Special One-Stop Passport Weekend
Looking To Travel Abroad? Make An Appointment Today!
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa. Residents are required to book appointments in advance.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and
dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel. state.gov.
Student Leaders Named Ex Officio Board Members
Massapequa High School seniors Tatum Brennan and James Benjamin will serve as the district’s first ex officio student members on the board of education. They were officially sworn in on Oct. 21. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Two seniors will be joining the Massapequa School District Board of Education as ex officio members. James Benjamin and Tatum Brennan were selected from more than a dozen applicants and will attend the meetings to provide updates on student accomplishments and activities at Massapequa High School.
class, and a member of the field hockey team, Key Club, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society and a district social and emotional learning committee. Over the summer she worked as a summer recreation leader at East Lake..
information from a lot of different groups of people to the table. It’s really helpful having the people who the decisions are impacting the most at the meetings.”
They were officially be sworn in at the Oct. 21 meeting. James and Tatum will not vote or attend executive session, but they will give a report at each public session. Students were invited to apply for the position and had to submit a statement of interest and well as letters of recommendation from teachers.
James, who attended Fairfield Elementary School, is a member of the cross-country, winter and spring track teams, plays the tuba in the jazz and pep bands, is co-president of the German Honor Society, and a member of the German Club, National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. He also is a lifeguard for the Town of Oyster Bay.
Tatum, an East Lake Elementary School graduate, is the activities coordinator for the senior
The seniors, who both take multiple Advanced Placement courses, noted that they bring multiple perspectives to the table because of their commitment to their academics and involvement in both athletics and extracurricular activities.
“I’m involved in so many different aspects of the school and I feel I can bring so many different views to the table,” James said.
“When you get involved in school, it gives you something to look forward to. You create relationships, you make friends and it makes everything a much more enjoyable experience.”
Tatum and James both look forward to bringing the student voice to board of education meetings.
“I thought it was really important and great that they were looking for student insight to help with the decisions that they make,” Tatum said. “I feet like I can bring a lot of
Both are planning to pursue careers in the medical field. James aspires to become an anesthesiologist and Tatum strives to be a nurse.
“James and Tatum have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership as Massapequa students,” Superintendent Dr. William Brennan said, “and I have no doubt that they will bring valuable insight to the table as our first ex officio student board members.” Board of Education President Kerry Wachter added, “We are excited to welcome our new ex officio student board members to the Massapequa Board of Education. These accomplished students bring valuable perspectives from across our student body. In Massapequa, we have always taken student input seriously through committees and advisory groups. We look forward to their monthly updates to the board and their insights will help us continue fulfilling our mission: Creating leaders… one child at a time.”
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Ames Students Offer Sweet Support At Ronald McDonald House
Ninth graders from the community servicefocused Helping Hands Club boarded a bus from the Massapequa High School Ames Campus on the morning of Oct. 17, and made the 20-mile journey to help out families at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park. Students made brownies, cinnamon rolls, cookies and oatmeal as part of the volunteer baking and brunch programs.
Led by advisers Alyssa Levine and Nicole Reiss, 10 students worked in small groups to bake the items. They came with their own recipes and each student also brought one ingredient. They baked in the Ronald McDonald House kitchen, then put the food out on trays for residents to enjoy.
Families can stay at the Ronald McDonald House while a child is undergoing treatment for a serious illness at the nearby Cohen
Children’s Medical Center. The facility has extensive volunteer programs, and the Ames Helping Hands club has been taking part in it for nearly a decade.
“I thought it would be a very nice thing to bake for families that have kids who are in hard situations,” ninth grader Sage Milow said. “I feel bad for the families that have kids who are sick.”
Students learned about the services that the Ronald McDonald House provides and the important role that volunteers play to ensure that families have an enjoyable and comfortable stay as they deal with difficult situations. Ryan Dittenhoefer said she learned that it is a safe space for families and allows them to be close to the hospital.
“It’s nice for them to know that someone cares about them and wants to help,” Ryan said. “It
makes me feel good that I’m doing something for the community.”
“It was worthwhile,” added Mackenzie DiBello. “It was for a good cause and I like helping others.”
