August 30, 2023 - September 12, 2023 Suffolk Zone 2

Your Autumn Family Getaway Awaits

Boy’s & Girl’s State

The Boy’s and Girl’s State began almost 90 years ago, when two American Legion members, from Illinois, noticed the ‘Youth Pioneer Camps’, promoting Communism, being established around the United States by the Soviet Union. They determined that if we wanted to keep our democratic/republic form of government, then the young people must get the opportunity to learn how it functions. Over the years, Boy’s & Girl’s State became a nationwide program, operated separately in each state. Since then, thousands of students

fictional 51st state, set up under the structure of the state where it is being held. They run for city, county, and state office and hold many other elected and appointed positions. They create and enact bills. They learn how government is supposed to function, and the efforts that go into it. They develop long-lasting relationships with the other students they meet. The Post got involved with Boy’s & Girl’s State 15 years ago, and happy to say that over that time, they have been able to select over 200 students for the program. They have had great support from the

has helped to make this opportunity available to more and more students. They have been working with Harborfields, Walt Whitman, Huntington, and Commack high schools.

The meeting was attended by 12 (shown in the attached photo) of the 21 students who attended this year’s program. The students each got the opportunity to tell us about their experiences. They then heard from the ‘dignitaries, and proclamations/citations were given to the students.

The meeting was held on Friday, August 11th, at the K of C Hall, in Greenlawn,

Boy Scout Troop 343 (Hauppauge)

To Host 55th Anniversary Reunion And Troop Court Of Honor

Calling all Alumni from Boy Scout Troop 343! Enjoy a troop Court of Honor as we celebrate our troop’s 55th anniversary. This event will be held at St Thomas More Church (the troop sponsor) in Hauppauge on Friday night, September 22nd. Festivities will begin at 6:30pm. Come and mingle with former scouts and scouting volunteer leaders and scouting family members. Enjoy pizza and cake to

celebrate those who have earned badges and achieved rank advancements as well as with former scouts. Please bring photos and other memorabilia to share! Please RSVP by September 10th to 55th Reunion Chair/Assistant Scoutmaster Paul M. at 631-724-1789 or Assistant Scoutmaster Phyllis S. via email at troop343bsa55yearreunion@gmail.com

Constantatos, Kieran Davis, Joseph Dissler, Jack Fischer, David Goldstein, Dylan Krinsky, Shawn Murphy. Seated front row, left to right: Aaron Park, Anna Duff, Brooke Farasciano, Madison Feldman, Aidan Wheeler. Standing in the back, left to right: Assemblyman Keith Brown, Pam Velastegui representing Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Jillian Guthman Huntington Receiver of Taxes, Manuel Esteban Suffolk County Legislator, Andrew Raia Huntington Town Clerk, Tom Donnelly Suffolk County Legislator, Jerry Asher NY State Supreme Court Judge (retired), Jim Beecher American Legion District Boy’s State Chairman.

Local Teens Earn Prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County recently celebrated local Girl Scouts who earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, including 5 members of Commack Service Unit 615 and Smithtown Service Unit 625. The awards were presented during the 2023 Gold Award Dinner, which was held at The Inn & Spa at East Wind and featured a keynote address by Rebecca Sanin, President and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island.

The Gold Award program recognizes the power and dedication shared by an elite group of young women who earn the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. The members of Commack Service Unit 615 and Smithtown Service Unit 625 who achieved Gold Awards this year were Chloe Visnius, Elysena De Stefano, Ava Mahoney, Sophia Recine and Jessica Andrews.

“The Gold Award is the highest distinction a young

woman can earn in Girl Scouting and is earned by less than 6% of Girl Scouts annually,” said Tammy Severino, GSSC’s President & CEO. “Earning this award takes an extreme amount of dedication, hard-work and commitment from each of the girls. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this distinguished class of young women and the great efforts they have made for their communities.”

