentis. Shi Fang received the Gold Award and will be featured in the month of October. Jasmine received the Silver Award and will be featured in the calendar’s photo collage. The competition is open to Nassau County students in grades K through 12. Congratulations to our talented young artists!

STUDENT ARTISTS

-The Syosset Central School District is pleased to announce that the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County will feature works of art by two of our High School Students in their annual gardening calendar. Pictured: (from

left) Christopher Hale, Syosset Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts, Junior Jasmine Guan, Senior Shi Fang Chen, Demi Protonentis, Syosset High School Art Teacher. Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District

Mechanical Engineer wanted by Flexographic Printing Company in Hauppauge, NY. Will oversee preparation of all production orders at a exographic printing company. Check for food safety & quality issues throughout the production line. Insure the mfg team’s compliance w/ the company’s high quality stds. Monitor the workforce for compliance w/ internal & external Good Manufacturing Practices. Ensure the company’s Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are being followed on the production line. Routinely update the company’s quality mgmt s/ware to avoid production interruptions. Train less knowledgeable members of the team. Reqmts: Bach deg in Mechanical Engg or closely rltd eld, & 12 yrs of exp in the job o d or closely rltd. Forward resume to: Silvia Avila, HR/ SQF Practitioner, Aladdin Packaging LLC, 115 Engineers Rd, Hauppauge, NY 11788

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