November 9, 2022 North Massapequa

STUDENTS TAKE A

AGAINST BREAST CANCER - Massapequa ninth graders marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by doing their part to fight back against a disease that affects millions of people every year. The Ames Campus students government designed stickers to sell as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board congratulate Darren Guo, a 6-year-old Jericho resident, who was the winner of the popular “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin Contest” at the Town of Oyster Bay 2022 Family Fall & Halloween

Festival held at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa. Darren predicted that the pumpkin would weigh 128 pounds, which was the closest guess to the actual weight of 126 pounds. Each year, the Festival provides a great opportunity to celebrate Halloween and the fall

season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages. The day’s itinerary included pumpkin picking at the Town’s ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch, Halloween games and giveaways, inflatables, hay rides, food trucks, and games, such as the “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin Contest.”

Joseph Saladino and the Town Board congratulate Darren Guo, a 6-year-old Jericho resident, who was the winner of the popular “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin Contest”.

Town To Upgrade T-Ball Field

At John Burns Park In Massapequa

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Town will upgrade the t-ball athletic field at John Burns Park in Massapequa. The Town was awarded grant funding for this project through the New York State and Municipal Facilities Program, which provided $50,000 toward the purchase and installation of this new field.

“My administration secured grant funding to upgrade the t-ball field at little cost to

Town taxpayers,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This improvement enhances the safety and playing experience for young athletes while beautifying our park. It’s a win for the community and our young people.”

As a result of the State grant funds, administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the Town’s portion of the field replacement is estimated at less than $4,300. Synthetic turf fields generally have an approximate useful life of 10

years and are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Synthetic fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of games due to inclement weather, as the field is able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a dirt infield.

“Synthetic fields aesthetically improve the look of our local communities and help increase play time for our young athletes,” said Councilwoman Maier. “We are so pleased to keep bringing these great improvements to parks throughout our Town while keeping a close eye on our finances.”

For more information about Town parks, including upcoming and ongoing programs and events, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/parks.

Veteran Award Recipient For Canine Companions Honored

We’d like to salute World War II and Korean War veteran Peter Finocchio, whom wwe are honoring at our annual Salute Independence 2022 Veterans Day event on November 9th in New Hyde Park, New York.

Peter Finocchio was 16 years old when he, with his parents’ permission, enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines. He served two years as a Seaman during WWII, sailing cargo ships that carried gasoline, oil, ammunition, guns, food and medicine to England, France and Belgium.

Peter’s second introduction into his military life began when North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950. He was drafted at the age of 22 and inducted into the U.S. Army for basic training. He was assigned to the 297th Quartermasters and was sent overseas to Pusan, South Korea. The name of his ship was called “Victory.”

Peter managed a warehouse operation, supplying the 3rd Division on the front lines.

The 297th Company was housed in Tent City during the winter with temperatures forty degrees below zero. They used oil burners to heat their tents, but never had oil. Instead, they used wood, paper, car oil and anything that would burn. They slept on cots and wore all their clothes to try and stay warm. They were allowed to take a shower after 3 months.

Peter remembers those nights being dangerous and scary. “The Koreans had a scare tactic that kept men up all night when it was their watch. They called it, ‘Bed-Check Charlie.’ A fighter plane would fly over the U.S. troops and drop one bomb per night,” Peter remembers.

Peter was released from the army with an honorable discharge, and he displays his medals at home that he so proudly earned. He put himself through college and was employed in the Insurance

Industry in NYC until his retirement. He was a Casualty Manager and Vice President with several Market Leading Companies throughout his career.

He is blessed with three children Diane, Elaine and Peter and five grandchildren, Alyssa, Daniel, Tyler, Peter and Kathryn.

More and more, we see military veterans returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of the rise in cases, Canine Companions began their initiative in 2018 in order to support veterans in their day to day life. Canine Companions unites service dogs with their appropriate military veterans. The service dogs are trained by Canine Companions to perform physical tasks that help veterans live their lives independently. These tasks include, retrieving an item that was dropped, opening a door, picking up prosthetics, and even aiding in hearing loss by

drawing attention to sounds. Service dogs provide personal companionship for individuals who may face challenges when returning home from duty. While the future might seem unsteady, Canine Companions hope their service dogs will empower veterans towards physical independence and emotional stability.

