February 8, 2023 South Bay Shore

also exposed students to the work done by Operation Smile, and instantly, the students decided that they would love to sponsor a smile. They created a Smile Fund with the goal of giving a deserving child a gift that would last forever: a smile. Thanks to the support of generous parents and the students’ enthusiasm, they surpassed their goal and were able to fund three cleft palate surgeries which will give THREE children forever smiles. Photo courtesy of the Bay Shore School District

Good Samaritan University Hospital puts you first

Today, tomorrow, always

We do more than provide state-of-the-art treatment and compassionate care. We educate the physicians of the future, while expanding the medical capabilities of the entire Catholic Health system. We’re ensuring that Long Islanders will be taken care of with the most advanced medical technology, integrity, and compassion…now and forever.

Learn more at goodsamaritanuniversity.org

$23,000 a year in savings* from lighting upgrades means more of this for Long Island.

For rebate information, visit PSEGLINY.com/Business

When the nonprofit Canine Companions requested a free energy assessment, we discovered that installing LED fixtures and other energy efficiency measures could save them nearly $2,000 a month. And with available PSEG Long Island rebates, the installation was affordable. Today, those changes have meant more funds for the mission of providing service dogs to Long Islanders with disabilities. And that means a better Long Island for us all. *Actual

Swimmers Recognized

SWIMMERS RECOGNIZED - Bay Shore Swimming and Diving team members Ava DeFranco, Skyler Duke, Avery Van Tassel, Ainsley Duke and Lily Meliere received AllLeague honors at the Suffolk County Swim Coaches’ Awards Dinner. Photo courtesy of the Bay Shore School District

Insurance

Tips And Information

Have you reviewed your insToo often people file claims for damage that will not be covered by insurance. To be an eligible claim, the damage must be caused by something that is ‘unexpected and unpredictable.’ Homeowners have an obligation to maintain their property. Insurance policies do not provide for maintenance.

Too often an insurer will hear from a client that a fence fell down in a windstorm or that there is a leak from the roof. When the adjuster sees that the wood fence is rotten or that the roof is aged and decrepit, the claim will be denied. One should expect that a rotten fence will fall in the wind or that an old roof will leak. These should be repaired or replaced before they become a pile of debris or a sieve.

If you are not sure what is a maintenance issue or what are your responsibilities, call your agent.

Dr. Ruffo Family

KEN MARCUS

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

Winter Coloring Contest!

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library

One South Country Road, Brightwaters, NY 11718 631-665-4350 www.bsbwlibrary.org ***

The Library hours are: Monday through Thursday 9:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M

Friday and Saturday

9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday

12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M

Curbside Pick up: Monday through Thursday

10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Friday and Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Sunday No Curbside

Check out our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel for announcements and learn about all of our activities. Monthly brochures and calendars are available on our website or stop by the

Children’s Desk for a print version.

CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULTS

Check out our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel for announcements about all of our activities for children and teens. You can also pick up a print version at the Children’s Desk and find more information about our Craft Kits and in-person programs. Our website is www.bsbwlibrary.org

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH at the Library –

February 8th – Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. – Fireside Book Discussion (BBA117)

The book to be discussed is The Other Black Girl by Zakiya D. Harris. Copies of the book in various formats are available at the Circulation Desk. If you

Neighbor Pets’

are interested in joining the discussion please email us at: staff@bsbwlibrary. org

February 9th - Thursday at 6 P.M. – Silver Fox Songs

Celebrate the AfricanAmerican experience with Rhonda Denet singing songs from the 1930s through the 1970s. She has a spirit that will warm your heart and a voice that will touch your soul.

February 15th –Wednesday at 6 P.M. –Black History Month Trivia Night – The New York City Trivia League is hosting this event. Join other trivia enthusiasts for this event as the hosts quiz you in a game all about Black History Month.

Continued On 20

Color

3 WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN; 1 FROM EACH AGE GROUP: 2-4 YEARS OLD • 5-7 YEARS OLD • 8-10 YEARS OLD

To submit your entry, please fill out the form below and mail it all to Long Island Media Group • 565 Broadhollow Rd, Suite 3, Farmingdale, NY 11735 You may also email it all to info@longislandmediagroup.com.

All submissions must be received by Friday, February 10, 2023. Winners will be notified on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Name: ___________________ Age: _______ Town: ______________________

Phone Number: ___________________________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________

2 year old female. Boxer mix. Quick-witted with a good sense of humor.

IZZY 2 year old female. Terrier mix. Lights up around other dogs and loves to play.

ABRIL 1 year old male. Labrador mix. Shy girl with a sweet and gentle presence.

February Happenings

Saturday, February 11

5:30PM-8:30PM

Snowball Dinner

$10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children. Free for children 3 and under. Dinner held at The Westminster United Presbyterian Church. Tickets are limited. Call 631-661-6740 for tickets and more information.

