March 20, 2024 North Massapequa

421256N032024

Neighborhood!

MASSAPEQUA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce honored four volunteer firefighters at their yearly Firefighter of the Year Awards Ceremony held at Sal's Place on February 29th in Massapequa. Honorees included, Fire-Medic Brandon Wolfson of Rescue Company 3, Captain Edward Fulford of Ladder Company 5, Ex-Captain Richard Gentile of Ladder Company 1, and ExCaptain Joseph Canova of Engine Company 2 were applauded for their courage and commitment to the Massapequa community. We appreciate all you do. In photo Left to right (honorees above) Sal Polito-Third Vice President, Karen Gawrych-Recording Secretary, Sal Polito-Third Vice President, Robin Hepworth-First Vice President, Robert ZabbiaPresident Janice Talento-Treasurer. Photo courtesy of Robin Hepworth

Town Yard Waste Collection Resumes April 1st Residents Receiving Town Service Should Place Yard Waste Curbside With Recycling

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola announced that Yard Waste collection will resume the week of Monday, April 1st, for homeowners who receive Town collection services. Yard waste is picked up on the same day as recycled materials, including plastics, metals, glass and cardboard.

“With the spring season upon us, many residents will begin clearing their properties from leaves and other debris left behind by winter,” said Councilman Labriola. “Yard waste collection, which includes lawn clippings, will get underway the first week of

April and run throughout the year.”

Residents should place yard waste curbside on their same day as their recycling items. Yard waste is collected by Town sanitation crews and taken to compost facilities. Waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, tree trimmings, hedge and shrub clippings and other garden/yard waste. Materials should be placed in bags at the curb, and should weigh no more than 50 pounds. No household garbage, refuse or animal waste should be disposed with yard waste.

“Collecting Yard Waste is an important

PLACE

component to our recycling program,” said Councilman Labriola.

“One of the prime benefits of recycling yard waste is that the cost to take these materials to a compost facility is less than the cost to dispose of them at an out-of-state landfill. This successful program is another example of the Town’s commitment to providing high quality environmental services while protecting our taxpayers’ wallets.”

For more information on the Town’s sanitation services, including recycling and yard waste, visit www.oysterbaytown. com.

SERAPHINA

RIDDICK 6 year old Pit mix.

LICORICE 6 year old Labrador/Collie mix.

for an active family to play fetch with.

old Chihuahua mix.

old Yorkie mix.

senior who

LITTLE SHELTER • 33 WARNER ROAD, HUNTINGTON • 631.368.8770

BROOKHAVEN ANIMAL SHELTER • 300 HORSEBLOCK ROAD, BROOKHAVEN • 631.451.6950

Tim White Home Improvements, Inc. is a family owned and operated home improvement company. Since 1994 they have been serving Nassau and Suffolk counties in all their home improvement needs. From kitchens and bathrooms to dormers and extensions, they always seek to provide the best service to their customers.

Over the years they have put together a great team of project managers, designers, and top-notch employees. They will treat your home as if it were their own. They pride themselves on the amount of repeat and referral business they receive by providing excellent service and offering a one-stop source for all residential

Highlighting Local Businesses

remodeling needs. They put their name on every job they do and stand behind their workmanship.

How It Works: Once you decide to work with them your project gets a dedicated Project Manager to be your main point of communication throughout your renovation experience. They will let you know when demolition is going to start or when the plumber is scheduled to come to your home. They will also be there to offer their advice on how you can make the best decisions for your home when considering both aesthetics and functionality. Should you decide to get a bathroom or kitchen renovation, you’ll have the opportunity to work with one of their talented

designers. They will help you select materials for your project in their expansive showroom- where they have numerous samples of tile, flooring, handles and knobs, cabinetry, faucets, sinks, and so on! Once your materials are selected the designer will make a rendering of your space.

The Showroom: Their showroom is in Seaford right on Merrick Road. They have hundreds of sample products for you to look at as you create your dream space. They have demo bathrooms and kitchens so you can see these spaces come to life. Stop by and ask any questions you have; the team at Tim White Home Improvements, Inc. would love to meet you!

