NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS ARE READY TO MAKE DIFFERENCE
Two new assistant principals have joined the administrative team in the Seaford School District for the
school year – Melanie Judson at the high school and Tara Savage at Harbor Elementary School. They both bring extensive experience and great enthusiasm to their positions. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
MELANIE JUDSON
TARA SAVAGE
The Seaford School District announces the appointment of two administrators in the Pupil Personnel Services department. Dr. Dana Battaglia is the elementary assistant director and Jamie Hermel has been named secondary assistant director. Together, Dr. Battaglia and Ms. Hermel will serve about 425 students across the district’s four schools. They both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their positions, and strive to make a positive difference for students who receive special services.
Dr. Battaglia comes to Seaford from the Westbury School District, where she was the committee on special education chair for the past two years. Prior to that, she spent 11 years as a faculty member and department chair of Adelphi University’s department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her first position was in 1998 as teacher of speech and hearing handicapped at Nassau BOCES, followed by five years as a speechlanguage pathologist in the Northport-East Northport School District.
During her career as an educator, Dr. Battaglia has also worked with the Eden II programs at Genesis School in East Meadow to support children with autism. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology from LIU Post, a master’s degree in speech language pathology from St. John’s University, a doctorate in philosophy in speech language hearing sciences from the CUNY Graduate Center and school building and district leadership certificates from Adelphi University.
In her previous position, Dr. Battaglia became familiar with Seaford’s special education programs, as Westbury cross-contracted with Seaford for student placements. She looks forward to supporting teachers, students and their families at Harbor and
A Warm Welcome For Seaford’s Pupil Personnel Services Assistant Directors
Manor elementary schools, including overseeing the launch of a new K-1 class at Manor.
“It’s such an honor to help enhance the great programs that are already in place,” Dr. Battaglia said. “I want to work collaboratively with the building administrators and pupil personnel services educators to continue to grow inclusive opportunities for all students.”
Ms. Hermel joins Seaford from the Jericho School District, where she was the curriculum associate of secondary pupil personnel services for two years. She previously worked in New York City schools as an administrator for special education at Bayside High School for eight years. Her career began as a grades 6-8 special education teacher at Robert F. Kennedy Middle School in Queens.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and English from Queens College, and master’s degrees in middle childhood general and special education from Touro College, educational leadership and administration from Touro College, and school and family counseling from Mercy College.
Ms. Hermel will support students at the high school and middle school. Her goal is to partner with building administrators and teachers to prepare students for their post-secondary lives using the Seaford Scholar skills. She wants to ensure that students have a wide range of pathways to meet success. In making these important decisions, it is essential to include parents as “thought partners,” she explained.
Seaford not only offers strong academic programs for special education students, Ms. Hermel noted, but there are many additional supports such as Best Buddies, Challenger athletics and the high school and middle school wellness centers. She said the comprehensive program is a testament to the collective
vision of district leadership.
“We offer a broad spectrum of services here in Seaford schools and we’re so lucky to be in a district has so many pupil personnel services structures,” Ms. Hermel said. “I’m really excited to be here.”
Ms. Hermel is particularly looking forward to working for Executive Director for Student Support Services Mary Catherine Culella-Sun, who she has met at several conferences. She and Dr. Battaglia both emphasized the warm welcome they have received since joining the administrative team at the beginning of the summer.
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Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup. com.
A WARM WELCOME - The Seaford School District welcomes two new assistant directors for the pupil personnel services department. Dr. Dana Battaglia, left, will work with the elementary schools and Jamie Hermel is working at the secondary level. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
AUGUST HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
7:30PM-9:30PM
OWL PROWL WEDNESDAY
Visit Sweetbriar to meet and learn about some of their resident owls.
Embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight.
