Richard Santoro Named Associate Principal At Robert Frost Middle School
The Deer Park School District has named Richard Santoro as an associate principal at Robert Frost Middle School, effective Sept. 26. He replaces James Henry, now the district’s director of math and business.
Santoro comes to Deer Park from the West Hempstead School District, where he served for the past two years as assistant principal at West Hempstead Secondary School. He previously worked as dean of students at Islip Middle School and as a sixth grade special education teacher, junior varsity girls soccer head coach and varsity baseball assistant coach in the South Huntington School District.
A Massapequa resident, Santoro obtained his bachelor’s degree in communications from Farmingdale State College, his master’s degree in childhood education from Dowling College, his special education certificate from Touro University and his school leadership advanced graduate certificate from Stony Brook University.
“As a middle school assistant principal, my goal is to create a safe, supportive and engaging environment where every student feels valued, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential,” Santoro said.
Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
RICHARD SANTORO
Homeownership
is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historially exhibited long-term, stable growth in value. Money spent on rent is money that a person will never see again. However, paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future.
Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.
Who is eligible for a reverse mortgage?
People near retirement age are eligible for a specific type of loan they can borrow against. Known as a “reverse mortgage,” this type of loan can be great for people 62 or older who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home, or require a sum of money to use right now, without wanting to sell their home.
In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Also, the property must be maintained in the same condition as when the
reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments. Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows. The loan is repaid when
Common Questions About Reverse Mortgages
the borrower no longer lives in the home.
What else should I know?
With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying propertyrelated expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5 percent of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes. It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are
variable, meaning they can rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t tax-deductible.
How is a reverse mortgage paid back?
A reverse mortgage is not free money. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.
The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower
keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95 percent rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan.
Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision.
Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month In The Town Of Babylon!
Councilman Anthony Manetta proudly hosted a special presentation at Town Hall honoring three outstanding individuals for their contributions to the Italian American community: Arthur Spera, President of the New York State Grand Lodge Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Daniel Calise, CEO of the Brumidi Home Lodge, and Donna Farina, President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to all of the elected
Buying a home is the most expensive purchase many people make in their lifetime. Some people do it only once, while others are in the market with greater frequency. In any instance when the home-buying process involves securing a mortgage, buyers can benefit from knowing a thing or two about mortgage interest rates.
A mortgage interest rate can help buyers determine if a given home is affordable or beyond their budget.
Rocket Mortgage says mortgage interest rates can have a major impact on long-term costs, so it is imperative to seek the lowest rates possible. However, an assortment of economic variables affect mortgage interest rates, and conditions unique to each buyer also can affect the rate they’re eligible to obtain. Understanding home loan rates can help potential buyers better navigate the complex process of buying a home.
What is mortgage interest?
When a person buys a home with a mortgage, he or she doesn’t just pay back the amount borrowed, which is called the principal. The loan also requires paying interest, which is essentially the cost of borrowing money. Mortgage interest is calculated as a percentage of the remaining principal, says Investopedia.
How are mortgage rates set?
Mortgage rates are not determined by a single variable. They are derived from a combination of factors that include the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, economic conditions, and a borrower’s personal financial situation. The Federal Reserve (in the United States) influences the overall rates by adjusting the federal funds rate, or the rate at which banks lend to each other overnight. This not only impacts mortgage rates, but also additional interest rates, according to Fannie Mae. Lenders will ultimately decide on the specific rates to offer borrowers.
How does a borrower’s financial situation affect mortgage rates?
Lenders will conduct a thorough assessment of a potential borrower’s creditworthiness. They will look at, among other things, a borrower’s credit score and debt-to-income ratio. A higher credit score typically results in a lower interest rate. A lower DTI indicates a lower risk to the lender, also potentially resulting in a lower interest rate. Squaring away finances well in advance of applying for a mortgage can help home buyers secure lower interest rates that could save them considerable sums of money over the life of their mortgages. How do loan types affect mortgage interest?
A home buyer will pay interest no matter
the mortgage type, but there are options to select a fixed or adjustable interest rate, or even an interest-only mortgage.
