As the sun rose on Sept. 2, it signified the beginning of a new year in the Wantagh School District and within an hour, the first students were making their way to school. In the high school parking lot, the eldest students gathered for their final first day adjacent to cars with “Seniors” and “Class of 2026” scrawled across the windows. The biggest milestone at the trio of elementary buildings was the arrival of kindergartners, who took their first steps toward becoming the Wantagh High School Class of 2038. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District
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ABOVE & BEYOND
By Deb Colton
Summer is the time of year so many of us crave during the depth of winter’s cold and wind, but like each passing year summers seem to fly by faster than ever. With families and friends spending time together as daylight slowly begins to lose minutes a day, we try to squeeze out as much time as we can outdoors.
This is also true for members of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh. The club gathered again this year with many other local Wantagh organizations as we all walked with pride in the Annual Wantagh Fourth of July Parade. This year the club handed out over 1650 American flags to residents of all ages. As on Memorial Day during the parade, we take extra care to respectfully recognize our local veterans. Many are now frail as our World War II Veterans are aging and our Korean and Vietnam Vets are following close behind. No matter when they serviced, remembering those that fought for our nation’s independence and democracy, will always be heroes for their sacrifices and the preservation of a national movement to keep America safe. Handing out our American flag still means something extraordinary, and we embrace them at the parade every year.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE Kiwanis Club Of Wantagh A Summer Of Service
Our annual fundraising during the year, including sponsoring children to Kamp Kiwanis, reaped benefits again this summer. Despite rising costs, the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh sponsored six local children to camp this summer in the magnificent Adirondack mountains. Children that attend Kamp Kiwanis are given an experience they may not otherwise be able to participate in. Taken by bus to camp for a week, the kids spend lots of time in nature, playing games, learning new skills all while being removed from constant social media distractions. They build new friendships with kids from across New York State, participate in physical and creative activities, and learn more about the important balance of nature in our lives. Children attend Kamp Kiwanis at no charge to the family. Each child is sponsored by a Kiwanis Club offering a change from their everyday life. Kamp Kiwanis opens children’s minds to new opportunities, allowing them to explore different interests and introducing them to new potential life goals to pursue. Seeing all those happy smiles makes
the year of challenging work very satisfying to all the members of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh. As we look toward 2026, we will begin raising more funds to provide this opportunity to more children in our community thanks to the help of so many Wantagh residents throughout the year.
The club supports the John Theissen Children’s Foundation (JTCF) financially and lends a hand whenever needed. Recently during the annual Back to School Back Pack Project several members of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh packed more than 150 backpacks for local middle school children. School supplies have gotten so expensive, and the list of required items grows annually. With the help of hundreds of donors, JTCF
took pressure off families and sent more children back to school with many of the supplies they need.
JTCF is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh, and we are so proud to support the organization’s mission financially and with helping hands whenever needed.
The members of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh live to do service in the community. One member spends countless hours a week volunteering at the Island Harvest Farm that provides fresh vegetables to families struggling with food insecurity. He also spends a great amount of time working at the Giving Garden at the Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church. This labor of love helps families add fresh produce to their daily diets that are often unaffordable
living on a tight budget. Planted, nurtured, and harvested, these Wantagh grown veggies are donated to the Freeport Emergency Food Pantry. Community gardens like the Giving Garden contribute significant yields of healthy food alternatives for children and families.
Community farms across America are helping to feed people of all ages.
On August 23, 2025, The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh held another successful food drive in partnership with our local King Kullen Supermarket. As always, Wantagh residents contributed generously providing non-perishable food staples. As we continue to see rising prices, food drives and community gardens are needed more than ever to close the gap in food insecurity. More food drive efforts may be needed in the future if a variety of factors continue to dig into family food budgets. Please keep an eye out for the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh as we will be holding additional food drives whenever possible. Your contributions, no matter the size, help to close the gap of hunger in our community. There are a few more weeks of treasured warm weather to enjoy so get outside, and if you are so inclined, find a passion project to contribute some of your time to. Knowing you are making a difference in a person’s future is one of life’s greatest rewards. The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh is always looking for more residents to join our efforts in the community. https://www.facebook.com/ KiwanisClubOfWantagh
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh help fill backpacks at the John Theissen Children's Foundation.
WANTAGH FALL EVENTS
Wantagh STEM Director Ready To Lead A Dynamic Team
The Wantagh School District is pleased to welcome Christine Gill as the new director of STEM 6-12. She will oversee secondary science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.
Ms. Gill comes to Wantagh with 14 years of experience as an educator, most recently as the director of math and business in the Deer Park School District. Her career began in Brooklyn as a high school math teacher, then moved to the east end of Long Island as a math teacher and curriculum liaison at Southampton High School.
NASHVILLE NIGHT
She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in secondary education, both from the University of Scranton, and administrative certification from the College of St. Rose. Ms. Gill is a member of the Association of Mathematics Supervisors of Long Island
attracted her to the position, and Ms. Gill looks is particularly excited to work with students and teachers in the science research academy, Project Lead the Way courses and growing computer science and robotics programs. She is proud to join a team of student-centered math, science and technology educators.
and the New York State Association of Mathematics Supervisors.
Wantagh’s “booming” STEM program is what
“Wantagh is a district that wants to keep growing, especially in the STEM field, and I look forward to enhancing those STEM programs for the students,” Ms. Gill said. “It is an exciting opportunity to work in a district that has such a wonderful community feeling. The staff truly love their jobs here. It is a very positive place to work where the students really comes first.”
Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District
Christine Gill is the new director of STEM for the grades 6-12 in the Wantagh School District.
A Fresh Start For Wantagh Classes Of 2029, 2032
Beginnings for two groups of Wantagh students are happening just a few hundred feet away from each other, as sixth graders and ninth graders start their new schools.
Orientation programs took place in late August. For the sixth graders, they are coming from three elementary schools
around town, uniting for the first time as the Class of 2032. The transition is a little more subtle for freshmen who are just moving to the other side of the Colonnade, but also entering a world with greatly expanded opportunities.
The Class of 2029 was invited to their new school on Aug. 22. There were
two sessions, based on last name, along with a common gathering time in between for pizza and a club fair. The orientation program featured an informational session with Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone and assistant principals Nick Pappas and Dr. Christopher Widmann, who provided a thorough introduction to the high
school curriculum, student life and expectations. There were also tours of the school and a question and answer session with upperclassmen.
Sixth graders attended their orientation program on Aug. 28, also with two sessions. Principal
Anthony Ciuffo and Rachel Quattrocchi met with students and parents in the gymnasium to provide information on a typical sixth grade schedule, clubs and activities, and ID and cell phone policies.
Then, the new middle schoolers were off. With
schedules in hand, they were encouraged to walk around the school to find all their classes. Sixth graders could also access their lockers for the first time, with many taking the opportunity to decorate it.
Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District
Wantagh Equips New Educators For Success In The Classroom
Eight days before students were set to arrive, a group of Wantagh School District educators had a milestone moment. New teacher orientation took place on Aug. 25 in the middle school library for more than 20 first-year faculty members, giving them a comprehensive overview
of the curriculum and the community.
The group of new teachers, hired over several months to fill openings for the 20252026 school year, officially began their journey. In opening remarks from Superintendent John McNamara, he welcomed them to a great
community with terrific students and supportive parents. He noted that students in Wantagh achieve success because of the collective K-12 effort of its educators.
“We want to set you up for success,” he said, noting that the two-day orientation program was only the beginning.
“There are plenty of supports in place.”
Mr. McNamara said that each new teacher will be assigned an experienced teacher as a mentor. He also encouraged them to always ask questions and take advantage of the expertise of their grade-
level and department colleagues.
The new teachers represent all five schools, and multiple subject areas.
Among the newcomers are eight elementary teachers, seven special education teachers and three music teachers.
Over the two days, they attended presentations on curriculum, communication, lesson planning and instructional technology, took a bus tour of the district and spent time at their new schools.
Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District
Dylan DiChiara learned the combination for his first ever locker.
Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone welcomed new students to Wantagh High School during freshmen orientation on Aug. 22.
First-year faculty members in the Wantagh School District gathered for new teacher orientation on Aug. 25 in the middle school library.
Superintendent John McNamara welcomed the new teachers and noted the supports in place to help them be successful.
Many Firsts And Last As Wantagh Schools Open
As the sun rose on Sept. 2, it signified the beginning of a new year in the Wantagh School District and within an hour, the first students were making their way to school. In the high school parking lot, the eldest students gathered for their final first day adjacent to cars with “Seniors” and “Class of 2026” scrawled across the windows.
Before long, they were headed inside the school, along with freshmen, sophomores and juniors. They walked across uplifting messages chalked along the front sidewalk by members of the Morgan’s Message Club and greeted by administrators and board of education trustees.
A short time later, the district’s sixth, seventh and eighth graders arrived at the middle school. Shortly after 9 a.m., the opening was complete when the doors opened at Forest Lake, Mandalay and Wantagh elementary schools. The biggest milestone at
the trio of elementary buildings was the arrival of kindergartners, who took
their first steps toward becoming the Wantagh High School Class of 2038.
Wantagh School District Board of Education trustees and administrators greeted Wantagh Middle School students as they arrived for the first day of school on Sept. 2.
Wearing backpacks reminiscent of their elementary years, Wantagh High School seniors.
Arriving students at Wantagh High School were greeted by Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone.
Principal Marie Pisicchio welcomed back fourth graders at Mandalay.
Fifth graders at Mandalay Elementary School unpacked their school supplies for the new year.
Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District
Senator Steve Rhoads Hosts 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Pancake Breakfast and Resource Fair
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads recently hosted his 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Pancake Breakfast and Resource Fair at Levittown Hall to honor the selfless service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. The event was a tremendous success, drawing over 250 veterans and their guests
from across the Senator’s district. Senator Rhoads jumped behind the griddle to flip pancakes and joined the buffet line to serve breakfast, personally thanking attendees as they enjoyed a hot meal. With the support of Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 288, based in Wantagh, Cadets and Senior Members
assisted in serving the veterans. Their dedication helped ensure our honored guests felt welcomed and cared for, allowing them to enjoy both good food and meaningful conversations. The morning also featured live music and a Veterans Resource Fair, with eleven local organizations offering information, handouts,
and support services tailored to veterans’ needs. From mental health to job placement, the fair helped connect veterans with valuable resources available in the community.
“I’m deeply grateful to the brave men and women who have worn the uniform in service to
our country,” said Senator Rhoads. “This event is a small way to say thank you, to serve those who have served us—both with a warm meal and access to essential resources.
I’m also thankful to our incredible volunteers, summer interns, and vendors who helped make the day so special.”
Senator Rhoads was proud to spend the morning speaking oneon-one with veterans and thanking them personally for their sacrifices. The event served not only as a gesture of appreciation, but also as a reminder that their service and contributions will never be forgotten.
Wantagh Trumpet Player Gets The Call For All-State Conference
Wantagh High School
Brendan will play the trumpet with the Symphonic Band. Following rehearsals, the group performed on the morning of Aug. 7 in the
senior Brendan O’Callaghan will take his musical talents to the next level. He has been selected to attend the New York State School Music Association’s All-State music festival in Rochester from Dec. 4-7.
Eastman Theatre under the direction of Dr. Courtney Snyder. Brendan and his fellow All-State musicians will also attend workshops throughout the weekend. Since first joining the
band at Wantagh Elementary School, Brendan has steadily developed his talent to become one of the district’s top student-musicians. This year, he is a member of the Brass Band, Jazz Band,
Marching Band, Pit Band and Wind Ensemble. He is also the student band president and pep band director.
In addition to the trumpet, Brendan is also proficient on the bass guitar,
drums and piano, and also sings. With his rock band, Half Hill Hotel, comprised of Wantagh High School students, he plays bass guitar and is a vocalist. He also plays taps for the Wantagh American Legion at special events including 9/11 and Veterans Day ceremonies. Besides his music skills, Brendan is a three-sport athlete as a member of the cross-country, swimming and lacrosse teams.
To be considered for the NYSSMA All-State conference, Brendan performed a Level 6 solo audition at Kellenberg High School in the spring. He played Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s “Trumpet Concerto” for judges.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” he said of being selected as an AllState musician. “I can’t wait to meet new people who are also interested in music and play with high-caliber musicians from across the state.”
Congratulating Brendan on his accomplishment were, from left, Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone, band directors Chris Cockren and Dan Aviles, and Director of Fine and Performing Arts and Business Kelly Jones. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District
Banana-Filled Breakfast For School Days
When a new school year is on the horizon, that means families once again must adjust to getting out of the house to the school bus or carpool on time. It is important to begin busy days with a breakfast that will facilitate learning, but parents know
convenience is important as well. Parents may want to incorporate some new breakfast options into the mix, particularly ones kids will enjoy. This tasty recipe for “Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas” from “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) by
Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas
Serves 2
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 very ripe medium bananas
1 teaspoon almond extract
100 grams (3.5 ounces) oats of your choice
3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons ground almonds
3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds
40 grams (1.4 ounces) pecans
Pinch of sea salt
For the caramelized bananas
2 unpeeled bananas
1 tablespoon coconut oil
To serve Coconut yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of thyme (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F).
Blend the coconut oil, maple syrup, bananas, and almond extract in a blender until smooth.
Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. Add the wet mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.
Niki Webster relies on bananas in two different ways to impart a sweet taste that is hard to beat. The granola makes about four to six portions, so there will be leftovers to enjoy as a snack later in the day or stored away for another time.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper and then tip the granola mix on to the tray and flatten out. Bake for 25 minutes, until starting to brown. Carefully flip over on the tray, then return to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes (until you get a nice brown color).
Leave to cool before breaking into smaller chunks, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (if not eating straight away).
To make the caramelized bananas, chop off the top end of each of the bananas, then carefully slice through the middle lengthways. Now, peel the bananas.
Melt the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the banana slices and fry in the oil on one side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, then flip over to caramelize the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Serve the granola with yogurt, caramelized bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of thyme if you fancy.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage With Food
National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual, month-long celebration that begins on September 15 and lasts through October 15. The month recognizes the culture, history and contributions of American citizens who can trace their lineages to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. There are many ways to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, including by enjoying culturally relevant foods. There’s no shortage of great recipes to enjoy during Hispanic Heritage Month, including this one for “Mixed Tostadas” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli. Tostadas are like edible plates that can support many ingredients, as long as they aren’t too juicy.
It can be bittersweet to say farewell to summer. Months of warm weather and sunshine are hard to beat and provide plenty of opportunities to rest and relax.
Just because summer has come and gone doesn’t mean the opportunity to enjoy recreation is in the rearview mirror. Fall is awash in opportunities to enjoy the fresh, inviting air and take part in the various activities that go hand-inhand with this time of year.
Apple and pumpkin picking
Heading to a nearby orchard or farm and choosing fresh fruit is a hallmark of fall. In fact, these are some of the most popular places to visit on the weekends, as crowds of people clamber to grab their Granny Smith or Cortland apples. Call ahead to learn which varieties are ripe and plan to arrive early before the trees are picked
Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a shallow frying pan and fry the corn tortillas, one by one, until golden brown on both sides and crisp but not hard.
2. Spread each tortilla with a layer of mashed pinto or kidney beans. Put a layer of shredded lettuce (which can either be left plain or lightly tossed with a little dressing) over the beans.
Mixed Tostadas
Makes 14
Oil, for shallow frying
14 freshly prepared unbaked corn tortillas
1 cup mashed red kidney or pinto beans
1 iceberg lettuce, shredded Olive oil and vinegar dressing (optional)
2 cooked chicken breast portions, skinned and thinly sliced
8 ounces guacamole
1 cup coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese Pickled jalapeño chiles, seeded and sliced, to taste
3. Arrange chicken slices on top of the lettuce. Carefully spread over a layer of the guacamole and finally sprinkle over the grated cheese.
4. Arrange the mixed tostadas on a large platter and serve immediately, while still warm. Use your hands to eat tostadas, as they are extremely messy.
Variations: Instead of chicken, try using shredded pork, ground beef or turkey, or sliced chorizo. For a more authentic taste, use queso fresco or feta cheese instead of cheddar.
Fall Is Loaded With Opportunities To Have Fun
clean. Apple orchards and pumpkin patches can be dusty, muddy or messy, so dress accordingly for the environment, including closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Keep in mind that many of these establishments are cash-only. Bring cash and expect to have your bounty weighed upon checkout.
Wine tasting
September and October are prime months for grape harvesting, which means local vineyards may host special tours and events to take advantage of their growing season. Fall also is a great time to visit a vineyard that offers tastings, as you can sit out in the sun and cool weather and enjoy a glass or two of the latest vintage. Follow local vineyards on social media or get on their email lists to stay on top of upcoming events. Leaf peeping
The gradual depletion of
chlorophyll in tree leaves is responsible for the amazing and colorful display Mother Nature puts on each fall. Everyone is treated to vivid panoramas of reds, oranges, purples, and yellows, making them ideal allnatural photo backdrops. Plenty of people travel to more rural areas to witness leaves change color, and that means that country areas can get crowded. It always pays to plan a leafpeeping excursion for early in the day to account for the possibility of traffic along the route. Make an entire day of it by seeing the sights, grabbing lunch, and hitting a farmer’s market while out and about.
Fall fair
Many towns hold off on their annual fairs and carnivals until the cooler months of the year. These are entertaining and boisterous events that can include everything from food and livestock contests
to rides and amusements to musical performances.
As these fairs tend to last a couple of days to a week, it could be fruitful
to look into whether they sell multi-day passes at a discount, particularly if you plan to attend a few times and maximize the fun.
Opportunities for fun
abound each fall. With inviting weather and calendars full of seasonal offerings, now is an ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Levittown Sixth Graders Look Ahead To Exciting Year
The incoming sixth graders of Jonas E. Salk and Wisdom Lane middle schools in the Levittown School District took their first steps through their new hallways and classrooms during their orientations from Aug. 25-27.
Starting in each building’s respective auditorium,
students were welcomed by principals and staff who shared guidance on the upcoming school year. Older Peer Leaders guided groups on tours throughout the building, pointing out key spots like the nurse and guidance offices and sharing insight on where they found success, such as clubs or
athletics. Upon obtaining their locks, sixth graders located their lockers and learned how to put in the combination. The Salk and Wisdom Lane orientations help ensure a smooth start to the school year as students begin on Sept. 2.
Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Levittown’s Wisdom Lane Middle School Named Amle School Of Distinction
The Levittown School District is thrilled to announce that Wisdom Lane Middle School has been recognized as a 2025 School of Distinction by The Association for Middle Level Education.
The AMLE Schools of Distinction program honors schools that exemplify best practices in middle level education while guiding them through a strategic vision-setting process to drive continuous improvement. Wisdom Lane earned this prestigious honor through a rigorous review process, including a comprehensive school-wide assessment, continuous improvement planning and stakeholder interviews with staff, students and families. Levittown is proud to be only the fourth district on Long Island to receive this national distinction, and one of three across New York State named this year.
“I could not be prouder of the team at Wisdom Lane for achieving this prestigious feat,” said Principal John Avena. “Being named a School of Distinction reflects our rigorous future-ready education and our inclusive and supportive community.”
“Congratulations to
the faculty at Wisdom Lane on receiving this special designation,” said Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch. “Across all Levittown Schools, we’re proud to provide the best in education for our students.”
“It is an honor to recognize Wisdom Lane as a 2025 AMLE School of Distinction,” said Stephanie Simpson, CEO of AMLE. “Their dedication to fostering a thriving middle school community sets a powerful example, and we’re
excited to share their story with educators worldwide.”
As a 2025 School of Distinction, Wisdom Lane joins a network of exemplary middle schools featured in AMLE’s searchable online database, showcasing their promising practices through detailed profiles and videos. The school will present its achievements live at AMLE25 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Senator Rhoads Inducts Levittown Commander DeGregorio Into Veterans Hall Of Fame
Senator Steve Rhoads inducted Commander Matthew J. DeGregorio of VFW Post 9592 in Levittown into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. A Brooklyn native raised in Levittown, DeGregorio served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as an Aircraft Maintenance and Crew Chief with the 602nd Fighter Squadron (Commando) in Vietnam and Thailand. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
As Post Commander, he has led countless efforts to support hospitalized veterans, ship care packages to deployed troops, assist military families, mentor youth, and champion veteran causes at every level of government. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Commander DeGregorio embodies a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and leadership.
Salk Middle School Peer Leader Vittana Rodriguez showed incoming sixth graders how to unlock their new locks.
Mia Melendez decorated her locker at Wisdom Lane ahead of the first day.
Catherine Gonzalez made sure she was fashionably prepared for the school year.
Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Wisdom Lane Middle School in the Levittown School District has been named a 2025 School of Distinction by The Association for Middle Level Education.
What Is Rosh Hashanah?
The arrival of a new year is celebrated each January 1. But that’s not the only fresh start people celebrate each year. Within the Jewish community, a new year is celebrated months before the first day of January.
Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday, the name of which translates to “head of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the Jewish calendar year, according to My Jewish Learning. Much like the New Year celebrated in January, Rosh Hashanah is both a time to rejoice and reflect. Many people celebrate the completion of another year by taking stock of their lives and what they can do in the coming year to improve their lives, the community and the world. Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah as a time for prayer, selfreflection and repentance.
Rosh Hashanah is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, many of whom pray and reflect in a synagogue during the holiday. The organization Reform Judaism says observances also include certain customs that take place
at home. Here are some notable components of Rosh Hashanah.
• Rosh Hashanah is a two-day observance that ushers in a ten-day period of repentance known as the Days of Awe. That period culminates on Yom Kippur, which is known as the Day of Atonement.
• Although Rosh Hashanah is believed to have originated in biblical times, the Bible does not refer to a “new year” or “day of judgement.”
• Challah is traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah. Challah is a round bread symbolizing the eternal cycle of life. The bread is often dipped in honey, which symbolizes hopes for a sweet new year.
• In addition to challah, people also enjoy apples dipped in honey to symbolize sweetness.
• Prayers from the Mahzor are read, and three unique sets of prayers are added to the morning service during Rosh Hashanah. This includes prayers to address the sovereignty of God,
Levittown Public Library
SEPTEMBER 2025
Wednesday, September 17, 10:30 AM
presenting God as the one who remembers past deeds, and a prayer for anticipation of the future.
• The sounding of the shofar is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It is a Jewish ritual horn, traditionally made from a ram’s horn.
• Another popular tradition associated with Rosh Hashanah is a ceremony that occurs on the afternoon of the first day. People throw crumbs or pieces of bread into flowing water, symbolizing their sins.
Rosh Hashanah is an important holiday in the Jewish religion. It marks the beginning of a new, and hopefully sweet, new year.
Adult Program: Special Level Craft Class Decorative Apple Plate
This craft class is designed for adults with special needs conducted by Doreen McIlwaine, Special Education Coordinator/ Behavioral Specialist. Registration is required at www.levittownpl.org under Upcoming Events. In-person program. No Fee.
Wednesday, September 17, 1:30 PM
Adult Program: Memory Loss Craft Class Decorative Apple Plate
This craft class is designed for adults with declining cognitive abilities conducted by Doreen McIlwaine, DCPA. Registration is required at www.levittownpl.org under Upcoming Events. In-person program. No Fee.
Thursday, September 18, 1:00–3:00 PM
Adult Program: Autumn Memory Café
Memory cafés are a way for people with memory loss and their companions to come together. Enjoy a light meal and dancing with live music. Registration is required at www.levittownpl.org under Upcoming Events. In-person program. No Fee.
Thursday, September 18, 4:00–5:00 PM
Adult Program: Expanding Your HorizonsSingles Support Group
This group provides a supportive space for widowed, divorced, & single people to share their experiences guided by a community wellness specialist.
No registration required. In-person program. No Fee.
Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM
Levittown Library Foundation Fundraiser Event: Trivia Night
Come as a team or join one for a chance to win prizes! Raffles and 50/50 will also be available for purchase.
To purchase a ticket or for questions call/ text Marie at 516-765-7137, or visit www. levittownpl.org/ levittownlibraryfoundation. In-person at the Levittown Public Library. Fee.
Thursday, September 25, 10:30 AM
Adult Program: Returning to Work Job Search Strategies
Join AARP for this workshop designed for those re-entering the workforce or navigating a mid-career transition. Learn how to use modern job search tools. Receive a free professional headshot to use for online profiles. Registration required at www. levittownpl.org under Upcoming Events. Inperson program. No Fee.
Friday, September 26, 2:30 PM
Adult Program: Broadway On A Budget
Join theater enthusiast Brian Stoll, who will share tips on how to attend shows for under $60 a ticket and discuss the history and importance of the publication Playbill. Registration required at www.levittownpl. org under Upcoming Events. In-person program. No Fee.
Saturday, September 27, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Empire Defensive Driving Class
The Empire Safety Council is offering this 5 ½-hour defensive driving course for licensed drivers. Registration is required at www. levittownpl.org under Upcoming Events. Inperson program. Fee.
Tuesday, September 30, 6:00-8:00 PM
NYS Senator Steven D. Rhoads Mobile Office Hours
Let your voice be heard about local issues and concerns. Call 516-882-0630 to make an appointment. Walk-ins welcome. No Fee.
