Since their first advanced class together in ninth grade, Massapequa High School seniors Samantha
have found themselves at nearby desks many times. Now, they are together side-by-side in the
Portz and William Stebner are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Massapequa
Congratulating Samantha and William on the accomplishment were Superintendent Dr. William
for Guidance Paul Weber, guidance counselors Allison Fifield, Principal Barbara Lowell and guidance
and
Eileen Tilton. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
Long Islanders Donate 25,000 Meals To PSEG Long Island’s Power To Feed Long Island Initiative - Helping Local Families Struggling With Food Insecurity
PSEG Long Island thanks generous Long Islanders for helping make its fourth annual PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island initiative another success. In the seven collection events that took place from Memorial Day through the end of September, the equivalent of 25,000 meals was collected for Island Harvest Food Bank and distributed to members of the community through local food pantries and soup kitchens. In the past four years, this initiative has collected and distributed the equivalent of nearly 130,000 meals to people on Long Island struggling with food insecurity.
“We are grateful to the people of Long Island for their kindness and compassion in supporting PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food
collection initiative this year,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “In each community we visited, we met wonderful people with a genuine desire to help their neighbors in need. Our employees stepped up once again by donating more than 650 pounds of food, which equates to more than 550 meals, and volunteering at the collection events throughout the summer. This is one of the ways PSEG Long Island supports our community, along with providing safe and reliable power.”
Breaking down the results, 14,736 pounds of food was collected at the seven sites, along with $6,350 collected online and in cash donations and gift cards. The breakdown in each area is as follows:
Making Memories: What A Summer It Was
Summer 2024 was filled with some extraordinary moments for YES and our families with the support of the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Foundation.
During the summer months, over 80 children and their families were able to partake in some memory filled events including trips to watch the Long Island Ducks as well as Adventureland Amusement Park. “Not every child has the opportunity to enjoy some fun and joyful moments with their families but thanks to the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Foundation, memories were made,” commented Adrienne LoPresti, YES Executive Director.
The smiles and excitement of the day’s events were captured as parents and their children were given the opportunity to enjoy the day together. “This was the first time, in a long time, that I was able to relax with my kids and just let them enjoy the time together. We are so grateful to YES and the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Foundation for making this possible for us.” (parent) YES and the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Foundation have partnered together for over a decade to make a difference for kids and their families. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website at yesccc.org or call us at 516 799-3203.
“PSEG Long Island’s continued support of Island Harvest’s efforts in addressing the needs of people who are food insecure once again proves that partnerships between companies and nonprofits are indeed making a difference in the lives of our neighbors faced with uncertainty,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest. “We are grateful to the PSEG Long Island employees who worked so hard to make Power to Feed Long Island a success, and we extend our thanks to our longtime partner Stop & Shop for hosting the food drives, and of course,
special thanks to the numerous Long Islanders for their generosity too.”
“Stop & Shop is proud to support Island Harvest in their mission to combat food insecurity across Long Island,” said Daniel Wolk, external communications manager, Stop & Shop.
“PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed food drives held at Stop & Shop locations across Nassau and Suffolk were a great success and will help our neighbors in need. We want to thank our caring customers for their support and donations to this important initiative, as we work together to fight hunger and help our local community members.”
Power to Feed Long Island was created by PSEG Long Island in 2021 to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity on Long Island and to provide the public with venues where they live and work to donate food and personal care items to their neighbors. Food collection events were held at seven Stop & Shop supermarkets this year in Carle Place, East Northport, Levittown, Massapequa, Oceanside, South Setauket and West Babylon from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.
PSEG Long Island created this event during the pandemic and
continued to hold events each summer because the need continues to be great. Summer is a difficult time of year for food banks, pantries and programs because vacations cause a decrease in donations and collection drives are not as prevalent. It is also a time when children out of school are not receiving daily free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch, which puts a heavier burden on their families. For additional information on Power to Feed Long Island or to make an online monetary donation, visit psegliny. com/feedLI [psegliny.com].
Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Kicks Off Their Mags&Munchies Program
Girl Scouts across Nassau County are getting ready to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit with their eagerly anticipated – Mags&Munchies Fall Product Program, running through November 3. This year’s Mags&Munchies program is all about “Embracing Possibility”, inspiring Girl Scouts to dream big and set high goals – all while raising money to help to fund their Girl Scout troop adventures.
“Mags&Munchies empowers our Girl Scouts to make a meaningful impact in their community while earning funds for their troop and hone
important business and leadership skills,” said Randell Bynum, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Engaging in both traditional and online sales, girls embody the spirit of entrepreneurial leadership, all while generating funds to support their troop activities.”