The Gold Award Girl Scouts each tackled a project that held a deep significance to them. To be eligible for a Gold Award, each recipient must complete two Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or their Girl Scout Silver Award before beginning their Gold Award project. To meet the Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, each candidate must complete at least 80 hours toward their project.

Girls in grades 9-12 begin their Gold Award journey by identifying a civic or

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LOCAL TEENS EARN PRESTIGIOUS GIRL

SCOUT GOLD AWARD - The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County recently celebrated local Girl Scouts who earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, including 5 members of Commack Service Unit 615 and Smithtown Service Unit 625. (L-R) Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Gold Award Class of 2023 with Donna Smeland, GSSC Chair of the Board and Tammy Severino, GSSC President & CEO.

social issue they care about. Next, a Girl Scout builds a team to support her project with the mission to create a positive impact in her community by addressing an issue she feels passionate about. Through the process, Gold Award Girl Scouts build invaluable problem-

solving, organizational, and leadership skills, while educating and inspiring others.

Elysena De Stefano created an outdoor learning library with a teacher bench, platform and inspirational signs for the preschoolers at the Suffolk Y JCC.

Ava Mahoney provided equipment and a training session for girls to play field hockey by running a free clinic. The clinic aimed to build healthy relationships and team bonding. Sophia Recine volunteered at Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Center’s Day Care and painted a mural. She also designed a poster with dementia care tips for caregivers. Jessica Andrews addressed the issue of poverty and health for young adults by providing them with useful resources.

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September Happenings

Lindsay Fritch Appointed As Elwood’s John Glenn Assistant Principal

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to nataliealmeida@longislandmediagroup.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

10:00AM-2:00PM

FOOD DRIVE BY DRIVE

Join Mercy Haven in Islip Terrace as they gather for Food Collection with members of the community, neighbors and supporters. Drive By - Drop Off - Say Hi! Visit their website mercyhaven.org for more information.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

5:00PM-9:00PM

BABYLON BLOCK PARTY

The Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and Babylon Restaurant Association presents Babylon Block Party. There will be games and fun for the entire family along with live music and outdoor dining. Deer Park Avenue will be closed from Main Street to Park Avenue. For more information visit their website at babylonchamber.com/events.

8:00PM-10:00PM

BEST OF THE EAGLES

A Tribute to the Music of The Eagles will be held at The Suffolk in Riverhead. For more information call 631-727-4343 or email The Suffolk at boxoffice@suffolktheater.com with any questions.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

10:00AM-4:00PM

END OF SUMMER FESTIVAL

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow will host an end of summer festival. It will feature food, live music, a flea market and more. Admission is free. For more information, contact 516-483-3649, email info@htocem.org or visit their website at htocem.org.

2:00PM-5:00PM

DAHLIA EXHIBITION AND PHOTO SHOW

The Long Island Dahlia Society will hold its annual Dahlia Exhibition and Photo Show at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Carriage House in Great River. Flowers will be on sale during the show. Exhibition flowers will be available after 3 PM on Sunday. Show is free with $8.00 parking fee. For more information visit LongIslandDahlia.org or email lidsphoto22@gmail.com for the Photo Show.

7:00PM-9:00PM

BOB ROSS PAINT NIGHT

Paint like Bob Ross in a day at Danford's in Port Jefferson. No prior experience required with step by step instruction. For more information call 631-252-1425.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

10:00AM

NEW MEMBER OPEN HOUSE

Merrick Homemakers will be hosting their new members meeting at the Seaford American Legion. Guests are welcome to stop by any first three Thursdays of the month. They hold various craft and cooking/baking classes, have speakers, and much more. Call Mary at 631-567-4483 for any additional information.

