March 13, 2024 North Massapequa

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - COCO BONGO LONG ISLAND

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newest Chamber member, Coco Bongo Long Island! Congratulations to Owner Alex Vasquez and Richie Valentino General Manager. They are located at 432 N. Wantagh Avenue in Bethpage. On hand were owner Alex Vasquez, General Manager Richie Valentino, Chamber President Robert Zabbia, Chamber First Vice President Robin Hepworth, Karen Gawrych Recording Secretary, Chamber board members Isabelle Rapacciuolo and Tim Ryan, Assemblyman John Mikulin and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, Francis Becker-rep. Nassau County Clerk's office. Photo courtesy of Robin Hepworth

Woman’s Club Of Massapequa Hosts Members Of The Women’s Club Of Farmingdale

President Frances Cloud presided over the February 14th General Meeting, held at the Bar Harbor Library, Massapequa.

Invited guests of honor were President Barbara Horner, along with eleven members of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale. First V.P., Patricia Fernando, distributed beautiful red sequenced heart key chains, which added to the festivities!

Membership Chair, Monica Rea conducted an installation of a new member, Rose Falco, along with her Sponsor Patricia Fernando.

Both clubs exchanged ideas about ways that greatly impact the needs of communities, both near and far.

President Barbara Hoerner described their

participation in projects such as “Operation Smile”, making “beads of courage” for hospitalized children after surgery, and donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few.

Especially notable is the creative way they went about helping the hospitalized children with “cleft palate/cleft lip” (Operation Smile), by devising an arm restraint which helped to benefit children during the healing process!

JoAnn Hundertmark spoke about the Woman’s Club of Massapequa, and how the Child Welfare Department assists those in need. Notable was a major fundraiser held this past December. The proceeds went to help families in need on a

temporary basis. The Child Welfare Department also organizes food drives whereby donations, and monetary gifts, go to help local churches replenish their food pantries!

Sharing our ideas helps us to embrace new ways to serve our communities better.

At the conclusion of the meeting, time was spent mingling and talking.

All enjoyed dessert coffee and tea, served on a festive Valentinethemed table, coordinated by hospitality Chairs Laurie Walegir and JoAnn Bedard.

We hope to continue fostering our newly-found friendships, and sharing our ideas! For more information, contact Maureen Larisch at (516) 541-4114

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced lifeguard employment opportunities at Town Pools and Beaches throughout the Town. Opportunities for this summer once again include a competitive starting salary of up to $18 per hour for all lifeguards, as well as openings for 15-year olds at community pools.

“From having the opportunity to work at one of the Town’s fantastic summer facilities and building confidence, selfesteem, and leadership skills, to making new friends and helping others, working as a lifeguard is one of the best summer jobs around,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Our lifeguards provide an invaluable service in protecting our residents and have helped save countless lives in both pool and ocean waters. We encourage you to take the first step in making this summer your best one yet by applying to be a Town of Oyster Bay lifeguard today.”

The Town is accepting lifeguard applications from candidates who possess Nassau Lifeguard Certification and a current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Additionally, the Town is offering Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Nassau County Certification courses for residents who are not certified, but would like to be. Upon successful completion of these two courses, residents will be eligible for employment as a lifeguard with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Town will then pay all fees for both courses. There are also many future opportunities for advancement, including as Water Safety Instructors, Swim Team Coaches, Swim

Lesson Teachers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguard Instructors and Lifeguard Managerial positions.

“The Town of Oyster Bay is making it easier than ever to become a lifeguard. We’re offering all the certification and training courses you need to apply, covering the fees of these courses for successful candidates, welcoming 15-year olds to our lifeguard ranks at Town community pools, and offering competitive

pay in recognition of the life-saving work they do,” added Supervisor Saladino.

Town lifeguards are hired for the summer season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Positions are available at all Town pools and beaches. For all inquiries about lifeguard employment and classes, please call 516-7974131 or email aquatics@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

Presidents: Barbara Hoerner, and Frances Cloud

Installation - L-R Rose Falco; Patricia Fernando and Chair- Monica Rea

Carol

Nicole

Kim

Bonnie

Lucille

Terry

Kathy

“You

March Happenings

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

9:00AM-4:30PM

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESOURCE CENTER EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Join an interactive panel of family caregivers who will discuss the challenges and rewards of caregiving, what they have learned, and what they wish they knew at the beginning. During a Q &A, they will talk with listeners and address questions from the audience. For more information call 631-580-5100 or vsiit their website at www.adrcinc.org/ec2024.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

11:30AM-1:00PM

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst is hosting a bereavement ministry group that will continue until May 18th on Saturdays. Registration is required. If interested please call Linda Arpino at 631-592-1062 or email forubabe77@aol.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

2:00PM

JOURNEY–CROSS & CRUCIFIXION

Creative Ministries presents Journey–Cross & Crucifixion. Presented at Saints Cyril & Methodius in Deer Park. For more information visit their website at www.CMPAC.com or call them at 631-218-2810.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

8:30AM

BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK BETHLEHEM

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes, the auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus, is sponsoring a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. $55 per person, which includes the driver’s tip. For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576.