Saturday, February 11

9:30AM-11:00AM

Bereavement Support Group

For 9 weeks at Our Lady Of Grace Church. Starting on February 11th and ends on April 8th. Call John 631-874-0210 or Fran 631-587-1578 for more information.

Saturday, February 11

22nd Annual WinterFest

Free admission. Arts and crafts for kids, free entertainment and more at Levittown Hall. For more information contact levittowncouncil@yahoo. com.

Saturday, Februrary 11

4:00PM-6:00PM

February Family Fun Day

For children 3 to 12 years old with an adult. There will be crafts, a scavengar hunt and more. Free event located at Community Presbyterian Church. Registration is required as space is limited. Call 631-242-0221 for more information.

Saturday, Februrary 11 2:00PM-3:00PM

Estate Planning

Learn tips and tricks to keep your family out of probate court at Amityville Community University. Trusts, Wills, Health Proxy and more will be covered as well. Email npmorgan@ft.newyorklife.com or visit https://ACU-estate.eventbrite. com to register

Sunday, Februrary 12 9:00AM-3:00PM

Items listed are free of charge. Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run in the calendar on a space available basis. For further information, call 631.226.2636, extension 211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com

Bellport Blood Drive

Located at the Bellport Community Center. Call 800-933-2566 or email mgatto@nybc.org to make an appointment.

Sunday, Februrary 12 10:00AM-11:30AM 12:00PM-1:30PM

Valentine's Day Card Exchange

Sensory Beans Inc. in Wantagh will be hosting their annual Valentine's Day Friends Card Exchange. $35 per child. Contact 516-308-1462 for more information.

Tuesday, Februrary 14

6:00PM & 7:00PM

Western Suffolk BOCES’ Board Meeting

The meeting will be held at the Western Suffolk BOCES’ Administrative Offices. Proposal Executive Section, subject to Board approval. Public portion beginning with Item Number 1 on the Agenda. Call 631-549-4900 ext. 223 for more information.

Wednesday, Februrary 15

7:00PM-10:00PM

Hard Luck Café Concert

Tracy Walton and Sierra West, singer-songwriters will be featured. Tickets are $20 ($15 for Cinema Arts Centre/FMSH members) and can be purchased online at https:// cinemaartscentre.org or at the Cinema Arts Centre box office now until the event. The concert will be followed by an open mic. For more information visit https://fmsh.org

Thursday, Februrary 16

7:00PM

Keep Islip Clean General Meeting

Join KIC for their next general meeting in the Ballroom at Brookwood Hall in East Islip. This pertains to the beauti cation and

maintenance throughout the Town of Islip. Information and volunteer opportunities available. Contact Keep Islip Clean at 631-224-2627 or keepislipclean@optonline.net.

Friday, Februrary 17

10:00AM

Fire Island Frolic

A six mile hike to the Lighthouse at Robert Moses State Park. Meet at east end of Field 5 near the boardwalk entrance. Possible Robert Moses State Park Fee $10.00 or free with an Empire Pass. Contact Sal at 631-235-2059 or sailingsals60@gmail.com.

Saturday, Februrary 18

3:00PM

Valentine's Day Concert

Kathryn Wilson, a soprano soloist will be featured. The concert will be held at Grace United Methodist Church. A free-will offering will be taken. Contact 631-226-8690 for more information.

Monday, Februrary 20

9:00AM-12:00PM

Winter Break Camp

Starting February 20th and ends on February 24th. Children can have fun during their winter break with hands-on experiments and more at The Long Island Explorium. Grades: 3rd-6th. $375 per camper. Email lisa@longislandexplorium.org for more information.

Tuesday, Februrary 21

6:00PM

February Board Of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the North Babylon Public Library will hold its February meeting. The public is invited to attend. Call 631-669-4020 for more information.

Local Foundation, Big Mission

The Chloe Belle Foundation is a local non-profit organization started by the family of Chloe. Chloe was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 25. She underwent countless treatments, but unfortunately the cancer only progressed. It eventually invaded her spine and left her paralyzed and in immense pain. Thirteen months later, Chloe passed away at home beside her family.

Chloe left a huge impact on those around her, she prioritized the happiness of others and brought joy wherever she went. The Lindberg Family started this foundation as a way to honor Chloe and continue her work here on earth. The mission of the Chloe Belle Foundation is to support children and young adults who have also been diagnosed with cancer, and offer them the same joy and light that Chloe herself was.

Remi Lindberg, President of The Chloe Belle Foundation said, “We have big goals for the foundation. I want Chloe to live on forever. She deserves

that. Most importantly, I want to bring Chloe’s kindness and love to the world on a large scale.”