7:00PM

LINDENHURST EVENING

HOMEMAKERS UNIT

Held at the Amityville Senior Center and open to all members and newcomers for women 18 years and up. New members should arrive 15 minutes early. Please contact Lisa LeBrie for more information at 516-413-7467.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

10:00AM REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

The Farmingdale United Methodist Church will hold a Remembrance Service on the 22nd anniversary of 9-11. All Farmingdale firemen/ emergency responders and their families are invited to attend, as is the general public. Please join us. For more information please call 516-694-3424 or visit farmingdaleumc.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

6:00PM-9:00PM

ISLIP'S BAY HERITAGE PROGRAM

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will present "Islip's Bay Heritage" at the Islip Public Library. A moderator will be coordinating a panel of lifelong Islipians who have made their living or have a home on the Great South Bay. Questions for the panel are welcome. For more information visit isliphamlethistory.org or call 631-559-2915.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

8:00AM-3:00PM

FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE

PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island summer food collection drive comes to West Babylon. Food collection bins and a drive-through option will be set up at the Stop & Shop supermarket at 575 West Montauk Highway, West Babylon, where members of the public can donate nonperishable items and household essentials for neighbors facing food insecurity.For additional information on Power to Feed Long Island, visit psegliny.com/feedLI.

Lindsay Fritch has been appointed as the new assistant principal of ElwoodJohn H. Glenn High School, effective July 1. She replaces Michael Baio, who was named an interim assistant principal last year upon the promotion of Corey McNamara to John Glenn principal.

Fritch comes to Elwood from the South Country School District, where she served for the past decade, first as a special education teacher and finally as special education chairperson and teacher on special assignment. She previously worked as a high school history teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.

A Smithtown resident, Fritch earned

her bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University, her master’s degree in secondary social studies from the University of Pennsylvania, a special education certification from Drexel University and her school leadership certificate from Stony Brook University.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Elwood family,” Fritch said. “I am ready to jump in, make connections and form relationships. I hope to work alongside students, staff, community members and administrators to foster a culture of belonging and continue Elwood’s tradition of excellence. It is a true privilege to be able to call myself a Knight.”

LINDSAY FRITCH - Lindsay Fritch has been appointed as the new assistant principal of Elwood-John H. Glenn High School. Photo courtesy of Elwood School District

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Suffolk Credit Union Awards College Scholarships To Local Students

Fosters Wanted For Two Loving Pets

Due to unfortunate circumstances, the owner of two dogs is looking for a foster. She is presently living in her car, but is actively seeking employment and a new home. She is urgently trying to find an individual to temporarily care for both until she is able to do so again properly.

Wolf is a 10 year old Husky and Kay is a 5 year old Texas Heeler Mix. They are very attached to one another, therefore the foster must be willing to take both. They are friendly, trained, up to date on all shots, good with children and are spayed/neutered. Wolfie does well with all

dogs and cats and Kay is good with medium to large sized dogs. Transportation of the dogs to your home for drop off and pick up would be provided. If you are interested or would like more information, please call Tanya as soon as possible at 914-309-5949.

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SUFFOLK CREDIT UNION AWARDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS - Suffolk Credit Union presented college scholarships to nine local students attending Suffolk County Community College this fall. The award ceremony was held on August 16, 2023, at the credit union’s Medford branch. Since partnering with the college four years ago, Suffolk Credit Union has sponsored 36 scholarships totaling over $180,000. Pictured are some of the scholarship recipients with officials from the college and credit union. Photo courtesy of Emily Nienburg, Suffolk Credit Union

Suffolk Credit Union presented college scholarships totaling $37,500 to nine local students attending Suffolk County Community College this fall. The award ceremony was held on August 16, 2023, at the credit union’s Medford branch.

“These scholarships are a result of an ongoing partnership between our credit union and the Suffolk Community College Foundation to help people throughout our communities achieve their educational and career goals,” said Michele Dean, CEO & President, Suffolk Credit Union.

“By alleviating the cost of college for these hardworking students and their families, we position them for financial stability and empower their future success.”

This year, Ashley Bove of Holbrook received a $6,275 scholarship from the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship,

which was matched by Suffolk Credit Union for a total of $12,550. Edward Freudenberg (Yaphank) was awarded $6,275 by Suffolk Credit Union in honor of the Michael E. Reilly Foundation Memorial Scholarship.