Make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

6:00PM

BUDGET INFORMATION MEETING

The North Babylon Public Library will hold a Budget Information Meeting in the Library. The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its March meeting immediately following the Budget Information Meeting. The public is invited to attend. For more information please call 631-669-4020.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

9:30AM BEREAVEMENT GROUP

A new bereavement group is now forming at Our Lady of Grace Church in West Babylon beginning on March 23 and will end on May 18 on Saturdays. For more information call John Laszewski at 631-874-0210 or Fran Kish at 631-587-1578.

7:30PM BABYLON CHORALE CONCERT

The Babylon Chorale presents: Handel`s `Messiah` Parts II & III With professional soloists and orchestra. Held at St. Peter’s ByThe-Sea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore. To buy tickets online visit their website at www.babylonchorale.org. For more information please email info@babylonchorale.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

7:00PM

COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1635 Family is hosting a Comedy Night Fundraiser at 90 Division Avenue, Levittown. Doors open at 5:30PM. $20 per ticket, 2 item minimum purchase per person.

Tickets can be purchased from: The Post 1634, SAL Squadron 1635 and ALA Unit 1634. For more info, email gijoe608@hotmail.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

6:00PM

PSYCHIC DINNER NIGHT

Enjoy a three course meal with a one on one Psychic Reading for 15 minutes at the Brunello Italian Kitchen, 1945 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park. Call 516-639-6903 to reserve your spot. Starting reservations from 6 pm. For more information call 516-639-6903.

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS

The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions on March 25th and April 1st at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus. For more information email info@babylonchorale.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

7:00PM

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING

The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore will hold a meeting at the Bay Shore/Brightwaters Library, One South Country Road in Brightwaters. All are welcome to attend. Please call 631-665-7003 for further information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

1:00PM-3:00PM

CHILDREN'S EASTER FAIR

For children ages 2 to 10 years old. There will be crafts and snacks as well. Please bring a basket for the Easter Egg Hunt. This is a free event, located at Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park. For more information call 631-242-022.

“ I couldn’t have afforded to open my distillery without help. PSEG Long Island came through.”

John

“Into the Magic Shop” is one of four books that serves as inspiration for students in Massapequa High School’s Mindfulness Matters course, but it perhaps has the most visual impact. Every year, students create posters featuring quotes from the book, which are used to decorate the classroom.

On Feb. 6 and 7, the 115 students taking Mindfulness Matters presented their posters, which will be a fixture on the classroom walls for the 12 months. Teacher Lisa Davi said that students were asked to include seven to 10 quotes from the book on their posters, along with a personalized motif.

During the presentations, each student selected one quote and explained why it was meaningful. The book, by Dr. James Doty,

Literary Posters Promote Mindfulness

is a true story about the author, who grew up poor but went on to become a successful neurosurgeon.

The turning point of his life was when he went into a magic shop and met a woman who taught him how to manifest his greatest desires.

“It’s a real story about a real kid who came from nothing and achieved so much,” Ms. Davi said. “The book is inspiring to students on how to be in control of their own lives.”

“Into the Magic Shop” builds on the mindfulness tools that students acquire from the first book of the year, “The Four Agreements.” It gives students greater knowledge on how to set intentions and work to achieve their goals.

Ms. Davi said that she met the author two years ago during a trip of California, and shared

with him the poster project. As students read the book, they take notes in a journal and identify quotes that ultimately become part of their posters.

“The posters should be an expression of themselves and what they love,” she said. “You can see the work that goes into them. They’re really impressive and thoughtprovoking, and I like how the quotes relate to their own lives.”

Mindfulness Matters is an English elective course open to students in grades 10-12. The class meets every other day for the entire year and continues to be one of the most popular elective classes in the school. Ms. Davi said she regularly receives feedback from graduates on how the skills learned in class have helped them after high school.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES - Michael Lerman completed a poster with quotes from the Dr. James Doty book that he finds inspirational. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Free Online Writing Workshop

(NAPSI)—Famed science fiction authors and judges of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and professional instructors offer aspiring writers a free online writing workshop. Learn more at www. writersofthefuture. com/register/onlineworkshop and bit.ly/ WOTFWorkshop.