Aiden Nilsen, who immediately noticed the large Ronald McDonald statue upon arriving, said he enjoyed being able to turn one of his passions into community service.
“I love cooking and I wanted to cook for the people that needed it,” he said.
The parents there probably don’t have much time to cook so it was really special for them.”
Ms. Reiss noted that most students are probably familiar with the money collection boxes at McDonalds restaurants, and this was a chance for them to see where that money goes. It was a good experience for the participants to interact with the families and the
volunteers, and see people enjoying the treats they made.
“I think they got a lot out of it,” Ms. Reiss said. “It allowed them to experience circumstances they might not have ever been exposed to
before – people who need assistance – and see how the community steps in and helps them out.”
Ms. Levine and Ms. Reiss hope to return to Ronald McDonald House in the spring with other students from Helping
Hands. Other upcoming endeavors for the club include a visit to the senior center at McKenna Elementary School in November and the annual holiday book and pajama drive for children.
Ten students from the Helping Hands Club at the Massapequa High School Ames Campus went to the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park on Oct. 17 to bake for families there.
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Town To Collect DVDs For U.S. Troops & Children’s Hospitals
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board today announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, as well as movies for children’s hospitals.
Donations will be accepted during October and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors, and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner
with Big Hy for Heroes for our Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe, as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women, and children by donating DVDs.”
The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded
in 2002 by Massapequa resident and World War II veteran Hyman Strachman, who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas.
Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs worldwide and
continues to do so today. Exciting, suspenseful, comedy, and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations through October 31st:
Town Hall North –
54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South –977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.
Collection Drive To Support Homeless Veterans
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca, in partnership with VFW Post #6394 in Syosset, encourage residents to support local veterans by donating to a Collection Drive. Throughout the month of November, residents are invited to donate toiletries that will be distributed through the not-for-profit organization Help for Homeless Long Island Veterans.
“From hosting veteran appreciation events to recognizing their service with Hometown Hero Banners in our parks, the Town of Oyster Bay is
committed to honoring veterans for their service to our nation,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Please join this mission to help bring the comforts of home to veterans by making a donation to our collection drive.”
Most needed items include toiletries: toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, Chapstick, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, cream, razors, shaving cream, combs, brushes, sunscreen, Q-Tip’s, tweezers and nail clippers.
“When I learned that Help for Homeless Long Island Veterans had a
‘Wish List’ of items their veterans desperately need, I knew residents would generously spring into action to help ensure these needs are met,” said Clerk LaMarca. “I thank the residents of our wonderful Town in advance for their generosity and support of our veterans.”
Collection Bins will be available on weekdays from 9:00am to 4:45pm at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay) and Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa).
For more information, please call (516) 624-6380 or email ealter@oysterbayny.gov.
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
Residents Invited To Submit Photos
For Town Publications
Want to see your photos in upcoming Town publications such as the Town calendar? Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in print or online. Photos are needed depicting all seasons.
“We accept photos yearround submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Monteleone. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as
other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”
Receiver Pravato Announces
40-Day Penalty Free Period
To Pay School Property Taxes
Councilman Monteleone noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes, Jeffrey P. Pravato, reminds residents that the First Half of the 2025-2026 School Tax Levy that was due on October 1st, can be paid without penalty through November 10th.
“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” Receiver Pravato explained.
“After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty is added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to October 1st. Don’t delay, make your payment before November 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”
The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, daily from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or debit/credit card (for a fee). Outdoor walkup windows are also available to accept payments with a check. On November 7th and 10th both offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill.
Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 117711539. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s school district code, section, block, lot and phone number on the check. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before November 10th.
Taxpayers also have access to the 2025-2026 School Tax information on our online system via a link on the Town website, www.oysterbaytown.com.
Residents may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment for a service fee of $1.75, or by debit/credit card for a much higher fee charged by the credit card companies. The Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.
Receiver Pravato reminds residents that school budgets are set by their local school districts, and the Town of Oyster Bay is not involved in that
process. Any questions related to School Tax rates and amounts should be addressed to the resident’s school district. The telephone number for each school district is printed on the front of the School Tax bill.
