17TH ANNUAL FOURLEAF TURKEY DRIVE
The new Good Samaritan University Hospital is coming. And our South Shore community is about to get a whole lot better.
Fall Family Fun In Downtown Farmingdale, Open Mic/Jam Session +
Calling All Bakers!
72nd Anniversary!
Dear valued readers,
On November 17, 1953 the very first issue of the South Bay’s Neighbor - then known as South Bay’s Official Shopping Newspaper - was published. Our company has evolved over time, yet has always remained privately and locally owned. We continue to stand by our commitment to delivering positive, hometown news, along with special features like reader contests and puzzles, and of course, advertisements from your favorite merchants.
The community enjoyed the annual Farmingdale Halloween Parade along Main Street & Fall Festival on the Village Green on Saturday 10/25. Beautiful weather & free family fun - parade, costume contest, pony rides, petting zoo, trunk or treat/candy for the kids, face painting, photo booth, and dance performances by Step by Step Dance Studio. Thanks to all involved! Photo courtesy Marketing Masters NY
Bill Blyer gave an informative presentation on Sunday 10/26 at Farmingdale Village Hall: Long Island During the American Revolution: The Battle of Long Island and the British Occupation. The event was sponsored by the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee and the Farmingdale Bethpage Historical Society. Photo courtesy Marketing Masters NY
Upcoming Events:
An Open Mic/Jam Session with Chuck & Vinny will be held at Village Hall, 361 Main St., Tuesday, 11/18, 7-8:30 pm - Acts, individuals, groups, poetry - All ages welcome to participate, email openmicfarmingdale@gmail.com or sign-up at the event. Sponsored by the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee.
Calling All Bakers - start planning your entries! The Chocolate Duck is hosting the 12th Annual Long Island Gingerbread and Chocolate House Competition, Saturday 12/6, from Noon-4pm, 310 Main St. The 2025 Theme is Castles: Famous or FantasyPrizes will be awarded. For details, contact Christina: email: chocolateduckimages@ gmail.com, or call 516-249-0887. Open to the public - stop by and see the amazing creations & Vote for the People’s Choice! Bring non-perishable food donations for the local food pantry. The event is planned in conjunction with the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee.
We look forward to seeing everyone downtown & more holiday events will be announced!
Through both challenging and prosperous times, we’ve continued to publish every single week, always strongly believing in what we do. The wonderful feedback we consistently receive from our readers reminds us that the publication is valued and wanted.
In an age when information is available at our fingertips, the simplicity of a printed publication filled with trusted, upli ing stories is truly unmatched. There’s something special about turning the pages of a physical paper and reading about the people and events that shape our local community. We’re deeply grateful for your continued support, which has allowed us to keep doing what we do week a er week.
Over the years our company has expanded to also publish a monthly magazine, provide digital marketing services and offer a full range of printing solutions - helping businesses of all sizes create menus, post cards, flyers and more.