According to Bankrate, with a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate remains the same throughout the life of the loan, meaning the payment for principal and interest will remain consistent. Additional charges that are wrapped into mortgage payments could change, however. Property taxes and homeowners’ insurance charges could increase, for example. Fixed rates tend to be lower when the term of the mortgage is shorter, so borrowers can opt for a 20-year mortgage over a 30-year to save some money on interest.
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) will see the interest rate change during the repayment period. It may start with a low introductory rate for the first several years of the loan, but then it can go up or down depending on market indexes and benchmarks. Many lenders put a cap on how high the interest rate can go, however. Various factors determine mortgage interest rates for home buyers, including market conditions, credit standing, federal rates, the type of loan, and term length.
Deer Park HS Recognized As Scholar-Athlete School Of Excellence
Deer Park High School has been recognized as a 2024-2025 Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. This prestigious designation required that 75% of the high school’s varsity teams receive the NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete Team Award for the prior school year. To earn the Scholar-Athlete award, 75% of a team’s players must have a gradepoint average equal to or greater than 90%.
Deer Park was one of only 77 Long Island high schools and 331 statewide to be awarded School of Excellence or School of Distinction honors this year.
“I am truly proud that our student-athletes are as dedicated and work as hard in the classroom as they do on the fields and courts,” Director of Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Recreation Dominick Fontana said.
Deer Park High School has been named as a 2024-2025 Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
U-Pick Orchards Across Long Island
Spend the day exploring one of these orchards and pick your favorites right from the tree.
Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve 31215 County RoadRoute 48, Peconic, 631876-5159
Over 75 acres, they offer 26 varieties of apples.
Hank’s PumpkinTown 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-7264667
Long Islanders can pick a wide range of apples, including Ultimate Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Cortland, Macoun, Empire, Snow Sweet, Jonagold, Autumn Gala, Cameo, SunCrisp, Mutsu and Autumn Rose Fuji.
Apple Picking is available at Harbes’ Riverhead location, which has 15-acres of 27 types of apples on dwarf trees, including Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Gala and Gold Rush.
Harbes Farms
Jamesport 1223 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-4944796
Honeycrisp apple picking is available at Harbes’ Jamesport location, has 7 acres of Honeycrisp apples on dwarf trees.
pick their own Gala, Honeycrisp and Macoun apples.
Milk Pail U-Pick Farm
50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, 631-5372565
Long Islanders can pick from their Jonamac, McIntosh, Sansa and Zestar.
Seven Ponds Orchard 65 7 Ponds Road, Water Mill, 631-726-8015
People can select Gingergold, Redfree and Zestar apples.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-7346441
Dating back to 1661, the farm is one of the largest on the North Fork and offers a wide selection of apples in their You Pick Farm.
could be having a moment among modern home buyers. According to the real estate experts at Zillow, the term “cozy” appeared in 35 percent more real estate listings in 2024 than in 2023. Though various components can help to create a cozy vibe inside a home, wood has long been a go-to material when interior designers attempt to add warmth to a property. The home renovation experts at Houzz also cite wood-infused architectural warmth among its 10 most popular home trends in the coming year. Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend before putting their homes on the market or those who simply love the idea of adding more wood-based warmth in their homes can consider installing ceiling beams, wood wall paneling or even wood trim throughout their homes.
Benefits Of Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness
Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom
received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did
not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health.
Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
Expenses To Expect Upon Buying A Home
Homeownership is often characterized as a fulfillment of a dream. Indeed, many homeowners feel their ability to buy a home is a reflection of their discipline and commitment to saving money. That discipline and dedication can set homeowners up for long-term financial health, providing a unique sense of security along the way. First-time home buyers may not know what to expect upon buying a home, and since each home is unique, it’s impossible for even long-time homeowners to say with certainty exactly how things will unfold once those new to home ownership get the keys to their first house. Various expenses might be the only common variable when it comes to homeownership, and some of those expenses may surprise first-time buyers. With that in mind, the following are some expenses first-time buyers can expect once their offers are accepted.
