March 22, 2023 North Massapequa

-

You don’t have to be Irish to keep your eyes smiling! Lucky You

You don’t have to be Irish to keep your eyes smiling! Lucky You

You don’t have to be Irish to keep your eyes smiling! Save 17% off any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses during the entire month of March (with this ad).

pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses during the entire month of March (with this ad).

Virtual Try- on technology lets you shop with ease and confidence. Stop by any Lookable Store for a free demo and see what all the talk is about.

or sunglasses during the entire month of March. Save 17% off any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses during the entire month of March (with this ad).

any pair of

Virtual Try On technology lets you shop with ease and con dence. Stop by any Lookable Store for a free demo and see what all the talk is about.

Buying eyewear has never been so fun! Eye exam included with eyewear purchase.

Virtual Try- on technology lets you shop with ease and confidence. Stop by any Lookable Store for a free demo and see what all the talk is about.

Buying eyewear has never been so fun! Eye exam included with eyewear purchase.

Buying eyewear has never been so fun! Eye exam included with eyewear purchase. 135 Deer Park Ave, Babylon, NY 11702 2324 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566 83 W. Main St, Smithtown, NY 11787 3251 Sunrise Hwy, Wantagh, NY 11793

135 Deer Park Ave, Babylon, NY 11702 2324 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566

83 W. Main St, Smithtown, NY 11787 3251 Sunrise Hwy, Wantagh, NY 11793

Lucky you can save 17% off

eyeglasses

Lucky you can save 17% off any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses during the entire month of March. Save 17% off any

409878BN032223

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for March is Canine Companions®

www.canine.org

Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. They proudly o er their support services free of charge to recipients.

Their Northeast Region (Long Island Chapter) is located right in Medford, however they have six regions across the country and serve all 50 states.

Did you know that National Puppy Day is March 23rd? Canine Companions will be celebrating with a live puppy cam from 9ammidnight, featuring eight-week-old future service dogs. You can tune in to watch this litter of very special puppies as they romp and play, eat and sleep and begin their lifechanging journeys. In addition to the puppies, the live feed will feature three informative presentations. Join the fun by visiting canine.org/puppy cam!

Minority Leader Abrahams, Minority Caucus File Legislation To Make Volunteer Firefighters, Ambulance Workers Eligible For Property Tax Exemptions After

Two Years Of Service

to children, adults and veterans with disabilities at no cost.

You can help the puppies of today become the service dogs of tomorrow by becoming a volunteer puppy raiser!

Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers provide specially-bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love.

Volunteers are warmly welcomed in other capacities as well, such as Front Desk Reception, General O ce Support, Puppy Transporter and Event Support, amongst other fields. Without loyal volunteers, this organization couldn’t fulfill their mission, so they are beyond grateful for each individual that gives their time and e orts to help.

Looking to help out but running low on time? You can share your support of Canine Companions when you post about them on social media! Their marketing team has specifically planned out posts with catchy graphics for anyone to post. Scan the QR Code below or visit their website (www.canine.org) to find all the tools you need to start spreading the word.

To ensure that Nassau County’s volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers receive the maximum property tax exemption allowable under a recently amended state law, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D – Freeport) and his Minority Caucus colleagues have proudly introduced legislation that will make firefighter/ ambulance workers eligible for property tax exemptions after completing two years of volunteer service.

The previous eligibility threshold was five years of service. On Friday, Jan. 20, the seven members of the Minority Caucus filed

legislation that would opt Nassau County into a state law, enacted in December 2022, that allows volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to apply for up to a 10-percent exemption on the assessed value of their property (exclusive of special assessments) after completing two years of service.

Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers must live in the community served by their volunteer organization to qualify for this exemption.

Days after the Minority Caucus filed its legislative proposal, the Majority Caucus re-filed the proposal on Monday, Jan. 23 with all 19 legislators

as sponsors, all but guaranteeing passage.