*Must have tickets to attend this event. No walk ins permitted* Open to families with children ages 5y and up. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
5:00 PM
FARMINGDALE MUSIC ON MAIN 2024
Sponsored by the Farmingdale Village Merchants Association. Music & Fun Along Main St. , between Prospect St & So Front St. For more information, please call 516-249-0093
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
8:00 PM
IAC CONCERT IN THE PARK
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of NYS Parks At Heckscher State Park in East Islip. For more information, please call 631-888-3525, Isliparts.org
6:30 – 10:30
BRUMIDI’S SUMMER LUAU
Constantino Brumidi Lodge, 2075 Deer Park Ave in Deer Park, will be hosting a Summer Luau on Saturday August 10th. $45.00pp,
MAKE
A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
Hawaiian Style Buffet Dinner, Beer, Wine & Soda Included, Hawaiian Entertainment, Raffles , Dancing and More. For Tickets call Angela: 631-225-9688 or Marianne 631-239-5036
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
AUGUST 10 & 11
Saturday 1OAM-9:30PM
Sunday 10AM-5PM
PAUMANAUKE POW WOW
The Paumanauke Native American Festival Inc., the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, and The Town of Babylon present Paumanauke Pow Wow at Tanner Park in Copiague. Audience participation, Traditional Drums, Native Food, Dance Competitions, Quality Traders. For more information, please call BACCA Arts Center 631-587-3696
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
11:00AM- 4:00PM
SPIRIT OF SUMMER ART FESTIVAL
Proudly hosted by the Spirit of Huntington, Long Island's Largest Non-Profit Art Festival. A day of fine art, community networking, food & dessert, raffles, games, activities and music! Rain Date: August 18th • FREE Admission. Located at 2 Melville Rd. N. in Huntington Station. For more information, please call 631-470-9620
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
7:00PM
LIGHTS OF HOPE
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
To honor loved ones lost to an overdose. YES Community Counseling Center’s Annual Lights of Hope Remembrance Ceremony is being held on Monday, August 12, 2024. The ceremony will be held at YES Community Counseling Center’s Levittown office located at 152 Center Lane. For more information, contact Kathleen Coletta, LCSW (516) 799-3203 x127 or email at kcoletta@ yesccc.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 12 -16
9:30AM- 12:30PM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Community United Methodist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School for ages 4-11. Children must be potty trained. $10 per child. CUMC is located at 100 Park Blvd. in Massapequa. For more information, or to register, please call 516-541-7008, or email: MASSAPCUMC@aol.com.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
11:00AM- 4:00PM
CLAM SHUCKING CONTEST
The West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Long Island, Inc. is hosting their 30th Annual Clam Shucking Contest at the Bay Shore Marina on South Clinton Ave. in Bay Shore. Beer • Wine • Soda • Food • 50/50 • Live Music • Dancing • Huge Chinese Auction. Plus: Corn Husking contest & face painting for kids. For more information, please call 631-669-7707
Seaford’s New Assistant Principals Are Ready To Make Difference
Two new assistant principals have joined the administrative team in the Seaford School District for the 2024-2025 school year – Melanie Judson at the high school and Tara Savage at Harbor Elementary School. They both bring extensive experience and great enthusiasm to their positions.
Ms. Judson was an educator for 14 years in New York City. After teaching English and social studies at the middle school level, she then spent nine years as an assistant principal at the Brooklyn High School for Law and Technology. In that position, she worked closely with students to access college credit-bearing courses through the school’s partnerships with local universities.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Oneonta, a master’s degree in secondary English education from Molloy University and her school building leadership certificate from CUNY Baruch College. Ms. Judson is a member of the National Association of Assistant Principals.
At Seaford High School, she will work with Principal Nicole Schnabel and fellow Assistant Principal Alex Mantay to help students cultivate
their passions and further their individual paths to success. The Oceanside native and Bellmore resident looks forward to working on Long Island, particularly in a district that is known for strong student, parent and community involvement in the schools.
“Bringing a different perspective to an already thriving school community is exciting,”
Ms. Judson said, adding that she wants to help foster learning environments that engage students through reading, writing and discussion.
Ms. Savage comes to Seaford Harbor following a 25-year career in the Elmont School District.
Most recently, she served for two years as assistant principal of Stewart Manor Elementary School. Other positions included district ENL coordinator, virtual academy coordinator, assistant principal of the summer academic and enrichment academy, ENL teacher and first grade teacher. She is proud of an initiative she spearheaded in which teachers could learn from each other through classroom visitations.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in teaching English to students
of other languages, both from St. John’s University, and school building and district leader certificates from the College of St. Rose.
Ms. Savage, of Massapequa, said she is enthusiastic about joining a K-12 district and working in partnership with her elementary, middle school, high school and district office colleagues. At Seaford Harbor, she joins Principal Jennifer Bisulca to support students during the foundational years of their education. She also values strong partnerships with the PTA to provide enhanced learning opportunities for children.
“I love that Seaford is a very close-knit community, and it already feels like home,” Ms. Savage said. “I’m excited and thankful for this opportunity to be part of the amazing Seaford team. I make all of my decisions based on the best interests of kids.”
Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
Seaford Public Library
2234 Jackson Avenue - Seaford, NY 11783 Register at http://www.seafordlibrary.org.
Virtual Lecture: Yankees Dynasty Wednesday, August 7th Time: 7:00pm
With a parade of stars from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, the Yankees became baseball’s most dominant franchise and re-wrote the game’s history with home run record-setters Ruth, Roger Maris and Aaron Judge. Join Award winning sportswriter Hal Bock as he traces the history from its earliest years to becoming the face of Major League Baseball. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.