• Down payment: Conventional wisdom long suggested home buyers should submit a down payment of at least 20 percent of the overall purchase price upon buying a home. Buyers who want to follow that advice would need a down payment of $80,000 when buying a
$400,000 home. But many home buyers now submit down payments considerably less than 20 percent, particularly in the modern real estate market, which is characterized by high prices and low inventory. The lower the down payment, the higher your monthly mortgage payment will be, so it’s best to save as much as possible toward a down payment.
• Primary mortgage insurance (PMI):
Buyers who cannot come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more will have to pay for primary mortgage insurance, which is typically a set fee that is incorporated into the mortgage payment each month. PMI fees are typically waived once the balance on the mortgage reaches 79 percent or less of the purchase price, though some lenders may waive PMI prior to that if the value of the home increases considerably before the loan balance reaches the predetermined marker.
• Closing costs: The amount of closing costs varies widely depending on a host of variables, but Bankrate. com notes it’s not uncommon for these costs to come in at somewhere between 2 and
5 percent of the loan principal. Closing costs must be paid no later than when the sale becomes official and buyers sign on the (many) dotted lines. Application and credit fees, title fees, underwriting fees, appraisal fees, and transfer tax are among the various fees that fall under the umbrella of closing costs.
• Moving: It’s also important that first-time home buyers budget for moving costs. Moving costs vary and may depend on how much buyers already own and how far they’re moving. The home renovation experts at Angi estimate that local moves typically cost somewhere between $883 and $2,568, while long-distance moves may run buyers anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000 or more. These costs are some of the upfront fees aspiring homeowners can expect when buying a home. Longterm costs, including homeowners’ insurance (which is separate from PMI), property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and maintenance are some additional expenses buyers can plan for as they try to determine their home buying budgets.
Realestate has long been touted as a worthy long-term investment. With that conventional wisdom in mind, young adults often make buying a home one of their first bigticket purchases. Though real estate remains a potentially lucrative investment, the market for homes has been difficult to navigate for several years running.
High mortgage interest rates and low inventory have left many buyers feeling priced out of the real estate market. Others may find the competitive nature of the modern real estate market too stressful. No one can predict if or when the real estate market might be less
How To Navigate A Challenging Real Estate Market
challenging, but the following are some ways those looking for a house can navigate that process.
• Ready your finances. It goes without saying that prospective buyers must get their financial affairs in order before they begin shopping for a house. But finding a home in the current market takes time, and some buyers might have let their mortgage preapproval letter expire without realizing it. Others might have experienced a dip in their credit rating as they turned to credit cards to confront inflation. That means buyers who began looking for a home
months or even years ago might not be positioned to buy now, should they find a home to their liking. Revisit your finances if it’s been a while. Pay off any consumer debt that has accumulated in recent months and reapply for mortgage preapproval if necessary.
• Be ready to pounce. Data from the National Association of Realtors
found that the average home spent 32 days on the market before being sold in November of 2024, which was a full week longer than a year earlier. That’s good news for buyers, but it still means buyers must be ready to pounce if they find a home and a home price to their liking.
• Hire a real estate agent. The hectic pace
of the modern real estate market can be difficult for anyone to keep up with. But real estate agents keep up with the market for a living, and they can be invaluable resources for buyers whose commitments to work and family are making it difficult to keep pace.
• Emphasize long-term growth and value when assessing properties. According to Zillow, the median list price of homes in the United States was just under $387,000 by the end of January 2025. But buyers must also recognize that 22.4 percent of homes sold above list price in that month, according to a Redfin
analysis of MLS data and/or public records. Buying a home is more than an investment in a property. It’s also, in some way, an investment in the town where the home is located and in a homeowner’s future. So while it can be tempting to buy a home with the lowest asking price, homebuyers should also seek homes that figure to experience the best long-term growth in value. Homes situated in safe and welcoming towns with good schools are arguably a better investment than homes with lower sticker prices but no such amenities.
One Mighty Force: Long Island Residents Unite To End Lung Disease At LUNG FORCE Walk On October 25
On Saturday, October 25, the American Lung Association in New York is uniting people across Long Island as one mighty force to come together to end lung cancer and chronic lung disease at the third annual LUNG FORCE Walk Long Island at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY, with a fundraising goal of $150,000.