To contact the Receiver of Taxes Office, please call (516) 624-6400 or email receiveroftaxes@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Residents are requested to have the school district code, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29th
10:30AM-11:15AM
NOT-SO-SCARY PJ STORIES
The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave in Merrick. Free Event. No registration required. Wear your PJs or a costume and drop in for stories that are more silly than scary. For more information, please call 516-377-6112
7:00PM POCKETBOOK BINGO
The Memorare Columbiettes Auxiliary is hosting Pocketbook Bingo. Doors open at 6:00pm, games start at 7:00 pm. The Memorare Council is located at 2183 Jackson Avenue in Seaford. $35 per person includes 8 games of bingo, wine, soda, snacks, coffee and dessert. (Snacks from home are always welcome). 50/50 and lotto board raffles and additional bingo cards will be available for purchase For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Lisa Koenig 516-205-0768
THURSDAY, OCT. 30th
6:00PM-7:45PM THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW SCREENING
The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave in Merrick. Community Room. Free event. No registration required. A flamboyant transvestite offers shelter to a straight-laced, newly-engaged couple whose car breaks down near his mansion, introducing them to a wild and
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
outrageous cast of partygoers. For more information, please call 516-377-6112
FRIDAY, OCT. 31st
9:00AM-5:00PM
TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE LIBRARY
The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave. in Merrick. Wear your costume and stop by our public service desks to trick-or-treat! Each child will receive a non-food item. While supplies last. No registration required. All ages, but recommended for ages 3-10. For more information, please call 516-377-6112
7:00PM-11:00PM BRUMIDI’S SPOOKTACULAR NIGHT
Buffet Dinner, Beer, Wine, Soda, Coffee/Tea, Dessert, Music DJ Rotten Raffles, Costume Contest (Costume not requited, however) $55 pp. For more information, please call Antonietta 631-6177945. Sons & Daughters of Italy 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park
UPCOMING NOVEMBER EVENTS
SATURDAY, NOV. 1st
10:00AM-1:00PM
BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Lindenhurst Library will have a Book Sale at One Lee Avenue in Lindenhurst. Early access at 9:00 am for current Friends members. You may join at the event to take advantage of early access. For more information, please call 631-957-7755
Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series has returned with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilman Hand. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
Scheduled performances for October and November include:
11:30AM-4:30PM
EMPOWERED AUTUMN HOLISTIC FESTIVAL
P&A Park, 759 Long Island Ave. in Deer Park. 100 Wellness Vendors, 7 Food Trucks, Healers, Psychics, Music & Adopt-A-Pet! Free Admission, Family Friendly, Plenty of Parking. For more information, please call Diane 516-639-6903
12:00NOON-3:00PM HARVEST PARTY
LIVING LIVER DONATION BENEFIT
Play carnival games and win prizes. Free will donation. This is a benefit for Susie Sheridan who is in need of a living liver donation. Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THROUGH NOV. 2
6:00PM-9:00PM SPOOKY FEST
Center for Science Teaching and Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road in Rockville Centre. This Halloween adventure is perfect for families who don't want to be scared.... or maybe are looking for something a bit more frightening. For more information, please call 516-764-0045
• Just Sixties on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library – A multi-media retrospective of the 1960’s with singa-longs and trivia questions.
• Gino Di Napoli on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Bethpage Public Library – Gino sings “O Sole Mio,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” “My Way,” and many, many more!
• The Golden Tone Orchestra on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library – 18 musicians who have been playing jazz and swing standards for more than six decades.
• Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Syosset Public Library – Local country, rockabilly legend Gene Casey and his musical entourage present a show of favorites and originals. Open to all. Free tickets required. Registration begins Oct. 22nd. Visit: https://syosset.librarycalendar.com/ events/month and select the date of the concert and register.
• Savannah Sky on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Bethpage Public Library – Playing the best of classic country, western swing, folkrock, and so much more!
PSEG Long Island Reminds Customers: The Best Time To Prepare For Natural Disasters Is Today
With hurricane season entering peak activity, PSEG Long Island reminds customers to prepare ahead of time for disasters and emergencies.
“Natural disasters and other emergencies can disrupt access to goods and services that support our day-to-day lives. Taking the time to prepare and having a plan limits the negative impact an emergency has on your household,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “The safety of our employees, customers and contractors has always been PSEG Long Island’s top priority, and we partner with groups like the United Way to help spread the word.”