The Mags&Munchies program is an exciting adventure for Girl Scouts of all ages. Through inperson and online sales, Girl Scouts will harness the power of entrepreneurship by practicing the five key leadership lessons, including goal setting, decision making, people
skills, money management and business ethics.
New to this year’s snack lineup is the vanilla flavored honey roasted pecans, featuring a vanilla honey glaze over crunchy salted pecans. With just the right balance of sweet and savory, these crunchy treats as well as many other nut, snack and candy items will be available to order both online and in person. Customers can also explore a wide selection of magazines, with options to subscribe or renew subscriptions, as well as an assortment of stationary and tumbler items, all while supporting their favorite Girl Scout
troop.
Continuing their commitment to help others, Mags&Munchies’ Care to Share program allows Girl Scouts and their customers to support Island Harvest’s mission to end hunger on Long Island. When making their Mags&Munchies purchase, customers can also choose to contribute to “Care to Share,” sending nuts and snacks to local food pantries through Island Harvest.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the many events they hold throughout the year, visit gsnc.org.
• Family-Owned Home Improvement Company With Over 30 Years Of Experience
• Wide Selection Of Trusted Brands Offering Options For All Price Points
• Expansive Showroom To See And Select Materials For Your Upcoming Project
• In-House Designer Available To Assist With Material Selection And Provide 3d Renderings
• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
• 1 Year Labor Guarantee And On-Call Service Technician For Added Peace Of Mind
5 Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RIBBON CUTTING - LONG ISLAND TUTORING SERVICE - Celebrating a major milestone, The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce was honored to host a 5 Year Anniversary Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for their valued member, Long Island Tutoring Service. Congratulations to owners Jo-Ann and Jim Annunziato and their entire team on this achievement.
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, OCT. 18th
10:00am-1:00pm
GRAND REOPENING SALE
Simpson UMC is having a Bag Sale! 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Thrift Shop Treasures. Stuff a bag full of clothes for $5. New items are not included in the bag sale. For more information, please call Mary at516-991-8098
SATURDAY, OCT. 19th
9:00AM-4:00PM
AMITYVILLE COMMUNITY
GARAGE SALE
Amityville to hold its first Community Garage Sale in the Village of Amityville. (raindate Sunday, Oct. 20th). A huge assortment of items will be available at various homes. Check Amityville.com to see registered locations.
10:00AM-2:00PM
GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED YARD SALE
United Methodist Church, 350 Main Street in Islip, will be hosting a Good, Old-Fashioned Yard Sale. The church Thrift Shop will also be open from 10:00am– 2:00pm. For more information, please call 631-581-7663
10:00AM-4:00PM
HARVEST FESTIVAL & YARD SALE
Join us for a festive day featuring local craft vendors, a congregational yard sale, a pumpkin patch, mums for sale, raffles, delicious food, hot apple cider, a bake table, free pony rides, a bouncy house, live music, and more. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2025 Washington Avenue in Seaford. For more information, please call 516-781-6374. Email: office@ ourredeemerlutheran.church
HOLIDAYS
2nd - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown 11th - Yom Kippur begins at sundown 14th - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day 31st - Halloween
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 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
10:00AM-4:00PM
FALL HARVEST FAIR
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 1294 Bellmore Avenue in North Bellmore. Vendors, raffles, raffle Baskets, food & children's activities
For more information, please call Terry at 516 785- 5029 email gelcnb@aol. com. VENDORS WANTED!
7:00PM
NLFD COMPANY #5
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
The North Lindenhurst FD Company #5, 1630 Straight Path, N. Lindenhurst, will be hosting their Annual Halloween Party. Please join them! DJ, Dinner, Beer, Wine and Soda. Prize for best costume, 50/50, door prizes. Doors open at 6:30pm. $50.00 p.p. For more information, and tickets, please call 631-226-5809 or 631-879-1211
SUNDAY, OCT. 20th
1:00PM-4:00PM
ANNUAL COLUMBUS DANCE
LISIA’S Annual Columbus Dance, at the Piermont in Babylon. Dinner and dancing. Sit down menu (antipasto, pasta, salad and choice of entrees, dessert coffee, house wines). $95.00 p.p. For more information, please call Diane Langella 516-398-3484
2:00PM
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main St. (Grant Ave), in Farmingdale will be having a Blessing of the Animals. Bring your creatures great & small on a leach or in a carrier (or stuffed) for the event. For more information, please call 516-694-3424
MONDAY, OCT. 21st
7:00PM
NARCAN TRAINING-FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Learn How to prevent an opioid overdose--participants will be trained in how to administer nasal Narcan. Free Narcan kits will be provided. Save a life--an overdose can be experienced by a stranger or even by a family member not used to a new medication. Christ Lutheran Church, 117 Carleton Ave. in Islip Terrace. For more information, please call 631-581-1710
SATURDAY, OCT. 26th
10:00AM-1:00PM BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, One Lee Avenue in Lindenhurst, is sponsoring a Book Sale, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the sale. For more information, please call 631-957-7755
10:00AM-2:00PM CARS & COFFEE
The South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road in Huntington Station will be hosting Cars & Coffee. Join the Centurion Cruisers Car Club in the parking lot for a day of classic cars and trucks. Enjoy coffee and meet other car enthusiasts. No entry fee. For more information, please call 631-549-4411
2:00PM-4:00PM TRUNK OR TREAT
Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Avenue, in Amityville, is hosting a Trunk or Treat event. Vote for your favorite decorated car. Free Trick or Treating! Please come in costume. For more information, please call Mary at 516-991-8098
$1395 + tax Per Person (Min. 30 people) Buon Appetito!
