South Bay's Neighbo
CENTER STAGE MUSIC CENTER’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Center Stage Music Center's 5th
cutting ceremony at its Massapequa Park location. The event
become a beloved part of the
Superb Seaford Musicians Share Talents Beyond The Classroom
The Seaford School District announces that 28 student-musicians have been selected to perform in this year’s All-County festival, hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association. The AllCounty festival will take place from Jan. 8-19. Students from grades 5 through 12, who are carefully selected by NMEA based on their NYSSMA solo performances and teacher recommendations, are invited to attend.
Seaford’s 28 participants will perform alongside Nassau County’s most
accomplished student. Rehearsals will be held at schools throughout the county and concert performances take place at the LIU Post Tilles Center. The district congratulates the following All-County musicians:
Seaford High School – Band: Madelyn Boyon (flute), Brian Karaman (Bb clarinet) and Brandon Siegel (tenor saxophone); Chorus: Emma Baldwin, Brandon Bombardier, Isabella Grace, Corinne Gustavson, Dylan Malone, Alexia Mohammed and Molly Restivo.
Seaford Middle School – Band: Samantha Juan (French horn) and Logan Siegel (Bb clarinet); Chorus: Lily Boyon, Cadan Calderaro, Chris Falta, Leanne Gregorek, Peyton Hujber, Gia Lennon and Sky Schoenberger.
Seaford Harbor Elementary School –Band: Maeve Carloni (alto saxophone); Chorus: Logan Rackow, Caroline Restivo and Guiliana Romano.
Seaford Manor Elementary School –Band: Eliza Bevilacqua (trombone) and Eric Henriquez (trumpet);
Several Seaford High School student musicians have received musical accolades including selection to the All-County music festival and the eVoco mixed ensemble. They were joined by music teachers Yvonne Bendzlowicz, Chris Coniglio and Dr. Anthony Romeo. Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District
Chorus: Penelope Brooks, Krystalia Paraskevopoulos and Kendall Wasnenius.
The students achieved this accomplishment under the direction of Seaford music faculty Richard Adams, Yvonne Bendzlowicz, Pamela Brinkman, Nicholas Coacci, Chris Coniglio, Amanda Ferguson, Daniel Kruger, Charlotte Loake, Dr. Anthony Romeo II, Barbara Sherwin and Kayla Sorensen, and Coordinator of Fine and Applied Arts Dr. Patrick Kennedy.
“Congratulations to the 28 talented Seaford
students who have been accepted into All-County,” Dr. Kennedy said. “This recognition highlights the dedication and skill of our young musicians. I’d also like to commend our music teachers for their guidance in helping these students succeed. This achievement reflects the strength of our music program and our community’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence.”
Additionally, three high school singers were selected to participate with the eVoco Voice Collective, a Long Island-
based choir. Corinne Gustavson (soprano), Matthew Sabatino (bass) and Emily Salce (alto) performed alongside an award-winning collection of singers in the eVoco mixed ensemble show, “Celestial” on Nov. 3 at St. Peter’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore. Under the direction of Dr. David Fryling, the experience gave them a unique opportunity to rehearse and perform, while making connections to both professional musicians and other high school singers.
Seaford Middle School music teachers Barbara Sherwin and Nicholas Coacci congratulated this year’s All-County musicians.
Seaford Manor Elementary School band teacher Daniel Krueger recognized the students who will perform at the January 2024 NMEA All-County festival.
Coordinator of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. Patrick Kennedy and music teacher Kayla Sorensen recognized Seaford Harbor Elementary School’s All-County musicians.
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
MONDAY-FRIDAY. THROUGH DEC 16th
9:00AM-4:30PM
TOY DRIVE
Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney would like to encourage your participation in his Toy Drive. Please Drop off a new & unwrapped toy, book or game at Babylon Town Hall Lobby, 200 East Sunrise Hwy. in Lindenhurst, to help bring the joy of the holiday season to those less fortunate. This annul event in run in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps., who distribute the items to children in need. For more information, please call 631-957-3081
THURSDAY, NOV. 28th
THANKSGIVING DAY
9:30AM-12:30PM
OYSTER BAY TURKEY TROT BY THE BAY
The Longest Consecutive Turkey Trot in the Tri-State. All Proceeds go to Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary. Start Line: 36 Audrey Ave. Oyster Bay. For more information, please call 516-531-3323, Brendan Dagan.