The Chloe Belle Foundation will begin selling merchandise starting this February to benefit the foundation. They also will be hosting their annual toy drive in the spring, and will have more information on the event soon.

They will be collaborating with Mario’s Pizzeria in East Northport on February 21, 2023. When customers order on that day and mention The Chloe Belle Foundation, their foundation will receive 20% from the pre-tax sale.

To keep up with The Chloe Belle Foundation or to donate please visit their website at https:// thechloebellefoundation.org or follow them on Instagram @ thechloebellefoundation.

For more information, please reach out to Remi, President of The Chloe Belle Foundation at remilindberg. tcbf@gmail.com

102 Pounds Of Food Donated By FITTEAM-LA ‘s Dream Team

Long Island Cares, Inc., The Harry Chapin Food Bank gratefully acknowledge receipt of a total of 102 pounds of food donated by Fitteam-LA’s Dream Team.

Thank you for joining them in their mission to ensure that more Long

Island children, families, and pets do not go hungry through our COVID-19 relief efforts. In addition to distributing more than 17 million pounds of food to nearly 600 member agencies in the first 10 months of the pandemic, Long Island Cares seeks to

heighten public awareness about hunger and provides skills training to foster self-sufficiency among the population that benefits from their services.

Many times hunger and poverty are hard to see. By outward appearances, we may not know a family is struggling or that a school age child does not have enough food at home. People needing help are often filled with shame when they seek assistance and no matter how kind the food pantry worker may be, the worried parent keeps thinking, “I can’t feed my kids.”

On behalf of all of the children and families served by Long Island Cares, they are truly grateful for your support.

Tell 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.

The Public Libraries Of Suffolk County Reaches Record-Breaking

The Public Libraries of Suffolk County announced today that it reached a recordbreaking three million digital book checkouts on Livebrary.com in 2022. This milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of library lending of e-books, audiobooks and other digital media as well as the library’s success in serving all members of the

Three Million Digital Book Checkouts In 2022

community. Livebrary, consisting of 56 libraries in Suffolk County, is #13 of all public library consortia, one of 129 public library systems worldwide and third in New York that surpassed one million checkouts last calendar year (complete list here).

The Public Libraries of Suffolk County have been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books

and audiobooks for several years through the award-winning Libby app, the library reading app created by OverDrive. The large collection serves readers of all ages and interests, and usage has grown every year.

“The Public Libraries of Suffolk County continue to provide access to a diverse collection of e-books and audiobooks giving

readers the opportunity to connect with a wealth of information and entertainment from wherever they may be,” said Kevin Verbesey, Director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.

The highest-circulating title Livebrary readers borrowed in 2022 was The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. The top-circulating genre,

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS SERVICE

romance, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes mystery, fantasy, children/ young adult and more.

The top 5 e-book titles borrowed through Livebrary’s digital collection in 2022:

1. Verity by Colleen Hoover

2. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

3. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

4.

5. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Livebrary’s digital collection in 2022:

1. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Needed: full time handyman/remodeler, experienced in all phases of home repair and maintenance for local established residential property management company. Skills needed: painting, spackling, carpentry, light plumbing, light electrical, general house maintenance-interior and exterior. Responsibilities include preparing vacant rentals; maintenance, and repair of occupied rentals. Must have experience, be reliable, and be willing to communicate with tenants. Company provided vehicle, tools and materials.

Consistent work - no layoffs. Paid vacation and holidays. Local Babylon area.

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

631-968-8181

631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276 THE power of CLASSIFIED!

your ad in the LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place Call The Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276 LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

BUYING?

an ad in the CLASSIFIED

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?

Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you.

BIG BUDGET?

SM ALL BUDGET?

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our

631-226-2636, press 276 Call

(631)

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library

Continued From 7

February 25th – Saturday at 7:00 P.M. – The Friends of the Bay ShoreBrightwaters Public Library Performing Arts Series presents Sugar & Spice. This is a high energy band that delivers fingerpoppin’, soul-stirring music. The group will mix it up with songs you know and love. This performance is free, but you must have a ticket to attend. For more information ask at the Circulation Desk or call the Library at 631-6654350. This performance will be held at the library this year.

ARTS & LEISURE: The Arts & Leisure

Group of the Bay ShoreBrightwaters Library is planning a trip to: LINCOLN CENTER on April 12, 2023 to see Camelot. The cost of the trip is $208.00 and includes bus transportation, driver gratuity and one Center Orchestra seat for the 2:00 P.M. matinee. The bus will leave the library at 9:30 A.M. so you can have time to walk about and enjoy lunch before the show. We will leave from Lincoln Center following this performance. Call the library or stop by the Circulation Desk for more information. You can also download the application from our website at www. bsbwlibrary.org There are only a few more tickets available for this outing.