Study Partners Soar To The Top Of Massapequa’s Class Of 2025
Since their first advanced class together in ninth grade, Massapequa High School seniors Samantha Portz and William Stebner have found themselves at nearby desks many times. Now, they are together side-by-side in the Class of 2025 rankings.
Samantha is the valedictorian with a weighted grade point average of 101.34, followed a fraction of a point behind by William, the salutatorian, with a 101.083 GPA. On a recent Friday, Samantha was called to Principal Barbara Lowell’s office from her Advanced Placement Biology class and told the good news. A few minutes later, William was called down from AP Physics.
“I was extremely happy, all my hard work over the years being recognized,” Samantha said, jokingly adding, “I always knew that Will was main competitor.”
“We’ve always been there to support each other,” William said, noting that they were never actually in competition, but always rooting for each other’s success and studying together ever since they took AP Human Geography at the Ames Campus.
Both describe their
areas of strength as math and science, although they have challenged themselves across the curriculum. Samantha has taken 14 AP classes at Massapequa High School and William enrolled in 13.
With all the rigorous courses, Food and Nutrition is the class that stands out for Samantha as a favorite from high school. Learning how to cook and prepare healthy meals was a valuable life skill, she noted.
Massapequa’s unique law program, which has a dedicated classroom that resembles a courtroom, struck William’s interest.
Samantha, who started as a kindergartner at Lockhart Elementary School, looks to major in math in college. She has already committed to Amherst College in Massachusetts to play softball and join the ROTC.
After those four years, she plans to join the military as a second lieutenant.
Her involvement in high school stretches well beyond the classroom.
She’s been on the varsity softball team for four years, varsity soccer for three years and varsity bowling for two years, is a member of Best Buddies
and was selected to the National and Spanish honor societies.
The top-ranked graduates are Class of 2025 officers, with Samantha serving as secretary and William as treasurer. They are also both members of Science Olympiad and last year teamed up to win a regional medal in the chemistry lab competition.
William, a Birch Lane Elementary School graduate, is co-captain of Mock Trial. Last year, he was the starting lawyer in a simulated case during a New York State Bar Association competition. He is also a member of mathletes and plays the violin. After high school, he wants to study chemical engineering.
“It’s really important to make the most of it in the four years that you get in high school,” William said. “There’s always a way to be active in school.”
Outside of school, Samantha supports players in the Massapequa Youth Little League as a softball instructor, does kickboxing, and is a
babysitter and math tutor. William is a Boy Scout who earned the Eagle rank by helping the Massapequa Historical Society clean and repaint the foundation of Old Grace Church. He also volunteered the past two summers at Camp Invention.
Both seniors will graduate with the AP Capstone Diploma and the Seal of Biliteracy, and they have been named AP
Scholars with Distinction.
Samantha and William both credit their parents, teachers and guidance counselors for their success. For Samantha, her twotime math teacher and AP Research mentor Christopher Diehl was a tremendous inspiration, while William admires Daniel Bachman’s passion for teaching law.
Ms. Lowell,
who met Samantha and William in sixth grade when she was executive assistant to the principal at Berner Middle School, admires their dedication to both their academics and student life.
“They are super involved,” she said. “They have great attitudes, great work ethics. They really enjoy high school and made the most out of their experience.”