Password Manager (In-Person)
Presented by: Sharper Training Solutions Thursday, August 15th Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm So many passwords, how do
we keep track of them all? In this class you will learn how to best manage your passwords using a password manager, as well as learn the best practices for keeping all your accounts secure from identity theft. No prerequisites. Please bring your questions. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.
The Goldie Hawn Story: From Flower Child to Power Player (Inside Library)
Presented by: Sal St.
George Friday, August 16th Time: 1:00pm Goldie Hawn has starred in a Steven Spielberg film, appeared alongside Steve Martin, Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, Warren Beatty, Chevy Chase, Mel Gibson, and Peter Sellers. She became an acclaimed film producer as well as won an Academy Award. Learn the backstory of one of Hollywood’s most beloved entertainers. Register now ONLINE at www. seafordlibrary.org.
MELANIE JUDSON
TARA SAVAGE
The 42nd Annual Paumanauke Pow-Wow
The Paumanauke Native American Festival Inc., The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA), and the Town of Babylon proudly present the 42nd Paumanauke Pow-Wow on Saturday, August 10, 2024 and Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Tanner Park in Copiague, located on Long Island’s Great South Bay.
This two-day, familyfriendly festival of Native American culture features Indigenous dance and dance competitions, traditional drums, native foods, and plenty of audience participation. Through an exhibition of Native American art, music and dance, the Paumanauke Pow-Wow brings these traditions to visitors in a beautiful setting at Tanner Park. Native
American artists, artisans and craftspeople will display their goods for sale.
Admission (at the gate): Adults $10, Seniors (60+) $5, Teens 12-16 $5, Children under 12 - FREE. Rain or Shine. Bring a lawn chair.
Saturday, August 10th 10am-9:30pm Grand Entry: 12 Noon & 7pm
Sunday, August 11th 10am-5pm
Grand Entry: 12 Noon
For more information, please contact Liz Mirarchi at info@ babylonarts.org.
The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts is a not-for-profit arts organization bringing theater, music, fine arts and cultural events to the residents of the Town of Babylon, NY. Please
visit our website at www. babylonarts.org for a complete listing of our programs and events, or to find information about becoming a member.
BACCA’s programs are made possible in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the County of Suffolk, County Executive Ed Romaine and the Suffolk County Legislature, the Town of Babylon, Supervisor Rich Schaffer, the Town of Babylon Local Development Corporation (LDC), the Lindenhurst Business Improvement District, and from membership and private contributions.
Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious finished product.
Though many people grill throughout the year, this particular method of cooking is most popular in summer, when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grillmasters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.
· Oil the grates before cooking. A light coating of oil brushed onto the
Helpful Tips To Keep Your Grill Clean
grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it's being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.
· Use the right tools. Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush
bristles can cause throat and/or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grillmasters should know that some,
including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.
· Clean after each use. Once food is cooked, cooks' minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grillmasters can eat before cleaning their grills, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean, but use heat-proof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.
· Clean all components. Grease traps, ash pans and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Announces First Annual Thin Mint Sprint 5K And Family Fun Walk
Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) announced today that their inaugural Thin Mint Sprint 5K Run and Family Fun Walk, will take place on Saturday, September 15th, 2024 at Jones Beach State Park on Field 1. This event will offer avid runners, walkers and families a fantastic opportunity
to enjoy the beauty of Jones Beach during Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend, all while raising money for the GSNC Family Partnership giving campaign.
“The Thin Mint Sprint has been something we’ve wanted to have for a while now, and we are excited to finally announce that registration is officially
open!” said Rande Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts Nassau County. “We hope that this event will inspire families to gather in support of empowering the next generation of leaders as they enjoy the beauty of one of New York’s state parks. We hope to see this event become an annual funfilled tradition. Whether it is running in the 5K with friends, walking one mile with your family, or enjoying the activity fair, any participation will help provide girls with experiences that build courage, confidence and character.”
All proceeds from this event will benefit Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Family Partnership giving campaign to ensure all girls can participate in Girl Scouting regardless of background or economic status to provide for membership fees, uniform components, books, badges and supplies for girls in need.