“The Minority Caucus is deeply appreciative of the commitment that our courageous volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers demonstrate as they serve and protect the residents of Nassau County on a daily basis,” Minority Leader Abrahams said. “We are gratified that our proposal appears on track for unanimous approval, and we look forward to providing an incentive that will make Nassau County more affordable for our selfless volunteers and encourage more people to step up and answer the call of community service.”

Neighbor Pets’ Place

JANIE Young female. Sweet, playful and friendly.

JENNA Young female. Cute and outgoing. Enjoys playtime and pets.

KARIN Young female. Sweet and laid back. Seeking a forever home.

Young female. Quiet and friendly. Looking for a BFF.

These puppies are destined to do great things – and this is just the beginning. For the next two years, they will be raised and expertly trained to help provide enhanced independence and confidence

For more information, please call 631.561.0200 and watch for next week’s article, which will spotlight an upcoming event and much more!

If your non-profit would like to be featured in this column,please email noellelambert@longislandmediagroup.com for consideration.

the company of people.

Maier Urges Residents To Donate Blood As National Shortage Impacts Hospitals Residents Encouraged To Donate Blood On March 28th At Hicksville Athletic Center

With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Tuesday, March 28th from 1pm to 7pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.

Councilwoman Maier stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though

a simple blood donation.”

Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Saladino Announces Free Job Fair

Councilwoman Maier added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at https://bit. ly/3IkK8U6

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, The Workforce Partnership and New York State Department of Labor are offering a Free Job Fair, which will take place on Thursday, March 30, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Avenue in Bethpage. There is no charge for admission and parking is free. Veterans’ admission begins at 10:00 a.m., while doors for General Admission open at 10:30 a.m. The event runs until 2:00 p.m.

Employers from across Long Island will be seeking candidates for various positions. Some of these include management, licensed professional, hospitality, banking, staffing and technical.

“We have helped thousands of residents find meaningful employment through our career center and private sector jobs fair,” said Supervisor

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

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

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

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

March Happenings

Registration Now Open For Toddler Sports Program

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced that the Toddler Sports Program returns this spring on April 18th. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

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

2pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

7:00PM-8:00PM

WOMEN OF LONG ISLAND

This presentation highlights women of Long Island, who made history during the past three centuries. Register online at freeportlibrary.info, by phone 516-3793274, or in person at the ASK Desk at the Freeport Memorial Library.

7:00PM-8:30PM

MUSIC & ASTRONOMY NIGHT

An evening of live music paired with scientifically accurate out of this world visuals in the upgraded Jet Blue Sky Theater Planetarium at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Visit cradleofaviation. org for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

9:00AM-11:00AM

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Held at Brumidi Lodge Deer Park. Ages 3 and under are free. Ages 4-12, $12 and 13+ are $18. Includes breakfast, toy auction, 50/50 raffle, lottery cash board raffle and crafts. Call Karen at 631-9433622 to reserve your seat or table.

9:30AM-12:00PM

GO FOR GREEN 5K RUN/WALK

The event will take place, rain or shine at the Smithtown Elementary School. Bring in your Race Number for 1 Free Draft Beer at Napper Tandy's Irish Pub on race day. Call Brendan at 516-531-3323 to register.

10:00AM-1:00PM

FREE HALF DAY KIDS CAMP

Enjoy crafts, stories, a scavenger hunt and lunch at the Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park. For kids ages 3 to 12 years old. Register by March 22nd. Call 631-242-0221.

11:00AM-4:00PM

ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN SHOW

This show benefits the Smithtown Historical Society for maintenance of farm buildings and animal care. Held at Frank Brush Barn in Smithtown. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 12. Call Vinnie at 631-524-0529.

5:00PM-7:30PM

PAINT LIKE A MASTER

Paint & Sip Series for artist Salvador Dali, Meditative Rose, 1958 at the Islip Arts Council Gallery. This is a 21+ event, $40 includes supples, drinks and snacks. Call 631-888-3525 to register.