PSEG Long Island’s ongoing system improvements and enhancements to the grid help provide electric
reliability to Long Island and the Rockaways throughout the year.
Here’s how customers can prepare for a severe storm and other emergencies:
• Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries.
• Check your supply of flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water.
• Create an emergency communications plan.
• Develop an evacuation plan.
• Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
• Make sure to have cash available. Banks may be closed or inaccessible after a storm.
• Fill up your vehicle’s fuel tank.
• Bring in unsecured objects and furniture from patios and
Cold Spring Harbor State
Park, Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor State Park is located within Cold Spring Harbor Village. The hiking trails are perfect for beginners and moderate hikers. Pets are welcome! The park is at 95 Harbor Rd, Cold Spring Harbor.
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
balconies.
• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSEG Long Island’s 24hour Electric Service number: 1-800-4900075.
• Discuss storm and lightning safety with your family. Visit psegliny.com/ safetyandreliability/ stormsafety for safety tips, YouTube safety videos and more.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Be aware that downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line, and do not touch anything it might be in contact with. If a wire
falls on or near your car, stay inside the car, call 911 and do not get out until PSEG Long Island de-energizes the line. If you MUST exit the vehicle because it is on fire, jump as far as possible away from the vehicle, with both feet landing on the ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle away.
Critical Care Program
PSEG Long Island understands the critical need for power when life-support equipment is in use. While it is the customer’s responsibility to plan ahead to meet their medical needs if the power goes out, eligible customers can receive enhanced notifications by enrolling in the Critical Care Program. When there is severe weather, PSEG Long Island will stay in touch
with these customers and make every effort to restore power as soon as possible. However, there may be circumstances when timely restoration is difficult, particularly in the case of a severe storm, and participation in the Critical Care Program does not guarantee priority power restoration.
Customers can visit https://www.psegliny. com/Outages/Storm PrepandRestoration/ criticalcareprogram to learn more.
Stay connected:
• Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
• To report an outage and receive status updates via text,
Long Island Hiking Trails Great For The Fall
Bethpage State Park is on the border of Nassau and Suffolk County. Bethpage State Park is most known for golf and has hosted several national championships. There are many trails of varying lengths, perfect for leisurely hikes or biking. The park is at 99 Quaker Meeting House Road in Farmingdale.
Sands Point Preserve,
Sands Point Sands Point Preserve is filled with local history and scenic vistas. Sands Point Preserve has several different areas available for hiking. This includes a mile-long beach as well as forays into the woods. Sands Point Preserve is at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point.
Hempstead Lake State
Park, West Hempstead Hempstead Lake State Park is a great destination for hikers. The area’s natural beauty and relaxed trails make it a perfect spot for waterside hiking. The Hempstead Lake trail brings you throughout much of the park, around the central Hempstead Lake, Nassau County’s largest lake. Hempstead Lake State Park
is located at Eagle Ave. in West Hempstead.
Sunken Meadow State Park, King’s Park Sunken Meadow State Park is one of Long Island’s most well-known hiking and beach spots. The threemile waterfront is a beloved hiking area both for its views as well as the variety of the nearby terrain. Connected
text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or visit us online at psegliny. com/outages.
• To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24hour Electric Service number: 800-4900075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to report an outage and for updates before, during and after a storm.
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways online at mypowermap.psegliny. com.
For more information about planning for emergencies, visit www. bereadyli.org.
to the Long Island Sound with views of Connecticut. The most popular trail will take hikers nearly four miles through the local wildlife. Sunken Meadow State Park is located at New York State Reference Rte 908K, Kings Park.
To learn more about these parks and others, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/
Fitness And Leadership Go Hand In Hand
Leaders in the gymnasium and on the field, Massapequa High School seniors Sophia Bolognini and John Neary are this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Physical Education Student Award, presented by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Two students from every high school, one male and one female, will be honored at a dinner at the New Hyde Park Inn on Dec. 9. Sophia and John were selected for this award by Massapequa High School’s physical education teachers.