Suffolk Credit Union Achievement Scholarships ranging from $2,150-$6,275 were awarded to Robert Cronin (Aquebogue), Hannah Walsh (Dix Hills), Arshiyan Khan (Selden), Alicia Anthony (Dix Hills), Cristal Lainez-Pixtum (Wyandanch), Amy Boos (Brentwood) and Sun Ji Lee (Commack). Award recipients were selected based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement and essays. Since partnering with the college four years ago, Suffolk Credit Union has sponsored 36 scholarships totaling over $180,000.

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College,

commented, “These generous scholarships reflect Suffolk Credit Union’s tradition of serving Long Island as a community-focused institution. We look forward to welcoming the recipients to our campus, where they will undoubtedly thrive.”

According to Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Executive Director, Suffolk Community College Foundation, “We are proud to have this ongoing partnership with Suffolk Credit Union, which honors the students’ achievements and service with these meaningful scholarships.”

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.

Neighbor Pets’ Place

Adopt

PETEY & TOBEY

6 month old Poodle mixes, still growing in confidence. Looking for a home together.

NEWMAN

10 year old Schnauzer. Enjoys a leisurely stroll and good conversation.

PRINCESS

10 year old Terrier mix. Social, active, fun-loving, with a joyful spirit.

LEAH

13 year old Shih-tzu mix. Likes to keep active and friendly with others.

ARKAIDA

Sweet and sassy senior Pittie mix. Sweet and social girl that just wants love.

ALL ABOUT

DUBLIN 2 year old Pittie mix. He is reserved and shy. Loves to go for walks.

KRUNCH

9 year old Boxer/American Bulldog mix. Social and good with other dogs.

BONNIE

2 year old happy, spunky, sweet, girl who is looking for a second chance.

BLAKE

Handsome

To inquire about having your shelter included in this column, email info@longislandmediagroup.com!

Scouting Volunteer/Merit Badge Counselor Janet Heller-Smitelli Signs Off On Her 100th Blue Card

She did it!! Janet HellerSmitelli, a long-time volunteer adult Scout Leader, has just signed off on her 100th Blue Card which evidences a Boy Scout’s receipt of a Merit Badge in a certain topic.

Janet Smitelli begin her involvement in scouting in 1997 when her oldest son Christopher first became a Tiger Cub Scout.  Soon thereafter she became an adult leader and has continued her involvement in scouting to today.  It is interesting to note that before her involvement in scouting, Ms. Smitelli was a VIP Interpretive Ranger at the Grand Canyon National Park, and also a participant in the Student Conservation Association Volunteer Parks Restoration Program at Zion National Park. She is also an avid hiker and camper so the Scouting program was not foreign to her.

For the past 15 years,

Ms. Smitelli had been an Assistant Scoutmaster first at Troop #218 (Huntington) and thereafter at Troop #34 (Huntington). Ms. Smitelli’s three sons have all attained the rank of Eagle Scout and a few years ago, both she and her youngest son Paul participated in the Scouting High Adventure Outer Island Florida Sea Base Program.   An Assistant Counsel to the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge, she said, “I have been so blessed to have been involved in this wonderful program for so long. I have had a unique opportunity to assist in the advancement of numerous scouts over the years and am so proud of what they have achieved as young adults. In fact, scouting has also even urged me to become more civic minded and socially responsible in my community. Just last year I ran a Citizenship in The Community Merit

Badge Class which involved a special opportunity to attend a Committee Meeting with some of our current Suffolk County Legislators; two of which are Eagle Scouts. During the recent 2023 annual Matinecock

District (ScoutsBSA)’s Summer Merit Badge program (held at St. Hugh of Lincoln R.C. Church in Huntington) where I was the Merit Badge Counselor for the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge,

we had Amaru Jones, a local teacher and community activist in Huntington Station join us as a guest speaker. “

When asked about her future plans, Janet is undecided, but does remind

her Scouts out there that there are numerous partially completed Merit Badges out there and she hopes to be able to one day bear witness in overseeing their completion as well.