BuilderTrend: Their company uses a software called BuilderTrend- which keeps everybody in the loop!

As a customer you’ll be able to see real time progress photos of your job, a daily log from your project manager, and a schedule of your job. You can also access pictures of the materials you selected for your bathroom or kitchen

Tim White Home Improvements

renovation. This will provide you with an added peace of mind.

Service Technician: Their relationship doesn’t end once your project is complete. Should anything go wrong once the job is done, they have a Service Technician on staff ready to help!

Call them today to see what they can do for you!

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Town of Oyster Bay will once again host a Pet Food & Supply Drive in partnership with Long Island Cares. The drive will take place through March 31st with a focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.

family members.

“Unfortunately, many pets are oftentimes placed into shelters or given away because families cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” said Supervisor Saladino. “When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families.”

The creation of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute over one million pounds of pet food, all of which has been donated through pet food drives like this one and corporate donations.

“These pet food and supply donation drives can help countless animals stay at home with their loved ones,” said Councilman

Hand. “The Town is proud to once again partner with Long Island Cares for this important cause.”

Those interested in supporting the Town’s Pet Food & Supply Drive can place donated items in drop-off boxes located at both Town Hall offices, including Town Hall North at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, and Town Hall

South at 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa, during regular business hours.

Town Hall locations are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information, visit www. licares.org or call the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.

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.

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.

11:00AM

KIDS YOGA ON THE FARM

Held at Organics Today Farm in East Islip for children 4-10 years old. Bring a towel, water, sunblock, and bug spray. Donation, $15. There will be 45 minutes of breathwork, warm-up, asana, yoga games, and meditation. For more information text Dr. Melissa at 631-268-4148.

1:00PM-3:00PM

BUNNY BUBBLES BASH

The Bubble Show starts promptly at 1PM followed by bubble activities and Spring themed Easter airbrush tattoos and a visit from the famous Easter bunny at Green Acres Mall in Westbury. For more information call 516-561-1157.

1:00PM-3:30PM

MOSAIC WORKSHOP

Held at the Islip Arts Council with Long Island Mosaic Artist Gabriella Grama, where you can enjoy a 2.5hour workshop to learn the art of mosaics. You will create your very own whimsical Cat key holder made in the traditional style of mosaics, using glass mosaic tiles. All materials will be provided. For more information visit www.isliparts.org.

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 By-TheSea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore. To purchase 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, please email them at 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. For more information call 631-665-7003.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

7:00PM

WHO IS JESUS? HIS LIFE IN MUSIC

Featuring a Chamber Orchestra and Choir Singers from Local Churches. Held at Simpson UMC at 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Admission is free. For more information, please call them at 631-943-5812.

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, please call 631-242-0221.

3:00PM EASTER EGG HUNT

The Chestnut Bay Equestrian is hosting an easter egg hunt at 1500 Peconic Avenue in West Babylon. The hunt begins at 3:30PM. All are welcome. To register visit the Chestnut Bay Equestrian office. For more information call 934-345-0532.

3:00PM CONCERT OF SACRED LENTEN MUSIC

Take a journey through Lent with Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. A free-will offering will be taken. Held at the Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information call 631-226-8690.

LOCAL REALTOR / COACH BRINGS

MASSAPEQUA INTERNATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL TEAM TO ITS FIRST-EVER LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES TITLE

Joe Fackler grew up living in Long Beach, New York he now lives and works in Massapequa. His life revolves around his family, selling Real Estate and Coaching

Joe became successful in Real Estate by communicating with his clients and

he is,” said Nicole Erker, mother of Sienna Erker, who was the catcher of 2023 World

He began coaching the Little League World Series team along with fellow coaches Dom Fontana and the team manager Rich Eaton. “Dom and Rich are the best of the best” Joe

“I would work by listening to what clients want rather than telling them what given the achievement of being recognized in “Top Agent Magazine” where specifically, he was noticed for being one of the top agents on Long Island. One of his greatest interests since 2008, is serving as a coach for the Massapequa International Little League team where he also sits on the board of directors. He became interested in 2008 when he played father-daughter tee-ball with his then 3-year-old daughter Jessica.