Keep an eye out for next week’s newspaper issue, themed for the holidays, featuring hosting tips, festive recipes and more. And don’t forget to shop small this Small Business Saturday - supporting the very businesses that serve as the backbone of our community.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lambert Owner and Publisher, Long Island Media Group
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, NOV. 14th
6:30PM
KIWANIS ANNUAL AUCTION
at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School, 1100 Dixon Ave. in Copiague. The Copiague Kiwanis is dedicated to helping the community one child at a time. l00's of new items, restaurant gift certificates, Lotto board, 50/50, baskets galore, and much more. For scholarships and the children in the community. For more information, please call 631-275-0439
SATURDAY, NOV. 15th
10:00AM-3:00PM
VETERAN'S BENEFITS SYMPOSIUM
A salute to our veterans. Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 Of the American Legion, 10 Bruce Street in West Babylon. Roundtable discussion with local officials. Food Pantry sponsored by local scouting units. Many other services, giveaways and more! Breakfast & Lunch Served. Open to all veterans and/or their families seeking information and services. Need Information? Contact 631-669-3931, secretary.post1634@gmail.com
SUNDAY, NOV. 16th
8:00AM-12:00PM
CANCERCARE WALK FOR HOPE
Join dedicated CancerCare supporters for the CancerCare Walk for Hope. Meet at the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course,in Woodbury, and walk with them in support of their free, professional support services CancerCare provides to individuals and their families affected by cancer. Bring your friends, family and co-workers for a day of celebrating survivors, remembering loved ones
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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
and supporting people coping with cancer. For more information, contact their Senior Director of Special Events, Erica Lebensberg, at elebensberg@ cancercare.org or 212-712-6165
THURSDAY, NOV. 20th
6:00PM-7:45PM
PAUMANACKE GARDEN CLUB OF WANTAGH
Wantagh Public Library 3285 Park Ave. in Wantagh. A demonstration of Autumn centerpieces and tablescapes to decorate the Thanksgiving table. Floral arrangements will be raffled off. Lite refreshments will be served after the demonstration. For more information contact paumanackegc@ gmail.com
FRIDAY, NOV. 21st
6:00PM-9:00PM, SATURDAY, NOV. 22nd and SUNDAY NOV. 23rd
11:00AM-5:00PM
ST. JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE
The parking lot for the Train Show is located at: 176 Mills Pond Road, St. James. There is a suggested donation, Adults $2.00, Children .50 *PLEASE NOTE: The St. James Model Railroad Club is not handicapped accessible* For more information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732
SATURDAY, NOV. 22nd
9:30AM-3:00PM
HOLIDAY FAIR
Gift Basket Raffles & Chinese Auction, Boutique Items, Crafts, Granny’s Attic, Lunch Available. Santa Will Be Here! Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park.
Late Knight Warriors Host
Fight Against Leukemia
The Late Knight Warriors (LKW), a local nonprofit, will host Cocktails for a Cause on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Tap Room in Bay Shore to support one-yearold Jackson Berry and his family as he battles leukemia.
Free Admission / No Vendors. For more information, please call 631-242-0221
10:00AM–3:00PM
THRIFT SHOP AND YARD SALE
Come one, Come all to St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. We have new and slightly used clothes, shoes, jewelry, household items, books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, arts and crafts. There is something for everyone. Rent a table for $25.00. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
SUNDAY, NOV. 23rd
11:45AM, Opening ceremonies/sponsor presentation at 12:00 NOON HOLIDAY FAIR the 2025 Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Holiday Fair at Memorare Caterers (2183 Jackson Ave., Seaford.) Welcome the holiday season with this exciting event – including holiday shopping and lots of fun and festivity for the family! For more information, please call 516-541-1443
TUESDAY, NOV. 25th
8:30AM
BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA
Hosted by Joseph Barry Columbiettes. $60 pp, includes the driver’s tip. $35 slot play. Please Arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return approx. 8:30 p.m. Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end). For more information, please call Barbara 516-935-5576
Jackson is a bright, resilient one-year-old whose life was recently upended by hospital visits, treatments, and the challenges of his fight against leukemia. His father is a longtime friend to several LKW members, making this cause deeply personal to the community.
The event, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, will feature an appetizer buffet, a signature open bar, and opportunities to participate in a Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle. A large portion of proceeds, along with 100% of donations made in Jackson’s name, will go directly to his family.
“This cause is deeply personal to us,” said Laura
Gottfried, Vice President of LKW. “My own family faced a similar challenge years ago, and I know how much support can help. With Jackson’s father being a friend to several of our members, we felt an urgent need to build that same network of care and support his family in every way we can.”
Tickets are limited so we encourage people to buy their tickets early at the LKW website: https:// lateknightwarriors.com/ lkw-cocktail-party. Those unable to attend can still help by donating or purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets through the LKW website.
About Late Knight Warriors: LKW is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 331831126) that combines social connection with community impact. All events and initiatives are powered entirely by volunteers, with no board member or organizer receiving compensation.
Discover The Orthodox Christian Church
The Orthodox Church offers you the authentic Christian Tradition maintained without innovation since Apostolic times, which fulfills life on a daily basis, not just on Sunday. We welcome all people
seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated
every Sunday at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. All services are conducted in English. Additional information and schedules can be found on the parish website, www.htocem. org, or by email, htocem@ gmail.com.