To learn more about our Veterans Initiative program, visit: canine.org/veterans

Planning for the Unexpected

Making sure your family knows what to do after you pass away has become easier with a new online service. Securely storing instructions online ensures your family will have the details they need. Your family needs access to key estate-planning

documents, life insurance policies, financial accounts and passwords. They can retrieve this information with an innovative Web site, which serves as an electronic safedeposit box.

Vital information is stored at YouDeparted.com and you

designate who can access it. Sharing your thoughts is also easier as you can leave behind last messages and final wishes.

Your information is kept safe with the latest security technology, including the same encryption used by the

National Security Agency. As a result, you can securely upload photos, movies, documents and other files.

Along with storing vital information, a new site lets you leave friends some reassuring letters to remember you by. (NAPS)

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for November is Association for Mental Health and Wellness

www.mhaw.org

Since Veterans Day occurs in November, our Charity of the Month is one of Suffolk County’s foremost advocates for the interests of our veterans, the Ronkonkoma-based Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).

MHAW offers a wide range of support services to Suffolk County veterans by connecting them with affordable housing, medical and mental health assistance, case management, financial and legal referrals, employment assistance programs, and food pantries to help combat food insecurity.

This article in particular focuses on one important component of MHAW’s veteran services, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Named to honor the memory of an Iraq War hero and Army medic from Mt. Sinai who lost his battle with PTSD, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is a peer-to-peer initiative offered in collaboration with the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.

The Dwyer Project serves veterans, service members, and their families with such post-service transitional issues as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury, although a formal diagnosis is not required for participation. They offer weekly peer groups both in person and virtual, and they also host monthly in-person community resource activities as well as a bi-monthly senior veteran group.

The Dwyer Project’s trained “Veteran Peer Mentors” have served in various branches of the Armed Forces and understand the reintegration needs of those who have been in the military, regardless of era or branch of service. This Project accepts all veterans, no matter their discharge status. All group sessions are confidential and anonymous in a safe, and trusting environment, free of judgment.

“Peer specialists are critical allies for our veterans,” says Colleen Merlo, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness. “They understand what other veterans are going through and can offer

support, advice, and suggestions to enhance recovery-oriented care.”

As described by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, peer support workers are “people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse.”

It is a true power to have this type of communication,” said one a local veteran that is involved with The Dwyer Project.

“My facilitators are fantastic in organizing programs and ideas for how to help each other. The group is fundamental to what we need. When you get veterans together and get them talking, they can work out their issues. This is one of the most important programs for veterans I have ever seen.”

The Dwyer Project’s free, confidential, peer-to-peer approach has attracted support from both veterans and mental health professionals statewide. In fact, this year’s state budget includes funding for this Project in all 62 counties. Additionally, a national veteran peer initiative is pending in Congress, and it all started here in Suffolk County.

If you are a veteran interested in peer-to-peer support, or if you know a veteran in need, call (516) 807-4952 or email mcorinne@mhaw.org. Also, please visit www.dwyerproject.org for more information.

To every veteran this Veterans Day and always, thank you for your selfless service.

Clothing Donations Needed For Long Island Children

Ethical Friends of Children, a program helping needy families on Long Island, seeks clothing (tops, bottoms, pjs, sweaters and socks) in certain sizes. Specific sizes are: GIRLS: 3-4, 4-5 and 9-10 and BOYS: 7-8 and 9-10.

Ethical Friends of Children is an outreach

program of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island., established in 1985. “We assist more than 2,500 children and their families each year by providing them clothing for children from newborn to size 12 as well as infant furniture at no cost,” says Pat Spencer of Port Washington. The “store” – staffed entirely by

volunteers – lets families pick out the things they need, at no cost to them.

Those interested in making contributions of clothing or gift cards, should call Ethical Friends of Children at 516-2805526 or email efoc@ehsli. org

TILLY

sweet affectionate and purring machine.