The LUNG FORCE Walk is a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives, and awareness. For the event, participants will walk a scenic one-mile or a threemile route at Eisenhower Park on Saturday, October
25, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m.
“Thanks to all our amazing volunteers, participants, and LUNG FORCE Heroes and Lung Champions, we are truly making an impact on lung cancer in New York. We are so proud that here in New York, LUNG FORCE Walks have raised nearly $4 million to help end lung disease since 2015. Nationally, since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $32 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding our research commitment by 140%,” said Erica Masin, Executive Director at the Lung Association in New York.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer
deaths among people in the U.S., and someone is diagnosed with the disease about every two minutes. But there is hope! More people than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by over 44% in the past decade.
LUNG FORCE Walk events are great for friends, family, and company teams to come together to support people with lung disease and lung cancer, have fun, and get some exercise. Joining a LUNG FORCE Walk supports the work of the American Lung Association to defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and eliminate
tobacco use and tobaccorelated diseases.
The Lung Association encourages people across the country to get involved in a LUNG FORCE Walk in Long Island. To learn more and register, visit LUNGFORCE. org/longisland.
Thank you to our local LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors, including Catholic Health, and Radio Partners 106.1 BLI and WBAB 102.3. About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung
Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future.
For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator and is a PlatinumLevel GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit:? Lung.org
Thank you to photographers Christopher Griffith, Doug McQuillan, and our friends at Velvet Turtle Events!
Thephrase “bigger is better” has endured for quite some time. Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. No adage applies to every situation, and in some instances, people may find that bigger is not better.
Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to downsize from their current homes. Though that’s a strategy millions of people have
adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision.
• Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed-rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance?
Home maintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12
How To Determine If The Time Is Right To Downsize
months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their properties. The number may be eye-opening, as Thumbtack’s “Home Care Price Index” released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single-family home reached an alltime high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing
homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing.
• Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where
maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable. In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may
find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible.
• Emotional attachment: Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult. Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations.
The College Board has honored 84 Deer Park High School students for their outstanding academic performance in Advanced Placement coursework, recognizing them as 2025 AP Scholars. These designations celebrate students who have demonstrated collegelevel achievement through exceptional performance on rigorous AP exams.
The College Board’s AP Scholar Program honors several levels of distinction based on student performance across multiple exams.
The AP Scholar recognition is awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Thirty-eight Deer Park students earned this designation, including seniors Daniel Aguilar, Ilayda Avcu, Brandon Bailey, Baileigh Braithwaite, Arianna Chowdhury, Bailey Corcoran, Abigail Cullen, Skylar Gavin, Aubrey Goetz, Natalie Hample, Jordyn Hasemann, Abrar Hossain, Parleen Kaur, Isabel Khemraj, Abdulllah Latif, Jessica Lema, Matthew Morace, Julia Neilson, Sophia Paduano, Mia Rodriguez, Antonio Rosado, Saad Salman, Sophia Sheeler, Hayden Snyder, Vincent Vela, Nicholas Velasco and Salwa Waseem, and juniors Abrar Ahmed, Kimberly Cho, Chelsea Cornelia, Ashhad Fadel, Aubrey Hyney, Aditya Kataria, Sophia Lindsay, Connor McGuinness, Gianna Montes, Gofur Moral and Noah Olthoff.
The AP Scholar with Honor recognition is granted to students who earn an average score of at least
Eighty-Four Deer Park High School Students Earn Recognition As 2025 AP Scholars
3.25 on all AP Exams taken, with scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. Twentytwo Deer Park students earned this designation, including seniors Elizabeth Boyle, Emily Cannet, Olivia Corrado, Addison Costanza, Sebastian Garcia, Carsyn Goetz, Matthew Hennessey, Mason Jones, Jack Lanteri, Jonathan Manzanares, Aubriella Nunez, Aubrey Pottinger, Jayna Singh, Nathan Trifu and Brian Williams, and juniors Emily Dong, Nia Elias, Adan Herrera, Abbas Meersyed, Kevin Mostriansky, Nobin Nath and Ali Zorakhsh.