9:15AM-12:00PM
MASSAPEQUA TURKEY TROT 5K
Thanksgiving Day November 28, 8:30AM Fun Run - 9:15AM 5K Start Rain or Shine. John J Burns Park 4990 Merrick Road in Massapequa. Additional race information can be found at http:// www.massapequaturkeytrot.com
HOLIDAYS
3rd - Daylight Savings Time Ends
5th - Election Day
11th - Veterans Day
28th - Thanksgiving
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
SATURDAY, NOV. 30th
9:00AM-4:00PM CRAFT & VENDOR MARKET
St. Bernard Craft & Vendor Market, 3100 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Fresh Wreaths, Christmas Decorations, Sports Memorablia, Candles, Baked Goods... and so much more! For more information, please call 516-731-4220 or parish@stbernardchurch.org
12:00NOON-5:00PM WANTAGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WINTER WONDERLAND
The Sixth Annual Wantagh Chamber of Commerce Winter Wonderland is graciously sponsored by the John Theissen Children's Foundation. Vendors, Food Trucks, Holiday Crafts and Treats, Santa Claus, The Grinch, Entertainment, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting and more. Location: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, visit info@wantaghchamber.com or call 516-679-0100
UPCOMING
DECEMBER EVENTS
SUNDAY, DEC. 1st
WINTER ON WELLWOOD
Rain date: December 8
Lindenhurst Village Square Park and Gazebo
12:00 - 3:00 PM - Santa in the Park and FREE Carousel
sponsored by Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce (Photos with Santa ends at 2:30 PM)
12:00 - 5:00 PM - Christmas Kindl Market, Community Wreath Display, Interactive Story-walk, Ice Sculptor & Carolers
4:30 PM - Holiday Parade Followed by Village Gazebo Tree Lighting
5:00PM
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 210 So. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst, celebrates the First Sunday of Advent with Scriptures and beautiful music led by the adult choir, youth choir, cantors, and instrumentalists. Reception to follow in the School Auditorium. Join us as we prepare for the coming of Christ into our hearts. For more information, please call 631-226-7725
SATURDAY, DEC. 7TH
10:00AM-3:00PM
ST. MARK'S CHRISTMAS FAIR 754 Montauk Highway (across from the Oconee Diner) in Islip. The fair is held in the office building’s Gathering Place. Santa, Decorated Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Ornaments, Toys, Craft Items, Jewelry, Cookie Walk, Raffles, Sweepstakes, Bake Table. December is a very busy time for Santa–but he’ll be at the Fair from around 11:00 to 12:30. For more information, please call 631-581-4950, https://stmarksislip. org
On Saturday morning, December 7, 2024, upwards of a thousand runners and walkers will be transversing the roads of Seaford! They will each be participating in Seaford’s famous Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk.
The community event will start that day at 9:00 AM. The race will be conducted with the starting and finishing line in front of Seaford High School at 1575 Seamans Neck Road, Seaford.
Participants can enroll online for the run/walk through the Wellness Council website (www. seafordwellness.com) or immediately before the event in-person on Friday, December 6th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM or on Saturday, December 7th from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM. In-person registration will take place in the Manso Auditorium in Seaford High School.
Seaford Wellness Council Announces 19th Annual Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk
Online registration, which ends at 5:30 PM December 6, 2024, is $30 (plus a $2.80 service charge). Inperson registration on December 6th is $35 cash or $37.80 credit card. The cost to register on the day of the event, December 7th, is $40 cash or 42.80 credit card. All participants receive a high-quality tee shirt with a uniquely designed event logo. Hot chocolate and bagels are served afterwards, and an awards ceremony and extensive raffle are held post-race.
According to Mike DiSilvio, Council President, “Every year it is so rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of the men, women and children who participate in the Run/ Walk. It is, without doubt, one of the great events in Seaford each year. It really launches the holiday season off with a fantastic
start.”