Samantha Portz and William Stebner are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Massapequa High School Class of 2025. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
Congratulating Samantha and William on the accomplishment were Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, Executive Assistant for Guidance Paul Weber, guidance counselors Allison Fifield, Principal Barbara Lowell and guidance counselor Eileen Tilton. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
“I’m saving about $1,800 a year in energy costs with LED lighting.”*
—Guy Brogna, All Music Inc, Plainview
Meet Guy. He’s a local small business owner, rock bassist, and fan of LEDs. It didn’t hurt that he got $5,900 in rebates to replace his store’s old lighting with energy-efficient fixtures.* He says his store and his guitars look great in the new LED glow. And, with the monthly energy cost savings, he couldn’t be happier.
How can we help your small business save? psegliny.com/businessfirst *Rebates and savings will differ with every
Free Family Fall & Halloween Festival
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites residents and their families to the Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Families are
sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer, including pumpkin picking and our popular Halloween hayride. Remember, costumes are encouraged!”
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), Halloween games and giveaways, inflatables, hayride, and food trucks, as well as a special character appearances presented by Royal Events Princess Parties. Costumes for those attending are
encouraged!
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit oysterbaytown.com.
Accessing
Schooling
Options
(NAPSI)—Parents are more optimistic about their children’s academic, emotional, and social development and they increasingly support school choice according to EdChoice, which wants all K–12 students to access the schooling options— public, private, charter, homeschooling or other— best for them. Learn more at www.edchoice.org.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Tall, upright post on a boat
5. Basics
9. Used to refer to cited works
11. Folds
13. Former UK PM May
15. Cold region of Russia
16. Standard operating procedure
17. Separating
19. Particles
21. A way to map out
22. Referee declares
CLUES DOWN
1. One who rides an elephant
2. Absence of bacteria
3. Soviet Socialist Republic
4. Men’s fashion accessories
5. “Honey” actress Jessica
6. Round red root vegetable
7. Latin term for “charity”
8. Doesn’t smell good
9. Mental health issue
10. Millisecond
11. Hairstyle
23. Beginner
25. Water (Spanish)
26. Gov’t lawyers
27. Non-reproductive parts of an organism
29. Spanish friends
31. A type of tree
33. Walk heavily
34. About a wood
36. Free-swimming marine invertebrate
38. Political action committee
39. SB19 hit song
41. Scorch the surface of
12. Edible starch
14. Middle Eastern military title
15. Protein-rich liquids
18. Indian musical pattern
20. Cancer and Capricorn
24. Country along the Arabian peninsula
26. A bend
28. Fishes of the herring family
30. Antelopes
32. Chaos
34. Popular music app
35. Cooking material
44.
48.
52. Irritating person
53. Something requiring a solution
54. Firing
56. Hazards
57. Taiwan capital
58. Impudence
59. Rock frontman Durst
37. Musical instrument
38. San Diego ballplayers
40. Small amounts
42. Poured
43. Fabric 45. Food option 47. Finger millet
49. The U. of Miami mascot is one 50. Alberta, Canada river 51. Canadian flyers 55. Dry white wine drink
43. Moved quickly on foot
Sacred state for a Muslim
46. Growl
Pearl Jam frontman
Cleanouts
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week: Community Events
This year’s Red Ribbon Week, a national event dedicated to promoting drug prevention and education, will be held from October 23rd-October 31st. The red ribbon is a symbol of the commitment to a drugfree lifestyle and honors the memory of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed in the line of duty.
Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) is excited to announce a series of impactful community events designed to engage and educate our local communities.
On October 24, 2024, join us at the Adelphi University Concert Hall for a compelling performance of “Addicted,” a powerful play that addresses the realities of addiction and the journey to recovery. The show begins at 7:00 PM. For more details about the play, visit Addicted: The Play.
Additionally, on October 26, 2024, we are hosting a Drug Take Back event, providing an opportunity for community members to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. These events aim to prevent drug misuse and
promote safe medication disposal The take back location is as follows:
-Massapequa: MHS East Driveway District Office Parking Lot, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Drug Take Back events offer a confidential way to dispose of medications that could potentially be misused or pose a risk if left in homes.
We encourage all residents to participate in these events as part of our commitment to fostering a healthier, drug-free community.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can work towards a safer, healthier community.
Free Family Fall & Halloween Festival
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites residents and their families to the Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities
that are fun for residents of all ages,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Families are sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer, including pumpkin picking and our popular Halloween hayride. Remember, costumes are encouraged!”
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), Halloween games and giveaways, inflatables, hayride, and food trucks, as well as a special character appearances presented by Royal Events Princess Parties. Costumes for those attending are encouraged!
Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit oysterbaytown.com.
The Family Fall &
Honoring Our Heroes!
Annette
Tim
Gary Slavin,
Police
Tom
Maria Guzzetta, Board of
Keith Wilson, Past President
BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?
Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
276
BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
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TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276 THE power of