AP Scholar with Distinction, the highest level, is presented to
students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, with scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. Twenty-four Deer Park students achieved this elite distinction, including seniors Tanin Ahmadzai, Hiba Amin, Hasan Asif, Kayla Cruz, Gavyn DeFour, Lucas Di Vanna, Maxwell Ferguson, Nicolas Flores, Madison Griffin, Raquibul Hasan, Ubaid Iqbal, Ruby Kappel, Lauren Marable, Bertrand Mondelus, Onwuka Offiah, Angel Oliva, Ceica Pierre, Ava Sacarin, Jaidyn Schabe, Sidra Syed, Jasmine Uppal, Eve Valentine and Thomas Wesnofske, and junior Vincent Cacciola.
Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings
12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information e-mail or call:
Donna526@aol.com or (631) 835.8788; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org
The College Board recognized 84 Deer Park High School students as 2025 AP Scholars. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15th
7:00PM-9:00PM
THE DEVIL IN NEW YORKTHE WITCHCRAFT TRIAL OF GOODY GARLICK
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host Tara Rider and her presentation "The Devil in New York - The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick". The program will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. Free and open to the public. For more information on this, their 2026 Holiday House Tour or to become a member, visit www. isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631559-2915
FRIDAY, OCT. 17th
SATURDAY, OCT. 18th
6:00PM-9:00PM
SPOOKTACTULAR
Enjoy eerie animal presentations, a ghostly graveyard, creepy games, scary music, and spooky night trails. Great for ghouls 7 years and up. Food Truck refreshments available for purchase! 10/17 Box Car Burgers, 10/18 Krazy Knish. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
SATURDAY, OCT. 18th
9:00AM-5:00PM
PARROT EXPO
Sayville VFW POST 433 400 Lakeland Avenue in Sayville. Long Island’s only major exotic bird event boasts a full day of shopping, raffles, fun and education for pet bird lovers! For more information, please call 631-957-1100
HOLIDAYS
13th - 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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
10:00AM-3:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH
THRIFT SHOP / YARD SALE
(Rain or Shine) Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00) many new items in all categories, Rent A Table - $25.00. 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
10:00AM-4:00PM
HARVEST CRAFT FESTIVAL & YARD SALE
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2025 Washington Avenue in Seaford. Local craft vendors, Congregational Yard Sale, pumpkin patch, painting, mums for sale, raffles, music & much more. For more information, please call 516-781-6374, office@ ourredeemerlutheran.church
10:00AM-8:00PM
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
All are welcome! Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-2268690, gumc.lindy@gmail.com
2:00PM
HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN DAY
The annual Halloween Family Fun Day held in Lindenshurst features face painting, games, hay rides, pony rides, hot cocoa and more. This event is co-chaired by the Village of Lindenhurst, Mayor's Beautification Society, Rotary Club of Lindenhurst, Lindenhurst Fire Department, and the Lindenhurst Moose Club. Rain date: October 19. For more information, please call 631-957-7500
7:00PM-11:00PM
HARVEST MOON DANCE
The Knights of Columbus #11968 will be holding a Harvest Moon Dance at Our Lady of Grace Church, Father Shanahan Hall located at 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call Rob 631-7470147 or Dave 631- 357-0188.
SUNDAY, OCT. 19th
1:00PM-5:00PM
WADE BURNS VFW 7279
PSYCHIC ENLIGHTENING
Admission: $55.00 includes Psychic Christopher Allen, light lunch, beer, wine, soda and cake. Wade Burns VFW 7279 560N. Delaware Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please contact 631-965- 6459
FRIDAY, OCT. 24th
DOORS OPEN 6:00PM BINGO STARTS 7:00PM WEST ISLIP FIRE DEPT LADIES AUX MUSIC BINGO FUND RAISER
West Islip Fire Dept. 309 Union Blvd West in Islip. Tickets $20 extra cards for sale, 50/50, Lotto board. Raffle baskets. for more information and for tickets, please call 516-318-530. Light food for purchase. Donate a non perishable item for a ticket to a special raffle
6:30PM-8:00PM HAUNTED HIKES
Garden City Bird Sanctuary, 182 Tanners Pond Rd. in Garden City. Long Islands favorite family Haunted Hike is back. With both Scary and not so scary walks (on separate trails) a maze and some fun photo opportunities. For more information, please visit https:// thegcbs.org/gcbs-home
Jaidyn Schabe Named Student Member Of Deer Park BOE
Deer Park High School senior Jaidyn Schabe officially joined the Deer Park Board of Education at the Sept. 30 meeting as an ex officio student member. This uncompensated position, as mandated by
New York State law, permits high school students to serve in a non-voting advisory capacity on their district’s board of education, providing a valuable student voice on school issues. Schabe’s duties will include
attending future board meetings, participating in discussions and making recommendations.