Record-High Food Insecurity On Long Island Spotlights Need For Donations At The 17th Annual Fourleaf Turkey Drive
Long Island’s Largest Food Drive Taking Place Friday, November 21, 2025
With food insecurity reaching record levels across Long Island, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union announced that its 17th Annual Turkey Drive to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM at FourLeaf’s headquarters, 899 South Oyster Bay Road in Bethpage.
Since its launch in 2008, the FourLeaf Turkey Drive has become Long Island’s largest one-day food drive, collecting more than 55,000 turkeys and 264,000 pounds of food for Island Harvest. All donations directly help supply Thanksgiving meals to families in need through Island Harvest’s network of over 300 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other hunger-relief programs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
This year, the need is more urgent than ever. According to Feeding America’s® 2023 Map the Meal Gap report, 240,470 Long Islanders lived with food insecurity in 2023, a 10% increase from 2022, when 221,190 residents were food insecure. That means one in 12 Long Islanders (8.3%) struggles to put food on the table, compared to one in 13 the year before. Among children, 44,520 experienced food insecurity in 2023, representing 7.2% of all children on Long Island.
“Last year’s drive collected a recordbreaking 5,800 turkeys, more than 28,177 pounds of food, and $71,129 in donations, far surpassing all previous numbers,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union. “We are so grateful to the Long Island community - businesses, schools, and families - who step up year after year. With food insecurity at an all-time high, this year’s drive is more important than ever. Our mission at FourLeaf is to enrich the
lives of our neighbors, and nothing is more meaningful than helping ensure thousands of families can share a warm holiday meal together.”
Island Harvest is preparing to distribute a record 20 million pounds of food this year, exceeding levels distributed during the pandemic.
“Many Long Island families continue to face difficulties paying for increased prices for such basic commodities as food, clothing, and fuel. Add in the region’s high cost of living, and many find themselves living on the edge of making tough decisions between paying for rent, transportation, and medicine, and buying food,” explains Randi Shubin Dresner, President and CEO, Island Harvest. “With proposed federal cutbacks and other economic uncertainty, support from our longtime partner, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, and generous Long Islanders and businesses who support the annual FourLeaf Turkey Drive is more important than ever in helping our neighbors in need enjoy a brighter, more hopeful holiday season.”
The FourLeaf Turkey Drive offers residents the convenience of DriveThrough Donation Lanes, where volunteers remove frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items, and cash contributions directly from vehicles. Non-perishable foods most needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (no glass containers). For those unable to attend in person, online donations are being accepted. Every gift of $35 helps provide a complete holiday meal for a neighbor in need on Long Island. Donations can also be made at any FourLeaf branch.
Community involvement is at the heart of the FourLeaf Turkey Drive,
with local youth also encouraged to participate. Girl Scouts who donate will receive a special commemorative patch, and troop leaders may collect donations on behalf of their members.
Since its inception in 2008, the FourLeaf Turkey Drive has become a cherished Long Island tradition, powered by hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors. Each year, the effort ensures tens of thousands of Long Islanders in need can sit down to a Thanksgiving meal. Today, Island Harvest provides food assistance to approximately 6,000 individuals every week, a sobering reminder of the drive’s continued importance.
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in the Northeast and the 15th largest in the nation, remains committed to supporting the communities it serves through its FourLeaf Cares program, investing heavily in local initiatives that promote equity, belonging, and stronger, healthier communities.
For more information about the Turkey Drive or to make an online donation, visit https:// wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink. aspx?name=E249623&id=299.
About Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island. We accomplish this through innovative programs and services aimed at enhancing hunger awareness, shortterm case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, our organic farm, and efficient food collection and distribution. Our work directly
supports children, families, seniors, and veterans who turn to us in times of crisis and when needed, and supports a network of 300 community-based nonprofit organizations. Island Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America®, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.islandharvest.org.