Joe, like the other coaches, has a different style of helping the players in the time of need. When it comes to the games and practices, he wants the kids to win and feel proud of themselves. However, he always makes sure the kids are not stressed out about whether they win or lose. “Remain calm. They’re kids. They’re going to make mistakes. Everybody wants to win but you have to stay calm,” he said. He believes in core values such as respect for both the players and the coaches. While coaches get a lot of recognition for their strategies within games and practices, the parents get to see a lot on the sidelines that many people don’t always see. “Joe brought a little more light to heavy practices... Coach Joe was the guy who had fun with them and gave them a different perspective,” said Josie Rios, the parent of Ava Rios, who played on Joe’s 2023 World Series Team. “He coached our kids without a kid on the team and he still coaches for the local little league. I think he just dedicates a lot of time to the love of the game. It just shows what kind of person

With hard work and lots of practices, the Massapequa Softball Little League team had the chance to August 13, 2023.

“Our team jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back and took home the title of Little League World Series Champions, the team finished undefeated with 19 Wins and 0 Losses” Joe said “This was a major win for not only Massapequa but New York State as well. The game would be known as the first world series championship game to be won by any Little League softball team in New York State.

Coach Joe has been a true helper to these kids as they have been to him. While they get good training and a respectful coach, he gets to give back to the community which he loves so much. “He’s not just a coach to these girls, he’s their friend,” Rios said. Now Joe says its back to reality and back to work changing people’s lifestyles in the form of selling homes throughout Long Island. If you’re thinking of selling or buying a home on Long Island, reach out to Joe for your Real Estate needs.

Athletic Director Earns Master Certification

Shannon McEntee, the director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation for the Massapequa School District, has been named a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. The designation, from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, recognizes her commitment to professional development.

Two years ago, Ms. McEntee was named a Certified Athletic Administrator through NIAAA’s accredited program and continued on to earn the masterlevel certification this year. She had to complete several required leadership training courses as well as electives of her choosing. Among the courses she completed were Management of Game and Event Announcing, Ethical Decision-Making

SHANNON McENTEE

in Education-Based Interscholastic Sport Programs and Stress: Causes, Effects and Strategies. She participated in a combination of online and in-person workshops.

“The courses are very content-specific and informative, and geared to what we do day to day,” she said.

Ms. McEntee also had to submit a project that

reflected her work as an athletic administrator. She used Massapequa’s coaching handbook, which she revised to reflect current practices in Massapequa’s athletic programs, updated communication processes and new legal requirements. Several of the changes to the handbook, she said, were based on knowledge she gained from the leadership courses she has taken through NIAAA.

“I just want to continue to grow and get better at what I do,” Ms. McEntee said, about her pursuit of the Certified Master Athletic Administrator designation. “Everything that I’ve learned has gone into immediate application for the benefit of Massapequa’s physical education and athletics programs, and our students.”

“I know we’ll keep coming back over the years, and I know someday they’ll bring their own children to Woodloch

It just really is that special.”

- Courtney Byrne -

For over 65 years we have been changing the lives of our guests with an unmatched vacation experience focused on wholesome homegrown activities and family-focused traditions.

Spring is here, and The Massapequa Chamber has been very busy getting ready for some major events. We are constantly looking for ways to help our local businesses and community out, and we have some new programs we wanted to share with everyone.

April 18th will be our rst Taste of Massapequa event. Massapequa Restaurants and members will be at Wren Kitchens in Massapequa for a fun night for our community to come out and sample food from these great establishments. We have a variety of restaurants signed up and will have great raffle baskets for people to have a chance at winning, while supporting our scholarship and community support programs.

June will bring our annual Street Fair, and this year we are bringing back rides for the kids in addition to the petting zoo and pony rides. The community asked for more activities for the little ones, so we will have a company providing slides and bounce houses, which are always a hit.

We have had an active winter, adding more members who we want to recognize here. We had 11 new members join the chamber in January and February including a few out of Massapequa businesses and several home-based businesses:

• Kool Kat Soft Ice Cream - Ashley runs a home-based business and they have 5 ice cream trucks. They have a route in Massapequa. Referred by Isabelle Rapacciuolo.