DISPLAYS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: INSIDE SHOWCASE and OUTSIDE SHOWCASE –In honor of Black History Month, the Library showcases will feature books, photos and artwork from Bay Shore resident and Library Board Trustee Elder Frances Bell.

GALLERY: Come see a World of Color by abstract artist Thomas Sarc.

ADULT PROGRAMS: Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies at 2:30 P.M. No registration is necessary.

Feb. 8th – In the Heat of the Night (1967)

Feb 22nd – If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

CLASSIFIED

BUYING?

February 18th - Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Defensive Driving Course (BBA124)

The fee for this course is $30.00 payable by cash, check or money order (made out to Empire Safety Council) due at the time of registration. Please bring your New York State driver’s license. Registration is in person only.

February 26th – Sunday at 1:00 P.M. – Sondheim: The Early Years (BBA147)

The Plaza Theatricals theater group is putting on this tribute to Stephen Sondheim. This fast paced production is an informative and entertaining tribute to the genius of Sondheim.

HAVE

CALL NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS to place your classified ad. 631-226-2636, press “2”

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”

A sales representative will be happy to assist you

Bird Walk At Massapequa Preserve

Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk on Sunday, February 12, starting at 9 AM, at the Massapequa Preserve.

The group will meet in the northeast parking lot at the Massapequa Railroad Station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.

Rain or snow will cancel the bird walk.

All are welcome. 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. Bring binoculars .

To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 4679498. We follow Covid protocols in effect at the time of walk.

Remaining Socially Engaged

(NAPSI)—Remaining socially engaged improves quality of life for older adults and is associated with better mental and physical health. The Eldercare

Locator can help. Visit eldercare.acl.gov or call (888) 677-1116 to get connected to a nearby agency that can provide much-needed support, right in the community.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for February is The Corporate Source

www.thecorporatesource.org

Based in Garden City, observing 27 years of service, The Corporate Source (TCS) has a presence throughout the Greater New York Metro Region, along with the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. They create value for individuals with disabilities by providing well paying jobs along with the necessary training, job coaching and support to be successful in the workplace. TCS creates value to companies and organizations by providing important outsourcing services and by increasing diversity at these sites.

With nearly 400 employees, this organization provides services such as janitorial, maintenance, call center services, mail room and courier, and kennel services to federal, state and public organizations. Recently, TCS moved into another area o ering tremendous growth potential for individuals with disabilities - Information Technology (IT).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 12 percent growth rate in the IT field between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In December 2022, employers across the United States listed over 18,000 open positions for IT support specialists, according to CompTIA’s monthly “Tech Jobs Report.” This expressed demand on the part of potential employers is echoed by the disability community, which has expressed tremendous interest in the IT sector.

TCS has partnered in a key initiative with CompTIA to train and certify people with disabilities for lucrative positions in the IT field. The “TCS IT Training and A+ Certification Program” is a comprehensive 13 week program with instruction provided virtually with individualized support for program participants that is provided by TCS’ Vocational Rehabilitation unit. The structure of the training is adapted to meet the needs and learning

styles of the participants. At the conclusion of the virtual classroom, instruction students will have the opportunity to earn two professional certifications – CompTIA IT Fundamentals, an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills, and CompTIA A+, the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. The objective is to teach marketable IT skills, along with appropriate work behaviors, to ensure that graduates will be qualified for jobs such as: help desk technicians, desktop support people and field technicians who assist with hardware and equipment setup.

At their 2022 Long Island SummIT Awards Dinner, The Long Island Software & Technology Network recognized TCS for its innovative e orts and leadership to recruit people with disabilities to fulfill IT sector jobs.

On February 28, 2023, the second class coming through the TCS IT Training & Certification Program will be graduating. These graduates who are mainly from Nassau and Su olk counties are eager to begin their careers!

One of the initial graduates, Ayisat, expressed that she was thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity to further her career. She had been working for TCS as a Telephone Operator for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Manhattan when she was approached by her manager about the opportunity to participate in the IT Training Program. After successfully completing the program and obtaining her certifications, Ayisat secured a job as a Help Desk Technician. She is now working remotely and excited about her career potential.

Do you know of a company that would benefit by hiring one of their IT Program graduates? Would you like to learn more about this program? Please contact Ruth-Ann Gater at Ruth-Ann. Gater@thecorporatesource.org if so and stay tuned for next week’s article to learn more about TCS.

If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

Record-Breaking Three Million Digital Book Checkouts In 2022

Continued From 18

3. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

4. The Maid by Nita Prose

5. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty Readers in Suffolk County just need a valid library card from a member library to access digital books

from Livebrary’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. Readers can use any major device, including Apple(R), Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle(R) (U.S. only).

Download the Libby app or visit Livebrary.com to get started borrowing e-books, audiobooks and more anytime, anywhere.

PUZZLE ANSWERS: