December 21, 2022 Seaford

Photo courtesy of

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

EAC Staff & BCFU Volunteers at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Sign-In Station at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.

Fifth Graders Look For The Latest Scoop

Fifth graders at Seaford Harbor Elementary School are learning how to report the news, using their own surroundings to find stories.

Teacher Kerry Hansen explained that a journalism unit is new to the writing workshop curriculum this year. Students first tackled the basics by learning how to take notes, which each fifth grader getting his or her own reporters’ notebook. They also explored writing techniques such as having a strong introduction, using active phrases to

describe their observations and including quotes to convey emotion.

The young reporters were also assigned beats, writing about the happenings in different areas of school such as special area classes, clubs, the cafeteria and recess. The unit will conclude with a feature article writing project. One of the highlights was interviewing Principal Thomas Burke about Harbor’s kindness initiatives.

“I like to interview people and ask them questions, so I get to know them,” Jacob

Ewald said.

Gianna Philpitt said she likes studying journalism because she now observes more of what goes on in school, noting, “You don’t realize how many things you see until you write about it.”

Ms. Hansen said that the journalism impact will make them stronger writers, and they are acquiring skills they will carry with them for years to come.

“It’s a lifelong skill, to be able to write something concisely and with voice,” she said.

All Aboard The ‘Polar Express’

A longstanding holiday tradition continued at Seaford Manor Elementary School on Dec. 12 with kindergartners coming together to hear one of their favorite winter stories, “The Polar Express.” The youngsters followed train tracks down the hall to a classroom that would be their train car for

the journey.

Third, fourth and fifth graders lined the hallway to greet them, perhaps reminiscing about their own “Polar Express” day years ago. Principal Debra Emmerich, played the part of the conductor, punching tickets at the kindergartners arrived in their pajamas.

Once the youngsters were settled into their train car, Ms. Emmerich and Assistant Principal Mary Ellen Kakalos read the story aloud. Near the end, all of the children were gifted a bell, just like the sleigh bell in the story that serves as a symbol of faith.

Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries

Enjoy

the

Sounds of Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, and More

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2023 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 Labriola. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these

wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances include:

Echoes of Sinatra on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Syosset Public Library – Performing the music of Frank Sinatra. Registration is free and required, visit: syosset. librarycalendar.com/ events/month select the date of the concert and register. Registration starts December 18th.

Copperline on Sunday,

January 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – Performing the music of James Taylor.

The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 7977925 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.

READY TO BOARD - Students had their tickets ready to board. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District

ALL ABOARD THE ‘POLAR EXPRESS’ - A longstanding holiday tradition continued at Seaford Manor Elementary School on Dec. 12 with kindergartners coming together to hear one of their favorite winter stories, “The Polar Express.” All of the kindergartners were gifted a sleigh bell, just like the one in the book. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District

FIFTH GRADERS LOOK FOR THE LATEST SCOOP - Seaford Harbor Elementary School fifth graders, from left, James Kofod, Jacob Ewald, Gianna Philpitt, Emma Piskopus and Ryan Kind recently became reporters as part of a journalism unit in writing workshop. Photo courtesy of the Seaford School District

Legislator Deriggi-Whitton Thanks Supporters For Overwhelming Support Of 12th Annual Toys For Tots Drive

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was once again transformed into Santa’s workshop on Sunday, Dec. 4 as thousands flocked to Uniondale to support an event that has grown to become America’s largest one-day Toys for Tots drive.

As it has been since its inception, the 12th annual drive was spearheaded by Glen Cove businessmen Joe LaPadula and Jon Holzer of Martino Auto Concepts. Featuring food trucks, music, plein air artists, family activities and more

amidst a hundreds of exotic and vintage vehicles, the event is expected to have collected significantly more than 100,000 individual donations once counting and sorting is complete. Those donations will equip Toys for Tots, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022, to meet requests for assistance in Nassau County and throughout our region.

“During the holiday season, a toy can mean so much more than just being a gift under the tree - it can be a symbol of

caring and a beacon of hope for brighter days in the future,” Legislator DeRiggiWhitton said. “For the last 12 years, Joe LaPadula and Jon Holzer have worked so diligently alongside USMC Major (Ret.) Chuck Kilbride to unite us in support of a cause that brings joy to so many deserving children and families in our region. For me, this event is one of the highlights of the holiday season, and I am eternally grateful to everyone for continuing to support Toys for Tots’ crucial charitable mission.”

Key sponsors of the 2022 Toys for Tots drive included: the U.S. Marine Corps; the American Academy of Hospitality Services; Gabrielli Truck Sales; First City Project; Bolla Market; Universal Autosports; Hunter Roberts Construction Group; Long Island Sports Cars; Ryan Friedman Motor Cars; PCarMarket Automotive Enthusiast Marketplace; Ferrari Club of America Long Island Chapter; Race the North; Rally Point East; NYSpace Finders; RXR; Enterprise Rent-A-

Car; Maserati Long Island; Porsche South Shore; Oyster Bay Property Management; Serendipity 3; Ferrari of Long Island; the Hofstra Motorsport Engineering Club, and an array of local automotive clubs and community stakeholders.

Nassau County Police Department officers, under the command of NCPD Commissioner Patrick Ryder, kept traffic moving briskly as a team of volunteers collected and sorted donations.

Members of the Glen

Cove Fire Department provided additional assistance, and the Uniondale and Hempstead Fire Departments used their trucks to stage the American flag arch at the entrance of Nassau Coliseum.

There’s still plenty of time to support Toys for Tots this holiday season. Visit toysfortots.org to find a drop-off location near you or to make a monetary donation.

Photos by Peter M. Budraitis

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato announced that residents may apply for New York State property tax exemptions from now through January 2, 2023. Homeowners wishing to receive exemptions on their 2023-2024 School taxes and 2024 General taxes must file with the Nassau County Department of Assessment or New York State prior to the January 2nd deadline.

“I want to make sure that every resident who is eligible, whether they’re a senior citizen, veteran, new homeowner, volunteer firefighter/EMT, person with a disability, or person renovating/ improving their home, get the opportunity to take advantage of the available exemptions,” Receiver Pravato stated. “There are many exemptions available to qualified residents and homeowners, so I urge those interested to contact the Nassau County Department of Assessment for further assistance parsing through the matter.”

Exemptions, resulting in property tax savings, are available to qualified residents for the following categories:

• School Tax Relief Program (STAR)- Residents may receive only one of the following:

o STAR Credit- the STAR Program has been changed by New York State. New recipients, and

Receiver Pravato Reminds Residents To File For Property Tax Exemptions Now

current recipients whose annual income is between $250,000 and $500,000, will be issued a check directly from New York State instead of receiving a school property tax exemption. The amount of the benefit will be the same. You cannot receive both the credit and the exemption. Register with New York State by telephone at (518) 457-2036 or online at www. tax.ny.gov/pit/property/ star/default.htm.

o Basic STAR Property Tax Exemption- this program provides an exemption from school property taxes for owneroccupied, primary residences with an annual household income of less than $250,000. Current Basic Star Exemption recipients will keep their exemption as long as they continue to own their current home.

o Enhanced STAR Property Tax Exemption/ Credit- this exemption is available to senior citizen homeowners who are 65 years of age or older during the year in which the exemption takes effect, and whose annual income does not exceed $93,200. Senior citizens whose annual income exceeds $93,200 will still be eligible for the Basic STAR Exemption/ Credit. Current Enhanced Star Exemption recipients will keep their exemption as long as they continue to own their current home. Recipients must enroll in

the Income Verification Program.

• Senior Citizen exemption provides a tax savings for individuals over the age of 65, whose income is less than $58,399. To participate and receive this tax savings (between 5% and up to 50% reduction on certain county, town and school district property taxes) specific qualification criteria must be met.

• Veterans Exemptions are for those individuals who rendered service to our country. The eligibility to receive this exemption and amount to

be exempted depends upon the time, duration and type of service, along with other criteria.

• Cold War Veterans Exemption is for veterans who served during the Cold War period. The Law also provides an additional exemption to disabled veterans.

• Gold Star Parent Exemption is available for the parent of a child who died in the line of duty while serving in the United States Armed Forces during a period of war, as defined in NYS Real Property Tax Law.

• Persons With Disabilities and Limited Incomes Partial Property Tax Exemption is available to eligible applicants who have a physical or mental impairment, not due to use of alcohol or illegal drug use, that substantially limits that person’s ability to engage in one or more major life activities. The requirements to qualify are based on the person’s disability, ownership,

residency and occupancy status, and income. Persons with incomes less than $58,399 can qualify to receive an exemption from 5% to 50% of the assessed value.

• Home Improvement Tax Reductions Program for the Physically Disabled is granted to those persons who are physically disabled and meet certain criteria. It is equal to the amount of any increase in value of property attributable to improvements made for the purpose of facilitating and accommodating the use and accessibility of the property.

• Home Improvements Exemption is an eight-year decreasing exemption on alterations, reconstructions or improvements that increase the assessed value of a one or two family home. In the first year, 100% of the assessed value of the improvement is exempt. In the second year, 87.5%, in the third year, 75% and so on. Certain eligibility requirements

must be met to participate in this program.

• First-Time Home Buyers of Newly Constructed Homes may apply for and receive a partial real property tax exemption. The maximum exemption is offered over five years, starting with a 50% exemption the first year and phasing to 10% in the fifth and final year. Homebuyers are subject to certain price and income limits set by the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA).

• Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Worker

Exemption is available to eligible firefighters and ambulance workers. Up to 10% reduction in the assessed value of their property can be obtained to volunteers who have served at least five years in a Town of Oyster Bay Fire Department in which they reside. Certain eligibility requirements must be met to participate in this program.

Winter 2023

Toddler Sports Program Online

Registration Begins on January 3rd

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Toddler Sports Program will return this winter, beginning on January 31st. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-

ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins on January 31st and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one, six-week session per child.

Classes will take place on: Tuesdays at 10am or 11am at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and Thursdays at 10am or 11am at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Online Registration will begin on Tuesday, January 3rd at 9am through the Parks Department Portal available at oysterbaytown.

com/parks. Residents must create an account on this website to register their child and upload proof of residency and the child’s birth certificate.

Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity. Space is limitedfirst come, first serve.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

Accessing Schooling Options

(NAPSI)—Parents are more optimistic about their children’s academic, emotional, and social development and they increasingly support school choice according to EdChoice, which wants all K–12 students to access the schooling options— public, private, charter, homeschooling or other— best for them. Learn more at www.edchoice.org.

Insurance Tips And Information

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

It’s the holidays…

The holidays are upon us and you’ve maxxed out the Visa card. And, while you won’t worry about how to pay down the debt until after January 2nd, you’ve possibly worried about what can go wrong.

Have you asked:

“Should I buy the extended warranty?”

“Should I buy insurance from the Rental Car agency?”

“Do I need replacement protection?”

“How do I insure this jewelry on my Home policy?”

“Do I need Full coverage on the kid’s used car? What DOES FULL coverage mean?”

“Why am I buying more crap for my kid? Can’t I just pay for their own insurance?”

KEN MARCUS

Call your insurance agent. (S)He can put your mind at ease and help you have a Happy New Year.

Residents Cautioned Not To Fall Victim To Ongoing Phone Scams

Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Michele Johnson cautions residents to be on alert of potential telephone scams, particularly those soliciting any personal information or monetary contribution. These scams can be performed both by phone call or text message.

“Time and time again we hear about scammers trying to obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting residents, especially our senior citizens,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “Many times, scammers pose as officials from the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration or other well-known agency, designed to intimidate the call recipient. Now, during the holiday season, scammers have been known to ask for immediate payment via gift card, claiming that victims owe backpay in taxes or other debts.”

The Councilwoman noted that many times, scammers’ return phone numbers can also be falsified to appear as a familiar number. In addition to seniors, others frequently targeted include students and first-generation

Americans. Current common scams include offers of debt relief, credit repairs or opportunity to share lottery earnings. Scammers have also been known to pose as family members allegedly in trouble and seeking money.

“The last thing families need, especially during these ongoing uncertain times, is someone trying to scam them out of their hard-earned money,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “We alert all residents to be wary of any unsolicited phone calls and texts, especially those requesting money or personal information, even if they claim to be from a government or bank entity.”

The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips to residents who fall victim to scam phone calls:

Hang up the phone. Don’t press numbers to speak to alive operator or take your number off the list, this just confirms your phone number.

Block any numbers from which you have received scam calls or texts.

Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers use the internet to make calls all over the world.

Report your experience to the FTC online or by calling 877-382-4357. Visit www.ftc.gov for more information.

Winter 2023 Toddler Arts And Crafts Program Online Registration Begins January 3rd

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh announces that the Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will return for Winter 2023, beginning on January 31, 2023. This 6-week program offers classes at the Town’s Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center Community Room and Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is a wonderful way to help support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “Classes will certainly fill up quickly as this program offers children a great wintertime activity.”

The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is 6 weeks in duration,

beginning January 31st, and residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

• Tuesdays at 10am for two-year olds and 11am for three-and-four-year olds at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville;

• Wednesdays at 10am for two-year olds

and 11am for threeand-four-year olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage; and

• Thursdays at 10am for two-year olds and 11am for three-andfour-year olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage.

Registration will take place online at www. oysterbaytowncom/parks

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

starting Tuesday, January 3rd at 9am. Residents must create an account on this website to register their child and upload proof of residency and the child’s birth certificate. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 30-45 minutes. The cost of the program is $35 per child who is a Town resident,

and $45 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. A guardian must be present during the class. A smock and supplies will be provided.

The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division.  For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

With Winter Heating Season Nearing, PSEG Long Island Customers May Be Eligible For Assistance

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island recognizes that many households are facing challenging times and wants to remind its customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.

“Everything is more expensive today, and PSEG Long Island continues to work hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services.

“To help manage energy use and costs, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. We also know many of our customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. Colder weather is coming, which will mean higher heating costs. We urge our customers to act now, and we’re here to help.”

The costs associated with purchasing fuel for electric power supply are directly passed through to the customers. With energy costs rising due to global conflict, inflation, and high demand as the winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island understands the impact this increased financial burden can have on its customers.

In accordance with a policy established by the LIPA Board of Trustees, a hedging program is in place to reduce the volatility of power supply costs for customers. Hedging provides price stability in case of unforeseen commodity market and weather events that drive up prices. In addition,

PSEG Long Island and LIPA work to further mitigate the monthly volatility to customers as costs materialize.

How Customers Can Lower Their Bills

The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs.

ENERGY STAR estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save the average American household about $180 a year. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.

• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.

• Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.

• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.

• Seal windows and doorframes with

weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.

• Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.

• Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Robust rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

• More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at https:// www.psegliny.com/ saveenergyandmoney/ energystarrebates.

Assistance Available To Those Struggling With Bills

PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.

Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance

programs offered by New York State:

· The New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program: Customers enrolled in PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program will automatically receive a credit toward their arrears as of May 1, 2022, via this new, state-run program. Customers who meet the eligibility requirements and have not yet enrolled in the Household Assistance Program have until Dec. 31, 2022 to enroll in the Household Assistance Program to qualify for this bill credit.

· Customers who have received a payment on their PSEG Long Island account through the New York State-administered Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) also qualify for the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program. As ERAP payments continue to be received, the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program will remain open through Dec. 31, 2022.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to

eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/ programs/heap/.

Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating fuel source. This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 3, 2023. If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/

· For low-income house-holds facing noheat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications

for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https:// otda.ny.gov/programs/ heap/contacts/

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance rate and the residential energy affordability program providing energy efficiency measures and suggestions to help lower consumption.