Both are enrolled in the Physical Education Leadership class, and advanced-level course that teaches leadership concepts through sports. They are also enthusiastic participants in their physical education classes, serving as role models by trying their best, having fun and embracing chances to learn new sports and skills.
Sophia is captain of the field hockey team and also runs for spring track
Massapequa High School seniors Sophia Bolognini and John Neary are this year’s recipients of the NYSAHPERD Nassau Zone Outstanding Physical Education Student Award and will be honored on Dec. 9. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
and field. John is a varsity basketball captain and a member of the baseball team. Both students say they strive to bring a selfless attitude to their sports to set an example of being a good teammate and demonstrating sportsmanship.
The seniors noted it is an honor to receive an award that recognizes their passion for personal health
and fitness as well as their leadership abilities.
“It’s well earned,” said Brian Rath, the high school’s physical education chairperson and athletic coordinator. “Sophia and John are both top-notch students. They care about their own health and about being good people, which is ultimately what we’re looking for in our physical education program.”
Fairfield Students Celebrate Each Other’s Boo-Tiful Qualities
Giving a compliment isn’t so scary, third graders learned in an early Halloween activity at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. On Oct. 9, students in Christine Russo’s class walked around the room to write positive character traits on each other’s paper ghosts.
The project started with children coloring their paper ghosts and adding legs. Then, it was time for
their peers to contribute. Students were tasked with visiting every desk to write a word that reflected a positive character trait of that specific classmate. They were encouraged to think outside of the box and use more complex and detailed adjectives.
Ms. Russo said that in preparation for the project, students have been learning about character traits in fiction books. They read several books from the Jory John
and Pete Oswald series including “The Good Egg,” “The Bad Seed” and “The Smart Cookie.” When all the ghosts were filled with words, students came up to the front of the room one by one to share the positive character trait that most defined them. In addition to building a classroom community centered on kindness, Ms. Russo hopes that children will incorporate their expanded vocabulary into their own writing.
Fairfield Elementary School third grader showed off their paper ghosts filled with positive character traits about them, written by their classmates. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
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The Michele & Mark Goodman Team
Keep Safe
While Hiking This Fall
Fall hiking can be a unique and exciting experience. Thanks to the vibrant foliage, crisp air and smaller crowds than might be around during summer, fall is a prime time to lace up one’s boots and hit the trails.
Beyond the opportunity to check out the amazing foliage displays synonymous with this time of year, spending time outdoors in fall provides various health benefits. According to UAB Medical West, some benefits of hiking include improved mental well-being, enhanced balance and improved muscle strength. As with any hiking trip, it is key to plan ahead to enjoy a safe and enjoyable adventure this fall.
• Layer your clothing. Fall weather can be unpredictable and dramatic temperature fluctuations can occur between morning and afternoon. The trick
is layering clothing to provide comfort and safety. Start with a moisturewicking base layer, add an insulating layer like fleece for warmth, and top it with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. You can adjust your clothing as conditions change.
• Wear proper footwear to ensure ample traction. Opt for sturdy hiking shoes or boots with significant ankle support and excellent traction. Fallen leaves and rain or early-season ice can make paths slippery. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Wool socks (not cotton) will wick away moisture and provide warmth even when damp. According to a study on mountain hiking in the Austrian Alps, 75 percent of fall accidents occur on descents, so having extra traction can help.
• Mind the daylight. As fall inches closer to winter, daylight hours diminish rapidly. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly dusk arrives. Plan your route to account for your pace so you can be off the trail well before sunset. Pack a flashlight or headlamp just in case.
• Mind the habitat. Anytime
you hike you should be mindful of the natural settings around you. Stick to the trails so you do not disturb delicate vegetation. Also, never feed wild animals. They can grow accustomed to an easy hand-out and lose their fear of humans, putting themselves at risk of harm. Remember to
dispose of trash properly and always take out what you bring in.
• Stay fueled and hydrated. Despite the cooler temperatures of fall, dehydration may occur as the body loses fluid through exertion and respiration. Pack plenty of water and take sips regularly. Bring along
energy-rich snacks like protein bars, trail mix and dried fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the excursion.
Fall hiking trips enable people to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the season while also getting some exercise and enjoying ample fresh air.