All proceeds from the event are used exclusively for positive change programs in the Seaford community. The Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Council
Treasurer Donna de la Bastide states “The Run/ Walk is the Council’s sole fundraiser. The varied projects that the Council is annually involved with benefit Seaford’s school children, our senior population and the public library. In addition, we organize general wellness programs and conduct beautification efforts throughout the hamlet.”
The two Honorary CoStarters were chosen, as is tradition, from both the general community and from the Seaford Chamber of Commerce’s designated Businesspeople of the Year. George Brennan is this year’s community
representative. Brennan is actively involved with and is Immediate Past President of the Seaford Lions Club, is on the Boards of Directors of The Book Fairies and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and was designated as the 2023 Seaford Person of the Year by the L.I. Herald. Mike Timko was recently honored jointly by the Seaford Chamber of Commerce and the
Nassau County Chamber of Commerce as the Seaford Businessperson of the Year. Timko is the proprietor of Fun Stuff Toys, the renowned Long Island toy store which has been located in Seaford for over two decades. Timko has been an ardent supporter of community groups including the local PTAs and sports organizations.
Ken Nersesian, Council Vice President, commented that “These two individuals
are perfect examples of Seaford spirit. The Council is extremely proud to name them as 2024 Honorary Co-Starters.”
The Seaford Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk has been recognized in running circles as the third largest community based 5K run/walk on Long Island. It is anticipated that this year’s event will surpass the fun-filled experiences of previous years.
Holiday Coloring Contest!
Wantagh Bird Walk
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, starting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 1 . The Park is on the north side of Merrick Road, 4 blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway . The group will meet at the gazebo. Bring binoculars. Walk leaders and other birders and
nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge.
To register, text your name and contact information to 516 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees F will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable conditions.
Did You Know?
Trends come and go, and that impermanence can make it hard to predict how certain times of year, including the holiday season, will play out. However, one notable trend in regard to the holiday season that has seemingly withstood the test of time is the popularity of Black
Friday among holiday shoppers. But even that dynamic has shifted in the digital age. Though Black Friday remains a big day for retailers, consumers spend more on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) than they do on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving).
Small
Why Supporting Local Small Businsesses Matters
The holiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transactionit is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities.
Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
· Strengthen the local economy: A large percentage of the money spent at small
businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
· Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
· Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they
offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
· Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
· Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration
Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
NEIGHBORS’ PETS PLACE
Antipasto Choose One
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter
Main Course Choose One
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)
Holiday Feast - Order by Dec. 19 For Christmas Eve Pickup Ready for pickup Tuesday Dec. 24th before 6pm.
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
First Course Choose One
• Meat or Cheese Lasagne
• Manicotti
• Stuffed Shells
• Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Linguine Frutti di Mare
• Boar’s Head Sweet Slice Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)
• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)
• Stuffed Flounder Filet
Vegetable Choose Two
• String Bean Almondine
• String Bean Casserole
• Roasted Potato Wedges
Salad Choose One
• Garden or Caesar
• Spinach & Goat cheese w berries
• Eggplant Rollatine or Parmigiana
• Candied Yams
- Sautéed Broccoli
Center Stage Music Center’s 5th Anniversary
CENTER STAGE MUSIC CENTER’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY - The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Center Stage Music Center’s 5th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Massapequa Park location. The event marked a significant milestone for the business, which has become a beloved part of the community, offering music lessons and fostering creativity for local musicians of all ages. The event was attended by Massapequa Park Chamber President Robin Hepworth, Treasurer Karen Gawrych, Chamber Board member Isabelle Rapacciuolo, Chantel Rapacciuolo, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Tom Hand, and Center Stage employees, who came together to celebrate the music center’s success and growth. Owners Veronica McCormick and Angela Munro, who founded Center Stage Music Center in 2019, were on hand to cut the ribbon and thank the community for their support over the years.
at Woodloch
CLUES ACROSS
1. Long piece of squared timber
5. Emaciation
10. “Bewitched” boss Larry
14. Combining form meaning “different”
15. Current unit equal to 10 amperes
16. Older
17. Large, stocky lizard
18. Ringworm
19. Actor Pitt
20. Indian hand clash cymbals
22. Data at rest
23. Jeweled headdress
24. Indicators of when stories were written
27. Check
CLUES DOWN
1. Piece of felted material
2. Ancient Greek City
3. Aquatic plant
4. Potentially harmful fungus (Brit. sp.)
5. Body art (slang)
6. One who follows the rules
7. Ordinary
8. Honorably retired from assigned duties and retaining one’s title
9. Relaxing space
10. Japanese socks
11. Indian city
12. Rip
13. Icelandic book
30. Cigarette (slang)
31. Arctic explorers (abbr.)
32. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
35. Delivered a speech
37. A place to bathe
38. Postmen deliver it
39. Surface in geometry
40. More (Spanish)
41. __ and Venzetti
42. Exclamation at the end of a prayer
43. Hawaiian dish
44. Aggressively proud men
45. Fellow
46. Mark Wahlberg comedy
47. Mock
21. Satisfies
23. Where golfers begin
25. Small amount
26. Snag
27. Determine the sum of
28. A distinctive smell
29. Exposed to view
32. Stain or blemish
33. Small loop in embroidery
34. River herring genus
36. Large beer
37. Deep, red-brown sea bream
38. Partner to cheese
40. At a deliberate pace
41. Gurus
43. Of each
48. When you expect to get somewhere
49. Songs
52. Pair of small hand drums
55. Play
56. Sword
60. Evergreens and shrubs genus
61. Filmed
63. Italian Seaport
64. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea
65. Pores in a leaf
66. U. of Miami mascot is one
67. Snakelike fishes
68. Pretended to be
69. Body part
44. Angry
46. Popular beverage
47. Flower cluster
49. Blocks
50. Those who benefitted from efforts of relatives (slang)
51. Polio vaccine developer
52. A (usually) large and scholarly book
53. Popular soap ingredient
54. NBAer Bradley
57. Popular movie about a pig
58. Musician Clapton
59. Not a sure thing
61. Recipe measurement (abbr.)
62. Father
Seaford High School seniors Dylan Brown and Shannon McClernon are not only committed to their own well-being, but
Physical Education Student Leaders Celebrated
they want all classmates to see the benefits of living healthy and fit lives. That’s why they were selected as this year’s recipients of
the Outstanding Physical Education Student Award, presented by the Nassau Zone of New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Every high school in Nassau County selects one male and one female student to receive this award. Seaford’s physical education teachers selected Dylan and Shannon for exemplifying exceptional physical performance, scholastic ability and leadership qualities.
Physical education teacher Stephanie Bartkus, who has had both of them in class
throughout high school, said they stand out for their enthusiasm and leadership.
“Dylan is the energy, the catalyst of the class,” Ms. Bartkus said. “Shannon is a leader and she gets other
people to have fun.”
In addition to their commitment to their leadership in physical education classes, they are also multi-sport athletes. Dylan plays football and baseball, and
Shannon is a member of the soccer, basketball and softball teams. They will be recognized along with other Zone Award winners at a dinner on Dec. 9 at The Inn at New Hyde Park.
Seaford Manor A Place For Creativity And Charity
Seaford Manor Elementary School fifth graders are bringing joy to local nursing home residents for Thanksgiving. On Nov. 15, students completed a community service project by making colorful “Happy Thanksgiving” placemats. Starting with large pieces of white paper, students tapped into their creativity to come up with unique, seasonal designs. In addition to their crayons, colored pencils and markers, fifth grade class parents provided youngsters with additional supplies such as fake leaves, feathers and stickers.
The placemats will be laminated and then giving to the Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation for residents to use during their Thanksgiving dinner. This was the third year that fifth graders have done the service project, which teaches them about being kind and giving back to their community.
Discover
The Orthodox Christian Church
The Orthodox Church offers you the authentic Christian Tradition maintained without innovation since Apostolic times, which fulfills life on a daily basis, not just on Sunday. We welcome all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 AM at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy. Services are also streamed on https:// www.facebook.com/htocem. All services are conducted in English. Additional information and schedules can be found on the parish website, www.htocem.org, or by email, htocem@gmail. com.
- Fifth graders, from left, Mason Kanover, Victoria Kilbride and Molly Davidson worked on the Thanksgiving placemats on Nov. 15. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District