• Long Island Breakfast Club Show - Valentina has a radio and internet-based show, with a recording studio located at 20 Broadway, Massapequa, NY, 11758. They do Facebook live videos to market businesses. They do professional business coaching as well. They looked online to join.

• ISMASH - Melissa owns an ISMASH franchise located in Farmingdale, and serves many people from Massapequa. It is an entertainment concept to “blow off steam” You pick your tool of choice and do some smashing. They are located at 334 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735

• NSE Windows - located in Massapequa for many years, and they found out about the chamber online. They are very interested in being part of the community. They are located at 5340 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758

• Stitch This Print That - contact person is Roberta. She was referred to chamber from Robin Hepworth. They have customers from Massapequa. They have a full-service screen-printing store. You can go in person to view products. Printing is done onsite. They are located at 1921 Bellmore Avenue, North Bellmore, 11710.

• Coco Bongo LI - This is a latin food restaurant and entertainment venue. They found out about the chamber through others and are joining as Platinum Members. They are interested in hosting events for the Chamber, so look at our calendar, it is going to be great. They are located at 432 N Wantagh Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714

• Up in Lights Entertainment. Owner is Chantel Rapacciulo. Her business is a red carpet/ glam photo booth experience. She also has a sel e photo booth. She rents out backdrops and ower walls as well. Referred by Isabelle Rapacciuolo. She is a home-based business in Massapequa.

• PURE Mammography - Contact person is Felicia Kasow. They provide a spa like mammogram experience ages 35 and up. You can walk in- no prescription needed. They take insurance. They are located in the Roosevelt Field Mall. She found out about chamber through the website.

• BHHS Laffey International Realty - Thomas Antonetti is a local realtor and found out about the chamber through Facebook. They are located at 191 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park.

• BOOM Zeal - William Cann does construction management. They are located at 74 Bridge Road, Islandia, NY. They found out about the chamber through another Massapequa chamber member and had attended the recent networking event at Freepoint Ninja Aceademy. They have clients in Massapequa.

• Imperity Advisors - Michael Tanner offers nancial services including investments, insurance etc. He has been a Massapequa resident for 47 years. They found out about the chamber online. They are located at 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 203, Melville We continue to add home-based businesses and businesses located outside of Massapequa. We encourage you to join if you have a home-based business or are located outside of Massapequa as well. Our goal as a chamber is to help our members promote themselves through networking, social media and helping them get a online presence as well as providing community events like our Street Fair in June and the Holiday Fair in December. We are also looking for people who want to get on our committees to help us achieve our mission. We look forward to seeing you this Spring and enjoying the warmer weather!

Robert Zabbia President, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce

Town Seeks Counselors

Summer

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Steve Labriola announced that the Town is seeking counselors ages 16 and older for the 2024 Summer Recreation Program. The six-week program provides a rewarding employment experience for counselors as they work with children and make a difference.

“This great summer job is ideal for residents age 16 or older who are looking to build their resume,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Our summer recreation counselors get real-world experience while having fun, making memories, and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Applicants must be available for the duration of the program, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning July 1st through August 9th. Orientation will take place the week of June 24th. Summer Recreation Program participants take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, including the TOBAY Games, making being a counselor a great first job for many residents. Employment opportunities are offered at Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa), PlainviewOld Bethpage and SyossetWoodbury Community Parks, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale,

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, and Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.

“The Town has positions available for counselors, coordinators, leaders and assistant leaders at all locations, especially at our north shore facilities at Theodore Roosevelt Park and Tappen Beach,” said Councilman Labriola. “Spots fill quickly and we encourage all interested residents to fill out an application today.”

For more information, prospective counselors should contact Town’s Department of Parks at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation.

Easter Sunday Mass Celebrations

Celebrations of Easter Sunday Mass are known for their joyous nature regardless of where Christians happen to be. But few, if any, celebrations of Mass can match the scope of the celebration in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the public celebration to be canceled in 2020 and 2021,

but it returned in 2022. A sizable number of celebrants returned along with it, as estimates suggested around 50,000 people were on hand to celebrate Easter Sunday Mass on the plaza directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica on April 17, 2022.