About FourLeaf Federal Credit Union
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union (FourLeaf) is a financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees, and the communities it has served for over 80 years. FourLeaf is the 16th largest credit union in the nation. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of competitive rates and fees, the FourLeaf Cares Program supports local initiatives through charitable giving, financial literacy, and volunteerism.
A Certified Great Place to Work® and a Glass Door Best Place to Work for Small & Midsize companies, FourLeaf is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 membership account. FourLeaf offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. FourLeaf is part of the Co-op network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, FourLeaf is a best-in-class financial institution that offers a wide array of products and services to meet members’ needs. For more information on FourLeaf’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit fourleaffcu. com or call 1-800-628-7070.
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Includes: Soup or Salad (Tossed or Caesar)
ENTRÉE: Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Filet of Sole or Eggplant,
(Monday - ursday)
Soup or Salad (Tossed or Caesar)
ENTRÉE: Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Filet of Sole or Eggplant, served with Vegetable of the Day & Cheesecake or Cannoli (Monday - ursday)
with Vegetable of the
Turkey Traditional Dinner:
Thanksgiving Pre-Fixe
Caesar Salad • Verona Salad • Mozzarella Caprese
Artichoke Oreganata • Stracciatella Soup • Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Rice Balls • Eggplant Rollatini • Baked Clams • Calamari Fritti APPETIZERS (CHOOSE ONE) $49.95
ENTREES (CHOOSE ONE)
Served with Gravy, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce,
Baby Carrots, String Beans (Add Lasagna $6)
Chicken Valdostana:
Breaded Breast of Chicken topped with Prosciutto, Melted Mozzarella, Porcini Sauce, Served with Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables
Chicken Scarpariello:
Oven Roasted off the Bone with Sausage, Peppers, Mushrooms, Rosemary
Sole Portofino:
Parmesan Encrusted in Lemon White Wine Sauce, Served over Risotto
Salmon Fiorentina:
Fresh Salmon pan seared in a lemon beurre blanc Served over Spinach
Shrimp Scampi:
Garlic, butter, white wine and lemon, served over risotto with vegetables
Pollo: (Served with Vegetables)
Francese, Parmigiana, Marsala, Toscano
Veal (+ $6): (Served with Vegetables)
Marsala, Parmigiana, Sorrentino, Piccata
Zucchini Linguini: (Vegan)
In a Spicy Marinara Sauce with Crispy Shitake Mushroom
DESSERTS (CHOOSE ONE)
Cannoli • Tiramisu • Key Lime Pie Flourless Chocolate Cake
ASK ABOUT OUR DAILY CHEF SPECIALS
Thanksgiving DINNER
Take Out: 2 Guests $65 • 4 Guests $120 • 6 Guests $170
Roasted Turkey With Gravy
Stuffing • Sweet Potatoes • Cranberry Sauce
String Beans • Baby Carrots In Honey
Assorted Homemade Desserts
Add Lasagna For $6 Additional Per Person
Penne alla Vodka:
Shallots, Prosciutto, Vodka in Tomato Basil Sauce with a touch of cream
Pappardelle Bolognese:
Authentic Meat Sauce, Ricotta Cheese on Top Orecchiette alla Verona:
Imported Pasta Sautéed with Sausage, Sundried Tomatoes, Chick Peas, Rapini, Garlic and Oil
Porcini Risotto: (Vegetarian)
Risotto Tossed in Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Topped with Shaved Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan:
Baked in Marinara, topped with Melted Mozzarella, Served with Vegetables
Grilled Pork Chop (+ $6):
Topped with Mushrooms, Onions, Cherry Peppers, Served-Roasted Potato, Vegetables
Branzino Oreganata (+ $7):
Fresh Mediterranean Sea Bass Topped with Seasoned Breadcrumbs in a Lemon White Wine Sauce with Shrimp
Squid Ink Linguini (+ $7):
Tossed with Mussels, Calamari, Shrimp, Broccoli Rabe, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Crispy Duck (+ $7):
Fresh Long Island Duck, Orange Cranberry Glaze, Served with Wild Rice & Vegetable
Steak (+ $10):
Grilled, topped with Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella in Barolo Wine
Sauce Served with Onion RIngs