Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for February is The Corporate Source

The Corporate Source (TCS) is a non-profit organization that started in 1996. They strive to change the perceptions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce by having them work in integrated settings where their value, productivity, commitment and dedication can be experienced by all. To accomplish this mission, TCS addresses the factors a ecting employment inequity and overcomes barriers to employment that keep this staggering number of people with disabilities excluded from the workforce. TCS is extremely proud of their work and today the operate in over 100 locations , many here on Long Island, NY.

Despite an increased knowledge base and laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, the overwhelming number of people with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed. In America alone, roughly 61 million adults live with a disability. Today, about 1 in 6 American children are diagnosed with a developmental disability and they then age out of most public programming when they become 21. With less to do each day and having fewer prospects for employment, these young adults often become socially isolated and depressed.

Sometimes, employers may have misconceptions which make them reluctant to hire a person with disabilities. TCS works to change perceptions to show employers the benefits of an inclusive workforce. Given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and capabilities, these employees show dependability, honesty, tenacity and dedication to doing the best job possible. Several TCS workers have received awards and recognition for their achievements and outstanding performance on the job.

TCS employs nearly 400 people with disabilities in the greater New York tristate region, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, providing outsourcing services to several federal, state and private sector organizations. A small sample of their longterm client collaborations include Janitorial and Disinfecting Services for the US Merchant Marine Academy, Mail-room Operations at Long Island and NYC Internal Revenue Service locations, Call Center Support at the Manhattan VA Medical Center and Kennel Care for the Department of Homeland Security at JFK Airport.

Most recently, they have partnered with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to develop a program for professionally educating and training people with disabilities for entry level positions in the growing IT field. Corporations like Microsoft, Ernst & Young and more have had very positive experiences where people with disabilities are e ective for these positions from a number of perspectives.

This non-profit works year-round through special events, networking opportunities, social media outreach and other e orts to raise awareness and funds to support disability employment initiatives. There are many ways that you can support the mission of TCS.

For more information, visit www. thecorporatesource.org or contact Ruth-Ann Gater at ruth-ann.gater@ thecorporatesource.org and stay tuned for next week’s article.

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Neighbor Pets’ Place

JANIE Young female. Cute and friendly looking for a best friend forever.

LINDA Female kitten. Calico. Playful and enjoys play time with the volunteers.

POPPIE Young female. Brown Tabby. Beautiful girl who can entertain herself.

Handsome male Seeking his forever home.

TINY 4-6 year old male. Sweet and bouncy. Enjoys attention and getting pets.

SHELLY 7 year old female. Sweet girl. A ball of sunshine who loves to play.

BENTLEY 6 year old male. Beautiful boy that loves getting lots of pets and belly rubs.

HAZE

7 year old male. Puggle. Enjoys walks and exploring. Friendly with everyone.

ABRIL

1 year old male. Labrador mix. Shy girl with a sweet and gentle presence.

BUBBLES

3 year old male. Cane Corso. Down to earth, goodnatured, well-mannered.

ULTRA 2 year old female. Boxer mix. Quick-witted with a good sense of humor.

New York State Parks On Long Island Celebrate Black History Month

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce Black History Month 2023 at your Long Island State Parks.

The month - long celebration highlights some of America’s notable African Americans and their accomplishments through informative posters and pictures. We invite you to visit us to learn more about these great Americans and their impact on American history and culture.

Displays throughout the month of February are at these Long Island State Park locations: Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, West Hempstead Open daily 9am – 4pm, for information call 516-766-1029 or email HempsteadLakeEE@parks. ny.gov

Jones Beach Energy &

Nature Center-West End 2, Wantagh Open daily 9am –4:30pm, for information call 516-809-8222

Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, Wantagh Open daily 8am – 4pm, for information call 516-785-1600

LI State Parks Regional Headquarters Lobby, West Babylon Open Monday through Friday 10am – 4pm, for information call 631321-3510

Planting Fields Arboretum

Hay Barn Visitor Center,

Oyster Bay Open daily 10am – 4pm, for information call 516-922-8600

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www. parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

Staller Center For The Arts

A cultural hub right in your own backyard!

LIL BUCK - MEMPHIS JOOKIN

Sat. Feb. 4 @ 8pm

KRISTIN CHENOWETH

Sat. Feb. 11 @ 8pm

EMERSON STRING QUARTET #2

Mon. Feb. 13 @ 7pm

American Ballet Theatre

STONY BROOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sat. Feb. 18 @ 8pm

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTERSONGS WE LOVE

Sat. Feb. 25 @ 8pm

GALA – AMERICAN BALLET

THEATRE

Sat. March 4 @ 7pm

STORM LARGE

Sat. March 18 @ 8pm

STONY BROOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sat. March 25 @ 8pm

PROKOFIEV’S PETER & THE WOLF FOR KIDS - Sun. March 26 @ 3pm

America’s National Ballet Company® is a show you do not want to miss!