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100TH BLUE CARD - Pictured: (Far right) Janet Smitelli, Merit Badge Counselor for Citizenship in the Community and (far left) Amaru Jones, a local teacher and community activist in Huntington Station/guest teacher, with the Boy Scouts participating in the 2023 annual Matinecock District (ScoutsBSA)’s Summer Merit Badge program (held at St. Hugh of Lincoln R.C, Church) holding the hundred merit badges Ms. Smitelli has successfully signed off on during her years of service to the Boy Scout program.

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Smithtown High School West & High School East Student

Athletes Recognized

Smithtown High School East and High School West student athletes have been recognized for their prowess in the classroom.

High School West was named a “School of Distinction” and High School East a “School of Excellence” by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards exemplify the mission of NYSPHSAA, education through interscholastic athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “It is amazing to see the commitment to academic excellence from the schools, administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.”

Overall there are more than 60 varsity teams at High School East and West.

Mark Your Calendar for the Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Open House, September 10th –Corporate Sponsorships Available

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc. (www.pal-o-mine.org, Islandia, NY), a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, announced that its annual Open House will be held this year on Sunday, September 10th, 2023 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Once again, the event will be a very family friendly one with activities that everyone will enjoy. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is located at 829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749. Admission is $5 per person.

“Our Open House is one the Long Island community always looks forward to,” said Pal-O-Mine founder and CEO Lisa Gatti. Not only is it a great way for a family to spend quality time together, but it is an opportunity to tour our farm and sensory garden, meet our horses and farm animals, and learn about our mission. Of course, we have also lined up many other activities including an art show and sale, horseshoe painting, donkey and mini horse cart rides, horsemanship demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, a paddock escape room, raffles, music and much more.”

Corporations that would like to support Pal-O-Mine Equestrian and gain great exposure at this well-attended event can become a sponsor for the Open House. There are six levels of sponsorship. The Platinum sponsorship has already been secured by The Frank J. Antun Foundation. There are also four Gold Sponsor opportunities at $5,000 each, which includes 8 ft. fence sign with name and logo, 10 admission tickets, status level event signage, opportunity to distribute pre-approved sample items, signage at the event registration area, and name and logo on the website and on social media; two Silver Sponsor opportunities at $4,000 each, which includes sponsor named activity 5 admission tickets, status level event signage, opportunity to distribute pre-approved

sample items, and name/logo on website and posted on social media; a Paddock Sponsor at $3,000, which includes table top signage at the event, 4 admission tickets, status level on event sign, and name/logo on website and posted on social media; a Pasture Sponsor at $2,000, which includes 2 admission tickets, status level on event sign and name/logo on website and posted on social media; and a Fence Rail Sponsor at $500, which includes a personalized plaque with name or phrase on fence rail at Pal-OMine’s new Military Paddock. For more information, visit: www. pal-o-mine.org or call: 631-348-1379.

“Long Island Cars” Super Swap Sunday CAR SHOW & SWAP MEET

Sunday September 10th

“Long Island Cars” Car Show & Swap Meet returns to the LICH Amphitheater at Bald Hill in Farmingville on Sunday September 10th. Hundreds of custom, collectible and classic automobiles, from the 1930’s to present, will be on display at this competitively judged event with over fifty classes and trophies. Acres of vendors will be selling auto parts, fenders, tires, auto accessories, literature and collectibles at “Long Island’s largest Swap Meet”. Cars will be offered for sale by their owners in the “Car Corral”. There will be live music, plus food and refreshments. LICH Amphitheater at Bald Hill is located at 1 Ski Run Lane in Farmingville, 11738. L.I.E. 63 North, take County Rd 83 North 1 mile and exit right, follow signs to amphitheater parking lot. Show hours are 8am to 4pm. Admission: $10.00; under 12 years are free; free parking. Judged cars and vendors register at the gate 7am to 10am. (631)5675898 or LongIslandCars. com.