7:00PM

LONG ISLAND ATTORNEY & AUTHOR

S.P. Brown will be at Westbury Arts and will feature literary excerpt readings from her books and discussions in honor of Women's History Month. Visit westburyarts.org to sign up.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

2:00-4:00PM

MEET A REAL SLED DOG

Musher, Karen Land and her sled dog Noggin, will be at the Patchogue-Medford Library to answer any questions on what it's like to ride and care for a team of dogs through mountainous terrain. Registration is required. Call 631-6544700 to attend.

3:00-6:00PM

LINE DANCE BARN BASH

Enjoy line dance lessons for beginners and up by Skip & Country Rythms at Brush Barn Smithtown Historical Society. Beer, wine and snacks available for donation. For more information call 631581-0771.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

10:00-10:45PM

BOOKS IN THE BARN

Listen to stories about farms, barns and animals at the barn at the Smithtown Historical Society. Visit the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies and barn cats. Visit smithlib.org/children to register online or call 631-360-2480 ext. 140.

1:00PM

MUSIC LOVER'S CLUB

Enjoy a free musical performance the last Monday of every month through April at the United Methodist Church in Islip, Meeting Room 1. Refreshments to follow. For more information call Donald Warner at 516-993-9032.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

6:30PM

WANTAGH PRESERVATION MEETING

Interesting "Show &Tell" meeting planned. Bring any Wantagh related items to share information on, or just come and listen. Light refreshments will be served. Call 516-826-8767 for questions.

6:30PM-8:45PM

LONG ISLAND BRIDAL EXPO

At this event you will find everything for your wedding under one roof at the Garden City Hotel. Free for brides, grooms, family and friends. Reservations are suggested. To register visit longislandbridalexpo.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

7:00PM-11:00PM

MURDER MYSTERY EVENT

Attend the Masquerade at Marconi Manorand to solve the crime before the masked menace gets away! Cocktail attire in Black and Gold is suggested for this event. Call Vicki at 631-361-9020 ext. 1287 for more information.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on: Tuesdays at 1pm or 2pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center; and Thursdays at 1pm or

Online registration is now available at www. oysterbaytown.com/ parksportal. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783

1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783

www.northwell.edu/imaging/locations/massapequa

Now providing state-of-the-art imaging services right in your neighborhood in a warm and safe environment.

Now providing state- of- the- art imaging services right in your neighborhood in a warm and safe environment

SERVICES OFFERED:

MRI, Low Dose CT Scan, Cardiac Services, Ultrasound, Digital X-ray, DEXA (Bone Densisty)

Comprehensive Breast Imaging Services

3-D Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, Breast MRI

SERVICES OFFERED: MRI, Low Dose CT Scan, Cardiac Services, Ultrasound, Digital X - ray, DEXA (Bone Density)

Breast Biopsies including Ultrasound-Guided, MRI-Guided and Stereotactic

Comprehensive Breast Imaging Services

Appointments: 516-266-3456

3- D Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, Breast MRI

Breast Biopsies including Ultrasound Guided, MRI- Guided and Stereotactic

Appointments: 516- 266 -3456

Multilingual Massapequa Students To Earn Seal Of Biliteracy

After six years of studying world languages, 46 Massapequa High School seniors will earn the Seal of Biliteracy when they graduate in June. This is the fourth year that the school has offered the prestigious designation for students who have demonstrated a strong knowledge of at least two languages.

William Anderson, curriculum associate for world languages and ENL, explained that the Seal of Biliteracy shows mastery of English and at least one other language. Massapequa offers American Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, but students could also pursue it in another language they’ve learned independently. This year’s Seal of Biliteracy candidates include students who have mastered Greek and Polish.

“I enjoy exploring foreign cultures, especially ones that are much further away from the United States,” said Cristian Rivera, who is earning the Seal of Biliteracy in

English and Spanish.

“I’m always up for a challenge,” added senior Juliana Koubek, who also has taken Spanish as her world language since seventh grade.