BILBO

2 year old Chihuahua. He thrives on attention. Loves to be pet and praised.

RANGER 2 year old male. Becoming more confident and looking for a family to love.

YUMI

1 year old female. Shy girl looking for a loving family to call her own.

MADISON 5 year old female. Lots of love to share and tons of energy.

LILY 7 year old female. Beagle mix. Friendly and personable with everyone.

MIKE

6 years old. Lhasa Apso. Outgoing, friendly, loves to share his toys and treats.

LULU

2 year old female. Doxy mix. A happy and affectionate personality.

Town Seeds South Shore Waters With 2 Million Baby Clam Seedlings

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino,

Pravato took to the waters off TOBAY Marina on the Town’s south shore to help replenish the shellfish supply by adding 2 million baby clam seedlings to the Great South Bay.

“We are pleased to officially bring our highly successful seeding program to south shore waters, as we disperse these seeds that were grown right in our own Shellfish Hatchery. Programs like this not only enhance water quality, they help bolster

the local economy and improve the resiliency of our coastal communities,” said Supervisor Saladino.

The Supervisor explained that the seedlings are just 2 millimeters in size when they first start out in the Town’s Shellfish Hatchery. From there, they move from those specialized tanks into a FLUPSY – a Floating Upweller System –which protects the young shellfish as they continue to grow and mature. From just 2 millimeters, those seedlings reached 15-20 millimeters, an ideal size for seeding the waterways. Those seedlings are placed strategically to

help repopulate the shellfish harvesting population but also effectively clean and filter the waterways.

“This great environmental initiative preserves the quality, resiliency and natural beauty of our waterways, and we’re so proud to have expanded this program so much over the past few years on both shores of our Town,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “We’ve successfully placed more than 10 million shellfish into our waterways each year, thanks largely in part to our great Shellfish Hatchery, helping to strengthen the local economy and keep our waters clean.”

HELPING

- Receiver Jeff Pravato, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto and Councilwoman Michele Johnson prepare to seed 2 million baby clam seedlings in the Great South Bay to help replenish the waterway and improve water quality.

Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Lou Imbroto and Receiver of Taxes Jeff

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THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 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

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

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

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THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives

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Students Count And Create On Halloween

Halloween featured costumes, crafts, math and more at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District.

All classes were invited to the lobby for math stations, such as guessing the number of candy corn in a jar and weighing a pumpkin. Teachers showed

six types of candy and asked students to vote on their favorite. Each class then made a bar graph that reflected the results.

Children also used large Frankenstein heads to measure distance between two spots in the hallway.

In class parties, students did Halloween word search puzzles, played Bingo and

colored symbols associated with the holiday such as haunted houses, ghosts and pumpkins. Many classes went on ghost hunts around the building. During their art classes, children used construction paper to make fall-themed collages.

The South Farmingdale Water District Is An Official Food Drive

Drop Off Site For Long Island Cares Serving The Communities Of South Farmingdale, North Massapequa And Parts Of Bethpage, Seaford And Massapequa Park

The South Farmingdale Water District encourages community members to make food donations this holiday season at the Long Island Cares drop off site at the Water District headquarters.

Help us help others by making a food donation Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:00pm now through December 1, 2022 at the South Farmingdale Water District, located at 40 Langdon Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Top 10 Most Needed Items

• Cereals

• Low fat, boxed & non refrigerated milk

• Canned vegetables

• White rice

• Cooking oil

• Pasta, tomato sauce

• Canned meat, poultry, fish

• Peanut butter

• Jelly, jam & spreadable fruit

Please – no glass jars Food insecurity is very high on Long Island, and if

you or someone you know is experiencing a troubling time, call 631–582-FOOD.

STUDENTS SHOWED OFF THEIR COSTUMES - McKenna Elementary School fifth graders showed off their costumes on Halloween. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Massapequa High School seniors James Bacheller and Christina Fradella were in the same class when they were called down, one by one, to Principal Barbara Lowell’s office. In this case, being summoned to see the principal was a good thing, as they were told they are the top two graduates of the Class of 2023.

James is the valedictorian with a grade point average of 101.958 and Christina is the salutatorian with the second highest GPA at 101.146. After finding out the news, both made phone calls to their parents.

“It means a lot to me,” James said. “It’s not just the four years of high school that went into it.”

James said that at a young age, his parents taught him how to be a good student. He excelled at Birch Lane Elementary School, and kept that diligence as he moved onto Berner Middle School, ninth grade at the Ames Campus, and finally the high school’s main

Top Honors Reflect Years Of Hard

campus.

Christina, who started out at Unqua Elementary School, said that with two brothers who graduated before her, it is nice to have an accomplishment to call her own. Admittedly an anxious student who always sought to do well on assignments and tests, she explained that earning salutatorian honors shows that her hard work meant something.

“I was really surprised and very excited,” she said.

James is planning to major in biomedical engineering in college. His favorite courses at Massapequa High School include pre-calculus, Advanced Placement physics and AP United States History. He has also been active in student life, serving as a student government officer, vice president of Science Olympiad and member of Mathletes and the tennis team. James even started his own club, the Allergy and Asthma

Awareness Club which primarily does fundraising for organizations that support people with those conditions. Outside of school, he tutors students in math and science, and participated in a summer science research program through Hofstra University.

After high school, Christina looks to study environmental engineering. Classes she has enjoyed include precalculus, AP chemistry and AP United States History. In her science research class, she is working on creating a solar-powered rain water collector and purifier. Christina is the historian for student government, has won three medals with the Science Olympiad team, belongs to the robotics club and is a three-sport athlete as a member of the tennis, winter track and lacrosse teams. Christina works with youth lacrosse players to help train goalies and organized a food drive for St. Rose of Lima Church.

by school officials, from left, guidance counselor Tracy Munson, Executive Assistant for Guidance Paul Weber, Principal Barbara Lowell, Superintendent Dr. William Brennan and guidance counselor Hilary Blakeley. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Model Train Show To Benefit Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca today announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, November 19th and Sunday, November 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts

coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.

“We are pleased to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot, who coordinates or participates in many hobby shows that benefit the fundraising efforts of a sponsoring organization,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Assisting groups that

not only bring a fun and educational experience to residents of all ages, but also help preserve our history in understanding the railroad’s role in our heritage, is a great cause.”

Admission in to the exhibit is $5.00, children ages 4-11 years are $3.00 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free. For further information, please visit www.trainville. com or call (516) 433-4444.

Free Golf For Veterans And Active Duty Military On Veterans Day

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board today announced that the Town will honor veterans and active duty military personnel for their service to our nation with a free day of golf at the Hon. Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course, located at 1 South Woods Road in Woodbury on Veterans Day,

Friday, November 11th.

“The brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces put their lives on the line and sacrifice their time to protect our freedoms and democracy,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This is an important way of saying ‘thank you’ and we’re pleased to be able to offer this free round of golf on Veterans Day as a small

token of appreciation for all they’ve done and continue to do for our nation.”

To qualify for this Veterans Day offer, golfers must present proof of Town residency and either military identification or discharge papers (DD Form 214). For additional information, including to reserve a tee time, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com/golf.

SILVER AWARD RECIPIENT SARAH AMIAGA OF TROOP 2380 HONORED - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino honored Nassau County Girl Scout Sarah Amiaga for achieving her Silver Award in scouting. Sarah is dedicated to Massapequa Troop 2380, and her project involved creating a brochure for the Town of Oyster Bay regarding tips for first-time dog owners. Thanks to Sarah’s amazing efforts, the brochure is now available for residents to review at the Town’s Animal Shelter. Supervisor Saladino congratulated Sarah, and presented her with a citation for making a significant and positive impact in the community.

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Cell: 917-848-3913 Joanne@KimHollandHomes.com

KIMBERLY HOLLAND

Cell: 516-236-6303 Kim@kimhollandhomes.com www.kimhollandhomes.com

KIMBERLY HOLLAND