Pope Francis led the Mass, which was concelebrated with 280 priests, 25 bishops

and 23 cardinals. But the crowd attending Mass was just the beginning, as Pope Francis later delivered his Urbi et Orbi benediction, a papal address and apostolic blessing the pope delivers on solemn occasions, from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica before an estimated crowd of 100,000.

Assemblyman Durso Announces Annual Pet Food Drive

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (Massapequa Park), in coordination with Long Island Cares, is inviting the community to participate in his annual Pet Food Drive to help families keep their pets out of shelters and remain at home where they belong.

Assemblyman Durso is asking residents, community organizations and pet lovers to kindly donate unopened bags of dog and cat food, canned pet food and pet supplies. All items collected will

be donated to Baxter’s Pet Pantry, operated by Long Island Cares, which provides free pet food and pet supplies to petowning families in need throughout Long Island.

Donations can be dropped off at Assemblyman Durso’s district office located at 512 Park Boulevard in Massapequa Park or at various other locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties through April 5, 2024 . For more information, call Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.

Donations are being

accepted at the following locations:

• Assemblyman

Durso’s Office: 512 Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY

• Petco 5500 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa, NY

• Babylon Library 24 S Carll Ave, Babylon, NY

• North Babylon Library 815 Deer Park Ave, North Babylon, NY

• West Babylon Library 211 NY-109, West Babylon, NY

• West Islip Library 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY

Help Wanted

Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted

Software Developer (2 Positions) needed w/Bach Deg or Foreign Equiv in Comp Sci or Comp Engg or Comp Info Systems & 5 yrs of progressive work exp as S/ware Dvlpr or Lead S/ware Dvlpr performing following job duties or Master’s deg or Foreign Equiv in Comp Sci or Comp Engg or Comp Info Systems & 1 yr exp as S/ware Dvlpr or Lead S/ware Dvlpr performing following job duties: Dsgn & dvlp real-time, distributed s/ware systems using C++, C#, Asp.Net, WPF, Azure DevOps, Git SCM, Entity Framework, Servoy, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Jasper Reports, XML/XSLT & Xamarin. Participate in all phases of S/ware Dvlpmt Life Cycle, reqmt analysis, s/ware dsgn, implmtn, testing & support. Perform multi-threading, d/base dsgn, dvlpmt & data synchronization techniques. Ensure balance between high performance, high availability & fault tolerance through stress & DR testing techniques. Perform architectural improvements & performance tuning sprints by identifying technical debt & bottlenecks & also ensure that customer work ows are not impacted. Provide support for smooth operation of mission critical production envrmts using troubleshooting techniques, root cause analysis & debugging tools. Job Locs: Mineola, NY / Plano, TX or any unanticipated client sites w/in the U.S. Must be available to travel & relocate to any unanticipated client sites for temp projects. Salary: $169,229.00/year. Mail resumes to: Tra x LLC, 34 Willis Ave, Ste 201, Mineola, NY 11501

COPIAGUE

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFI CERS (SCHOOL SECURI TY GUARDS)

F/T ( 35 Hours/week)

District Sup por ts 211

Wa iver Process for F/ T Staff - $22 .59/hr

Availability for a fte rnoon/earl y even in g ho urs a pl us Mu st have a mini mu m of 7 years experi en ce in law en forcemen t/peace officer or 1 yr Expe ri en ce plus de gree in Crimin al Ju stice.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFI CERS (SUBS TITUTE SECURI TY GUARDS )

W ill sup por ts FT /PT gu ards in the fu ncti on of their duti es Prior law enf orce me nt experi en ce, trai ning and secu ri ty gua rd li cense required -$20.00/hr

Qualified ca nd id at es should prin t complete an a ppl ication at www. copiague.k12.ny.us and email or fax al on g wi th resume and co ve r le tt er to :

Mr . Todd J. Andrews

Assistant Supe rintendent for Human Resources

Don't Mi ss Out!

us at Stronger Body, Stronger Mind

156 Lakeland Ave. Sayville

Sat. , March 23 rd , 3:00 PM

Meet Top Busine ss

Mentor & Moti vati

Fa x: (631) 8 41- 462 1 E qual Opportuni ty Employer

Painting Paperhanging

Painting Paperhanging

Just like movie trailers spark interest for an upcoming flick, fifth graders at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District wanted to generate the same type of buzz for their biography reports.

Christine Gooden’s

Polar Plunge Returns To TOBAY Beach March 23rd

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto invite residents to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” at the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics New York on Saturday, March 23rd at TOBAY Beach.

“Many of our residents head to TOBAY Beach for summer fun, but this event provides an enjoyable and charitable reason to spend a great day at the beach much sooner,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Participants will have an opportunity to prove their mettle and their compassion by wading into the chilly waters of TOBAY Beach to raise funds for the athletes of

Special Olympics New York.”

The event kicks off with winter festival fun and registration starting at 9:00 a.m., with the plunge beginning at 11 a.m. Requested donation is $25 per participant. Plungers who raise $150 receive a commemorative Polar Plunge sweatshirt.

All of the money raised through the Polar Plunge helps provide yearround sports training and competition as well as leadership, health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in your community.

“This polar plunge is sure

to create lasting memories for all participants while supporting a very worthwhile cause,” added Councilman Imbroto. “Special Olympics New York changes lives through the joy of sports and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with this outstanding organization to help make this event a success. Please join with me in braving the chilly waters for a great reason.”

Pre-register yourself, family and team today at www. PolarPlungeNY.org. For more information, call Rebecca Hoffmann at (631) 458-1579 or e-mail rhoffmann@nyso. org.

Fifth Graders Hype Their Famous Figures

students used Canva to make movie trailer-inspired promos about the famous people they researched. The project spanned several weeks, during which students did research, wrote a report and built a bottle doll model.

The young biographers

each picked a notable person from the past or present to study. Their subjects included athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, scientists, world leaders and more. The purpose of the research project was for students to learn more about people who have

made positive contributions to the world. Students become immersed in the biography unit through multiple components. The bottle dolls engaged students with hands-on creation, while the Canva promos added a digital element for today’s

tech-savvy learners. Their biography movie trailers had to include an opening slide with the subject’s name, interesting facts and a picture of the bottle dolls. Students could include fun graphics and background music to liven up their projects. They

explored different elements like a background remover feature and animations, and students who quickly mastered Canva helped out their classmates. Ms. Gooden said that she wanted the trailers to be both informational and creative.

JACKIE ROBINSON AND JANE GOODALL - Samuel Chang and Ariella Portillo learned about Jackie Robinson and Jane Goodall, respectively, during the biography unit.

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

JACKIE ROBINSON AND JANE GOODALL - Fairfield Elementary School fifth graders Malia Triolo and Matthew Rasmison worked on their biography movie trailers using Canva about the famous people they research. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Volunteers Wanted For Dune Grass Planting Day At TOBAY Beach

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announce a great environmental volunteer initiative for those who love visiting the beach and helping to protect the shoreline. The Town of Oyster Bay will host its annual ‘Dune Day’ grass planting program to help

stabilize the beach dunes, on Saturday, March 23rd at TOBAY Beach. The event begins at 10 a.m.

“The Town’s Dune Stabilization Project brings together residents of all ages in an effort to protect and preserve our beautiful shoreline and environment by planting stalks of dune grass,” said Supervisor

Saladino. “Year after year, this event is a great opportunity for school groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and other environmentally-conscious organizations to help protect Mother Earth while having fun!”

Dunes along the south shore continue to face environmentally damaging storms that have a

significant impact on the beach. Statistics indicate that the planting of dune grass provides a natural shield that is perfect for withstanding storm surges and high winds.

“The Dune Stabilization Project helps preserve the beach and barrier island for future generations,” said Councilwoman Johnson.

Seeking Nominations For Women Of Distinction Program

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) 6246380 for an application.

“Volunteers work alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share an interest in helping preserve TOBAY Beach.”

Early registration is not necessary to participate. To register in advance as

a volunteer, residents can visit www.oysterbaytown. com/volunteerform. For additional information, contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or email environmental@oysterbayny.gov.