Students have to complete a research project and make a presentation, in their respective world language, to a panel of educators. Cristian studied the history and impact of architecture in the United States and Spain, analyzing three buildings from each country. He looked at the Empire State Building, a castle in Arizona with a gothic Spanish revival inspiration and Union Station in California.

From Spain, he studied La Sagrada Familia, the University of Salamanca and Plaza de España.

Juliana used a trip to the Galápagos Islands as inspiration for her project. Her environmentalthemed project focused on the effects of climate change on endangered species in the Galápagos Islands and on Long Island.

Students can pick topics based on their own personal interests, and

must make comparisons between the United States and a country where their world language is spoken. Juliana said with a freedom of topic choice, her creativity and passion shined through in the final product.

Cristian and Juliana said that having the Seal of Biliteracy will benefit them throughout their lives as they meet and interact with people from many different backgrounds. For Cristian, he said that earning the distinction shows the strength of the connections he made to Spanish language and culture over the past six years. In college, he is considering learning a third language.

Juliana said that Spanish class has always been a highlight of her school day and she hopes to minor in the language in college.

“I would recommend pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy,” she said. “It was meaningful and informative, and it’s definitely going to help me moving forward.”

Cristian Rivera and Juliana Koubek are two of 46 students who will graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy this year. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

STUDENTS TO EARN SEAL OF BILITERACY - Massapequa High School seniors

Finding

Hope

&

Purpose After The Loss Of Your Partner Or Spouse

One of the most traumatic of losses, coping with the passing of a partner or spouse is very difficult and is an acutely unique intimate loss, usually leading to an overwhelming grieving process. But experts say that with thoughtful support, individuals who have experienced the loss of a partner, can find hope and purpose, and learn to navigate holidays and events again that tend to weigh heavily on widows and widowers.

“What’s unique about the loss of a partner or spouse are the secondary losses most experience such as the loss of the person you sleep beside every night, the loss of the person you raise your children with, the loss of income now that your partner has passed on, etc.,” says Grief Coach, Kathryn Monaco Douglas. “And then when you throw in celebrated days like birthdays and holidays, coping with the loss of a partner can be especially challenging.”

Kathryn Monaco Douglas, who was widowed at a young age, and who now helps widows and widowers through her sought-after support group, Widowed Not Alone, believes that with the right support from the very beginning of their grieving process, individuals who have lost partners do not need to feel as if they are now left to handle life on their own.

In Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum’s recent February 7th workshop, “Finding Hope & Purpose

After the Loss of Your Partner or Spouse,” which was developed in partnership with the grief and healing organization COPE, Douglas led individuals through a healing workshop that provided guidance and connection for widows and widowers and shared tips for common trigger days such as celebrated days and holidays.

“Widowhood is a club that no one wants to belong

to, but individuals who participate, are fortunate to have each other,” asserts Douglas, Founder and President of Widowed Not Alone. “At Widowed Not Alone, there is no support group completion date. It consists of an eight week program, but afterwards members continue with us socially. With shared commonalities, participants form lifelong friendships.”

“Our group model supports the bereaved from day one, to help individuals navigate through their loss from the start, whereas most others require grievers to wait up to three months before joining,” emphasized Douglas. “I feel that it’s vital to provide a welcoming community that provides a sense of belonging immediately knowing that mourners who have lost their partner or spouse face emotional and practical concerns and issues right away.”

“Pinelawn’s healing workshops focus on providing the tools and strategies for healthy coping with the loss of a loved one,” said Justin Locke, President of Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum. “We are privileged to have had Kathryn lead this important workshop and also want to thank COPE, our partner in generating awareness for grief healing services.

Pinelawn is proud to make these essential grief workshops available for free to the bereaved.”

“Our community is very fortunate to have had Kathryn leading this important and timely workshop - her work and her wisdom come directly from her own lived experience,” said Adam Rabinovitch, Executive Director of COPE. “We are grateful to Kathryn and to Pinelawn for creating this opportunity for connection and closeness with others - it is a crucial part of the grief experience and healing from the loss of an intimate partner.”