Health Screenings

Health screenings are a vital component of preventative health care. Specific screenings for older adults can help them stay healthy. Healthline and WebMD recommend older adults schedule these routine tests. The frequency of the screenings may depend on individuals’ health histories, so each test should be discussed with a physician during adults’ annual checkups.

· Blood pressure check

Blood test to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels

· Colorectal cancer exam starting at age 50

Weight screening to check for gains or losses

·Prostate cancer screening for men age 70 and older

Breast exam and mammogram for women, starting at age 40

· Pap smear and HPV tests at recommended intervals advised by a doctor

· Hearing test

· Osteoporosis test

Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines

· Eye exam

· Periodontal exam yearly

Town Of Oyster Bay Seeks Nominations For Women Of Distinction Program

Residents Invited To Identify Extraordinary Women In Our Community During Women’s History Month

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson, together with Councilwomen Laura Maier and Vicki Walsh, announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Town’s 2024 Women of Distinction Program. During Women’s History Month, throughout the month of March, residents are invited to nominate extraordinary women who have made a difference in their communities.

“Each year, the Town has

the honor of recognizing women who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them through our Women of Distinction Program,” said Councilwoman Johnson, who serves as Chairwoman of the Women of Distinction Committee. “If you know a special woman who helps make your community a better place to live, we invite you to nominate her to be a 2024 Town of Oyster Bay Woman of Distinction.” Supervisor Saladino added, “We are proud to

recognize women in our Town and invite residents to submit nominations of those who make a difference and enrich the lives of others. We look forward to sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts to make our community, families and Town a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Women of Distinction will be recognized at a special awards ceremony hosted by the Town Board in May. Nominations may be submitted for any

achievement or honorable cause performed by the nominee. The Town seeks to recognize individuals for their contributions to the arts, education, environment, athletics, community or civic service, volunteerism or business. Honorees must live or work in the Town of Oyster Bay.

To submit a nomination for the Women of Distinction Awards Program, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com/women or call (516) 624-6380 for an application.

Pre-Register Today For 2024 Town Summer Recreation Program

Parents

Can

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announce that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2024 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 full-day 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 including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more,” said Supervisor Saladino. “To help streamline the registration process, residents will be able to sign-up their children online this spring, and can begin pre-registration today!”

All registrations for

Upload Materials In Advance Of Spring Registration

Summer Recreation will performed online. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department will accept all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on March 22nd. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration.

How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring)

Parents/guardians can visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ portal Select ‘My Account’ on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2023 Summer Program, you already have an account, however documents must be

uploaded)

After logging in, select ‘My Account,’ then Household & Member. Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ‘Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household. Then SAVE Select DOCUMENT UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)

Required documents:

Proof of residency (tax or utility bill)

Child’s Birth Certificate Child’s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only)

Child’s recent physical (for full-day campers only)

“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program,” said Councilwoman Johnson.

“With full-day options again available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, PlainviewOld Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, as well as our traditional programs

at Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale, Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”

The mandatory preregistration period, during which interested parents/ guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 22nd. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2024 program –parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Following final registration, refunds are given on a prorated basis and subject to a 10 percent administrative fee through July 12th.

Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

PATRICIA ORZANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

The Massapequa of Chamber of Commerce is honored to introduce the Patricia Orzano Memorial Scholarship Award for Women in Business. In loving memory of Patty, our beloved Past President and the heart and soul of our Chamber.

All Massapequa High School students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship award directly through their guidance office

and use the guidance application. Massapequa High School students should contact their guidance office for more details.

For other qualifying students attending any public or private school outside of Massapequa High School, please visit https://forms.gle/ eD8EeP3MX51xwTj38 to submit your qualifications.

In order to qualify for this scholarship award

of $500, the student must be a female graduating senior who is planning to major in Business; Accounting; or Finance in college. The winner can be a female Massapequa High School student, or the daughter or granddaughter of a current Chamber member in good standing.

Apply by March 15th, 2024.

Prescription Drug Misuse

(NAPSI)—You can help prevent prescription drug misuse, starting in your own home, by safely disposing of medications. CVS Pharmacy can help with medication disposal kiosks, DisposeRx packets and more. To find a convenient disposal location, visit www.safe. pharmacy/drug-disposal.