The 5K Thin Mint Sprint is open to runners of all ages and will begin
at 8:30 a.m. Registrants for the in-person option will receive a Thin Mint Sprint event t-shirt, Thin Mint Sprint finisher medal, Thin Mint Sprint race bib, a timing chip, entry into the family activity fair, and most importantly, a box of Girl Scout Cookies. Those who choose to participate virtually will receive a Thin Mint Sprint event t-shirt and a Thin Mint Sprint finisher medal via mail. Both options have a registration fee of $45 through August 25th, with the fee increasing afterwards. The Family Fun One Mile Walk is open to all ages and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registrants will receive a Thin Mint Sprint event t-shirt, entry into the family activity fair, and of course, a box of Girl Scout Cookies. The fee for the family walk is $25 through August 25th, with the fee increasing afterwards.
The Thin Mint Sprint will help Girl Scouts of Nassau County continue their mission to help build a better world.
By participating in the event, families will give girls the opportunity to discover their passions and make lifelong friendships through the Girl Scouts of Nassau County community. To participate or become an event sponsor of the Thin Mint Sprint, please visit www.gsnc.org/thin-mintsprint.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the many events they hold throughout the year, or to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate visit www.gsnc.org.
We are Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through
programs in Nassau County, across Long Island, and from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alum, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.gsnc.org.
After a summer of relaxation, the start of a new school year generates mixed emotions among students. Many children look forward to being back on campus with their friends but may not revel in the idea of waking up early or doing homework
Start Preparing For School Now
each night. While summer break is a much needed-respite from the rigors of school, it doesn’t mean school should be forgotten entirely. In fact, doing some preparatory steps before a new school year begins can make the year
go much more smoothly. Here’s how students and parents can direct their focus during the final countdown.
Keep reading
According to Scholastic, summer slide is a concept that was first acknowledged by researchers in 1996.
Many comprehensive studies have come out since then and indicated that kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break, which can have a cumulative effect and lead to skill loss each year. Some research says up to 20 percent of school year gains in reading and 27 percent in math are lost during summer break. Children should be encouraged to read as much as possible during summer break, particularly since many schools require summer reading and subsequent essays or book reports upon returning to the classroom. Let kids read what they want, whether it’s comics, magazines, the newspaper, or even books they’ve read before.
Accumulate supplies
School may not be on the radar early in summer, but it’s wise to purchase supplies early. Right before school starts
there is a mad dash to grab notebooks, pens, clothing, and more, which can make for a stressful shopping experience for all involved. Shopping early helps families avoid that outcome.
Brush up on math skills
It can’t hurt for students to do a few math problems over the summer. Practice keeps skills fresh and any mathematical formulas prominent in their minds. All it takes is one or two problems per day to stay on top of math skills.
Visit educational attractions
Families can include museums, art exhibits, animal sanctuaries, libraries, science centers, and similar attractions in the list of places they visit over the summer. This way students can learn and be entertained simultaneously.
Start enforcing bedtimes
School-aged children (six
to 13 years) need nine to 12 hours of sleep every night, according to KidsHealth. org. During the summer, late nights can easily be rectified by sleeping in the next day. But when school resumes, the alarm clock will be ringing earlier than expected. Parents can gradually implement earlier bedtimes as summer winds down so that kids are getting the rest they will need.
Get in the know
Parents can begin to pay closer attention to emails and social media posts from schools as they’ll likely contain information about upcoming school calendars, bus routes (or transportation registration), changes in personnel, or any additional updates. This will help alleviate any surprises on the first day of school.
Families can take several steps to get ready for school as the first day draws near.
Social Security Announces Upcoming Changes To Accessing Online Services
Agency Transitioning Authentication Services To Login.gov
The Social Security Administration recently announced that customers who created an online account (e.g., my Social Security account) before September 18, 2021, will soon be required to transition to a Login.gov account to continue access to their online services. Over five million of these account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov
The agency is making the changes to simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services.
“my Social Security is a safe and secure way for
people to do business with us,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “We’re excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies.”
Account holders are encouraged to sign-in now. When the user logs in, they will be presented with an option to easily transition to Login.gov. Once their account is successfully linked, a confirmation screen will appear, and they will have immediate access to their personal my Social Security services or other service that they were attempting to access.
Existing Login.gov or ID.me account holders do
NOT need to create a new account or take any action. my Social Security accounts are free, secure, and provide personalized tools for everyone, whether receiving benefits or not. People can use their account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits they already receive. For more information visit Create an Account | my Social Security | SSA
For more information about Login.gov, including their 24/7 customer phone and chat support, visit Help | Login.gov
Lustgarten Foundation
(NAPSI)—The world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research, the Lustgarten Foundation, is dedicated to curing this devastating disease—and you can help with a donation. To learn more about the condition and what you can do, visit www.lustgarten.org or call toll-free 866-789-1000.