Some ideas and suggestions Douglas shared with participants during the workshop, to help them through the recent Valentine’s Day holiday included, making a plan in advance so that you’re not left alone or without an activity. She also suggested that if you do go out, to take your own car, so that you can leave whenever you’re ready.

Now in its third year, Pinelawn’s online Grief Healing Workshop Series was created during the Covid Pandemic to support those mourning the loss of loved ones, when many remained isolated in their homes. To date, Pinelawn has hosted 25 online grief healing workshops which have assisted over 1,300 individuals coping with grief. Topics covered have included Self-Healing & Resilience Building, Rethinking the Holidays After Loss, Journaling for Life After Loss, Allowing Nature to Hold Us, Healing Through Music, and more.

About Cope

Founded in 1999, COPE is a nonprofit grief and healing organization helping parents and families living with the loss of a child. Started by bereaved parents, COPE now offers professionally led support groups, a grief support phone line, and monthly healing workshops including yoga, meditation, Reiki, art, movement, music, writing and journaling. COPE has grown to support children and teens who have lost a loved one, particularly through COPE’s Camp Erin® NYC, a free summer weekend experience to support kids and parents who are grieving. Learn more at www.copefoundation.org

About Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum

For more information about Widowed Not Alone, including details on upcoming workshops, please visit, www. widowednotalone.com/.

Special Olympics New York And Jersey Mike’s Team Up For Second Consecutive Day Of Giving

On March 29th

Special Olympics New York is pleased to announce that 41 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations around the state will participate in the Day and Month of Giving campaigns for the second consecutive year.

During March, customers can donate to Special Olympics NY at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants. The campaign culminates with a Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 29, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales to the athletes of Special Olympics NY.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mike’s Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales – every penny – goes to help a great local cause,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO.

“Jersey Mike’s is a true champion of champions. Every dollar donated during the Month of Giving –and every dollar spent at partner locations March 29 – will help change lives for people with intellectual differences,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Our athletes, families, and supporters look forward to

celebrating inclusion with Jersey Mike’s all month long.”

Please find a list of participating Long Island locations below:

601 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

15 Hewitt Square, East Northport, NY

280A Middle Country Rd., Selden, NY

6224 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY

1280 Broad Hollow Rd.(Rt 110), Farmingdale, NY

5050 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa Park, NY

155 West Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst, NY

586 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY

4600 Nesconset Hwy., Port Jefferson Station, NY

2756 Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore, NY

512 Commack Rd, Deer Park, NY

1113 Route 25A, Stony Brook, NY

585 Main Street

(Montauk Highway), Bay Shore, NY

410 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY

988 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY

202 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place, NY

2345 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, NY 180 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 51 E Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 869 Montauk Highway, Bayport, NY 4025C Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage, NY 24 Atlantic Ave, Oceanside, NY 643 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook, NY

Ready Readers Move Forward

Fourth graders in Susan Crimarco’s class at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District are undoubtedly stronger readers after a monthlong competition.

Students participated in an iReady reading contest and the goal was for each child to pass at least 20 lessons in the digital assessment

tool. Teachers use iReady to determine a student’s reading needs, create a personalized instructional plan and monitor progress.

The competition in Ms. Crimarco’s class got pretty serious. When it was over, students collectively passed 1,301 lessons, well more than 20 per reader. The top reader in the class passed

156 lessons, and everyone advanced multiple reading levels.

For their efforts, the class earned a week of no homework and the top five readers got a lunch of their choice with Ms. Crimarco. She said that next up will be an iReady math competition.

Polar Plunge Returns To TOBAY Beach March 25th

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 25th 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 9:30 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 year-round 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.

NOTICE-Federal and State law make it unlawful for employers and employment agencies to advertise prospective employment where the job is limited as to age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, genetic disposition or carrier status or marital status unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). This publication does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws

Help Wanted Help Wanted

DO YOU HAVE A PHONE & WIFI? WORK FROM ANYWHERE!