March 4 @ 7pm | Main Stage

Regular Tickets & Gala Tickets available at stallercenter.com/gala

STARRY NIGHTS - SPRING

Wed. March 29 @ 7pm

MIKE E. WINFIELD - COMEDY

Thurs. March 30 @ 8pm

42ND STREET in HDFROM THE LONDON STAGE

Fri. March 31 @ 8pm

EMERSON STRING QUARTET #3

Tue April 11 @ 7pm

DIAVOLO - ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION

Sat April 15 @ 8pm

MIKE BIRBIGLIA

Fri. April 21 @ 8pm

SHELÉA

Sat. April 22 @ 8pm

STONY BROOK OPERALA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN

Sat April 29 @ 8pm

Sun. April 30 @ 3pm

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

Sun. May 7 @ 7pm

LIVE PERFORMANCES STREAMING IN HD FROM THE MET OPERA Schedule at stallercenter.com/HD

Wednesday, February 1

12:00PM-1:00PM

Alzheimer's Disease Book Club

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting the Virtual Caregiver Book Club starting February 1st for six weeks. They will be reading and discussing “On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's” by Greg O’Brien. To register for the virtual book club, contact Joanna Rekas at 800-272-3900 or jrekas@alz.org.

Thursday, February 2

11:00AM

White Elephant Sale

Free admission. Located at The Seaford American Legion. Contact Mary at 631-567-4483 for any additional information.

Sunday, February 5

2:00PM-5:00PM

Fundraiser To Support East Islip St. Patrick's Day Parade

A fundraiser to support the parade will be held at Harp & Hound in Islip. A $20 donation at the door includes assorted appetizers, live music by J&D Acoustics, and a cash bar. There will also be raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. Email localhibernians@gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday, February 7 7:00PM

Republic Airport Commission Meeting

The meeting will be held at the Republic Airport, Room 201, Farmingdale, NY. For more information, call 631-752-707 x6109 or email info@republicairport.net.

Saturday, February 11 5:30PM-8:30PM

Snowball Dinner

$10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children. Free for children 3 and under.

Items listed are free of charge. Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run in the calendar on a space available basis. For further information, call 631.226.2636, extension 211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com

Dinner held at The Westminster United Presbyterian Church. Tickets are limited. Call 631-661-6740 for tickets and more information.

Saturday, February 11 9:30AM-11:00AM

Bereavement Support Group

For 9 weeks at Our Lady Of Grace Church. Starting on February 11th and ends on April 8th. Call John 631-874-0210 or Fran 631-587-1578 for more information.

Saturday, February 11 22nd Annual WinterFest

Free admission. Arts and crafts for kids, free entertainment and more at Levittown Hall. For more information contact levittowncouncil@yahoo. com.

Saturday, Februrary 11 4:00PM-6:00PM

February Family Fun Day

For children 3 to 12 years old with an adult. There will be crafts, a scavengar hunt and more. Free event located at Community Presbyterian Church. Registration is required as space is limited. Call 631-242-0221 for more information.

Sunday, Februrary 12

9:00AM-3:00PM

Bellport Blood Drive

Located at the Bellport Community Center. Call 800-933-2566 or email mgatto@nybc.org to make an appointment.

Sunday, Februrary 12 10:00AM-11:30AM 12:00PM-1:30PM

Valentine's Day Card Exchange

Sensory Beans Inc. in Wantagh will be hosting their annual Valentine's Day Friends Card Exchange. $35 per child. Contact 516-308-1462 for more information.

Tuesday, Februrary 14 6:00PM & 7:00PM

Western Suffolk BOCES’ Board Meeting

The meeting will be held at the Western Suffolk BOCES’ Administrative Offices. Proposal Executive Section, subject to Board approval. Public portion beginning with Item Number 1 on the Agenda. Call 631-549-4900 ext. 223 for more information.

Friday, Februrary 17

10:00AM

Fire Island Frolic

A six mile hike to the Lighthouse at Robert Moses State Park. Meet at east end of Field 5 near the boardwalk entrance. Possible Robert Moses State Park Fee $10.00 or free with an Empire Pass. Contact Sal at 631-235-2059 or sailingsals60@gmail.com.

Monday, Februrary 20

9:00AM-12:00PM

Winter Break Camp

Starting February 20th and ends on February 24th. Children can have fun during their winter break with hands-on experiments and more at The Long Island Explorium. Grades: 3rd-6th. $375 per camper. Email lisa@longislandexplorium.org for more information.

Tuesday, Februrary 21

6:00PM

February Board Of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its February meeting. The public is invited to attend. Call 631-669-4020 for more information.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announce that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2023 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will be performed fully online. This year’s Summer Recreation Program will once again include fullday options as well as the traditional program for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.

“The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun for children at six of our Town parks, with activities