“My first meeting was a really cool experience,” Schabe said. “I’m excited to be able to represent
students and their ideas to the board, and it’s a great opportunity to have this sort of communication with the board members.”
Schabe serves as president of the school’s Class of 2026 and PEN Society, and is
a member of the DECA, lacrosse and cross-country teams. She was recently named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program for her performance on the PSAT. As a junior, she
earned a gold medal in the Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award program, which recognizes civic involvement, volunteer service and personal development.
Deer Park High School senior Jaidyn Schabe officially joined the Deer Park Board of Education at the Sept. 30 meeting as an ex officio student member. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
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Hope For The Warriors Presents Free Career Readiness Webinar
Geared for the military community, Hope For The Warriors will present a free, virtual career workshop with Robert Half, a talent solutions and business consulting firm, Thursday, October 16, from 11 a.m. to noon. EST.
Working with a Staffing Firm: Myths, Facts & How to Maximize the Relationship will tackle the utilization of staffing firms, showcase Robert Half’s process of working with candidates/ employers, what to expect from the placement process, temporary to permanent opportunities, and navigating Robert Half’s job portal.
As a part of Hope For The Warriors’ Warrior’s Compass transition program, the free, virtual career workshop series provides free training to help prepare those in the military landscape for a job search in today’s civilian climate. The workshops offer tools and tips, as well as opportunities to network with other service members, military spouses, and companies committed to hiring those with military backgrounds. There will be one more workshop in 2025, taking place on December 11.
For the first 15 participants who attend the October event for its entirety, Robert Half will provide 30-day access to its Percipio learning platform. Percipio features thousands of career development resources, including courses on resume writing, interview prep, leadership, Microsoft Office skills, and more. The goal of the selfguided program is to help users sharpen their skills and explore new interests to help take the next step in their career journey.
To register for the free workshop, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
How To Boost Home Value Before Selling
Peopleconsidering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow.
The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for changes in the real estate market could be disappointed, and hesitant buyers may finally just bite the bullet and buy even if mortgage rates are not where they hoped they’d be in 2025. Homeowners with properties they are considering listing for sale would be wise to make certain changes that will help garner the best prices from buyers. Make kitchen and bath improvements The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Real estate agents may recommend that homeowners make minor to moderate kitchen upgrades like resurfacing cabinets,
upgrading countertops and changing fixtures or hardware to give the room an overhaul.
Homeowners also should look to bathroom updates as smart investments that can improve home value.
Katie Severance, author of The Brilliant Home Buyer, characterizes kitchens and baths as “money rooms” that add the most value to a home.
Declutter the home
Homeowners should clean out items they no longer need.
Decluttering can make a space feel bigger, which is beneficial in a market where open concept floor plans remain popular among home buyers.
When buyers walk through a prospective home, they want to envision themselves living there, something that is more easily done if the home isn’t overrun with the current homeowner’s belongings.
Get to painting
Painting a home is a cost-effective renovation
with a lot of oomph. Freshly painted rooms appear clean and updated, says HGTV, and that can appeal to buyers. Homeowners should choose neutral colors to accommodate the widest array of potential buyers.
Improve the landscaping
The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers will see as they roll up to view a property or look at a listing online. Homeowners should start by evaluating and enhancing the landscaping. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained and add plants that provide color without a lot of maintenance.
Expand usable space
Homeowners can think about adding to the usable space in a home. This translates into finishing basements or attics or even converting garages to rooms. Or it may involve adding a threeseason room.
Homeowners can consider a number of improvements to increase the resale value of their properties.