ASK ME ABO UT BA HAMAS INCENTIVE GOING ON NOW!!

Monday,

Town Announces Environmental Poster Contest For 4th Grade Students

To raise awareness of pollution and its impact on Mother Nature, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announced the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s poster contest, Our Town Our Environment, invites youngsters to create a poster depicting ‘Marine Pollution Solutions.’

“This poster contest presents a great opportunity to bring environmental awareness to our young people, making them more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting our waterways and safeguarding our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino.

Students should submit a poster to communicate awareness of how items of plastic litter harm our waterways and various ways to solve the issue of marine pollution, including proper recycling. Submissions should be made on poster paper (no larger than 12”x18”). No

edible items should be used on the poster. The top three winning posters to be displayed at a Town facility and showcased in a future Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.

“This contest is being co-sponsored by The Waterfront Center, Friends of the Bay, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program. These organizations greatly contribute to our efforts in further protecting and preserving the environment,” said Councilwoman Walsh.

“I invite all 4th grade students to participate in this great program, which provides an opportunity to become more educated on the serious issue of how to protect our environment and improve the quality of our waterways while having the potential of winning some great prizes.”

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions, with 1st Place receiving a private tour of Oyster Bay Harbor aboard a Friends of the Bay vessel, $200 gift certificate for the Waterfront Center in Oyster

Bay, a $100 gift certificate to Long Island Aquarium, a tree planted at the winning student’s school for Arbor Day, a nautical trivia game, Friends of the Bay apparel and a Choose Local F.I.S.H. t-shirt from CCE. Submission deadline for the contest is Friday, March 31st, with winners to be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd. Second and third place winners will also receive a gift certificate to the Waterfront Center, receive a tree planting in their school district, as well as apparel and reusable items.

Along with their poster submission, students must include an entry form, which is available at www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest. Mail or email posters to the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29 Spring Street, Oyster Bay NY, 11771. Entries can also be emailed to environmental@oysterbayny.gov with the subject line ‘2023 Poster Contest.’ Visit www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest for more details.

Councilman Labriola Announces New Co-Ed Pickleball Program

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve

Labriola invites residents to take part in a new coed pickleball program, beginning April 4th at the Town of Oyster Bay’s Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 Broadway in Hicksville. Pickleball is available to individuals 18 years of age or older and offered for 10 weeks long and held on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am to 9:30am.

Councilman Labriola stated, “Pickleball continues to be a growing sport in our communities and this program will provide an even greater

Become A Certified Soccer Referee Or Assistant Referee

opportunity for fans to participate. Pickleball is a fun and social sport provides a great healthy activity for the whole family.”

Online registration is now available at www. oysterbaytown.com/ parksportal. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity. Fees are $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents.

Proof of residency requires individuals to upload a tax or utility bill and valid photo ID. Participants must provide their own racket.

Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages, played with a wooden paddle and lightweight plastic ball. The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong and can include two, three or four players. It shares similarities to other racquet sports. The dimensions and layout closely resemble a badminton court, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court and rules of the game are somewhat similar to tennis.

For more information, call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbayny.gov.

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

As the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) gets ready to kick off its Spring Season in our 10 leagues from Long Island to the Canadian border, the growth of our programs has created a need for additional referees and assistant refs.

There are many wonderful things that happen when a person starts to ref including earning money, having the best view of the action, learning to manage people, learning more about the game, staying or becoming fit, expanding yourself by leaving your comfort zone as well as meeting the greatest people on soccer fields, including your new officiating colleagues. Becoming a youth soccer ref could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified.

Classes are happening throughout the state and they consist of an online learning process wrapped up by a field session. For more info about certification near you, please contact State Youth Referee Administrator

Cheryl Aronson at syra@ enysreferee.org and she will let you know how to get started.

With approximately 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the nonprofit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www. enysoccer.com/

Photo courtesy of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA).