January 4, 2023 - January 17, 2023 Suffolk Zone 4

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.

Neighbor Pets’ Place

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January

is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today! “Our mission has been, and continues to be, to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. “We proudly serve individuals with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished.”

Their location in Islandia offers an unequaled setting for equestrian activities, with a 20-stall barn on 13 acres, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a 100’ x 120’ indoor arena with state-of-the-art-footing and a rider hoisting system, 3 outdoor riding arenas, classrooms, accessible playground, a greenhouse and a wellness center. They offer the following programs:

Lessons: This program provides quality adaptive riding and unmounted lessons that benefit individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional and mental disabilities. Each one of their riding instructors excels in their field and continues with training and certification throughout their careers.

Equine Assisted Learning: This program incorporates horses experientially for educational and emotional growth and learning. Using unique approaches to create positive and constructive learning experiences for children and adolescents who are at risk of failing in the traditional academic setting, this program has changed the lives of countless individuals.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: This follows a model designed by EAGALA,

Inc., the leading international EAP training and certifying organization. Currently, Pal-OMine Equestrian has 7 Licensed Mental Health Professionals and 11 Equine Specialists who are certified in this model. Groups that are participating focus on the following issues: grief, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse, addiction and codependency.

Speech & Occupational Therapy: Clients respond well to therapy incorporating activities with animals, and a variety of therapy goals can be addressed using this treatment strategy. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists run this program to provide therapy services with the assistance of wonderful animals.

Military: For more than four thousand years, horses have been an integral part of warfare. Today, horses are still playing an important role in war, this time in the recovery of military veterans who have suffered emotional and/or physical injuries. This program is an EAGALA designated Military Program and offers individual, group and family sessions to help people heal.

Corporate Leadership: The way individuals interact and react with horses is very similar to the way they interact with their clients, customers, peers and work groups. People interpret horse behavior/emotions through the lens of their personal perception. How they interpret horses can often be a metaphor for their work, attitudes and relationships. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is proud to offer a Corporate Leadership program.

For more information about this organization and all they offer, please call 631-348-1389 or visit www.pal-omine.org. Don’t miss next week’s article to learn about how you can get involved and help others in your community.

POPPIE Friendly. Young female with personality. Amuses herself.

BARNEY 5-7 year old male. Gentle soul. Looking for a family to love.

DAHLIA 4-5 year old female. Happy and sweet girl who loves to sit right beside you.

GIA 8 year old female. Full of life with lots of energy and happiness to share.

PEPPERMINT PATTY 1-2 years old male. Loves going out for walks, playtime and running.

SIR SPARKLEPUFF

8 year old male. Lhasa Apso mix. Full of playfulness and enough cuddles to go around.

ROWDY

6 month old male. Pit mix. Sweet natured and affectionate boy.

CARNE ASADA 5 month old male. Labrador mix. Spunky little fellow. Eager to learn.

NAPOLEON 10 year old male. Pekingese mix. Confident and an ideal lap warmer.

Successful Donation Drive

On Monday, December 19, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team concluded their Holiday Donation Drive, which ran for four weeks and had drop-off locations throughout Long Island. The drive brought in countless donations, all of which were given to a local non-profit organization, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH).

“It was such a great experience and people didn’t hold back,” said Noelle Lambert, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “I received calls, texts and emails from people who heard of the drive and wanted to donate, many of which ended up giving so much that they couldn’t bring it all into a drop-off location in one trip. Although it’s a very sad reality that many individuals are experiencing homelessness and other hardships right here on Long Island, it was really refreshing to see our community come together and do something about it.”

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless strives to end homelessness on Long Island, and to alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The organization’s distribution center where the donations were brought is located at 600 Albany Avenue in Amityville,

and is also known as their boutique. People in need can make an appointment to come to the boutique and leave with clothes and other items, such as non perishable food and personal care products for free. LICH is here to work directly with people in need, as well as with case managers, shelter staff members, school employees, church members and the like who are helping these individuals.

”This organization does so much good and it was a pleasure to contribute towards their important mission,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “So many people have clothing and miscellaneous items that they aren’t using, while others are in real need; it’s just a matter of coordinating a collection. However, it’s clear that the holiday spirit helped our drive quite a bit. I want to express how thankful we are to all who donated, as well as for the businesses that allowed us to use their locations for the drive, which includes USA Auto Body in East Patchogue, The Fish Store in Bayport, Long Island Media Group in

Farmingdale and Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Smithtown and Farmingville.”

“We are so very grateful for this drive that Noelle and The Bryn Elliott Team put together,” said Bailey Riekkinen, Community Engagement Specialist at LICH.

“The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless will continue to advocate and serve until we achieve our mission of ending homelessness on Long Island. In 2022, we referred over 700 households for permanent housing through Coordinated Entry, a system that ensures the most vulnerable Long Islanders are prioritized for permanent, affordable housing. Affordable housing is scarce on Long Island, and we are consistently working hard at connecting Long Island’s most vulnerable to the available resources. Additionally, we received and distributed over 10,000 pounds of food and toiletries along with countless clothing items to locals that are homeless and at-risk on the streets and in shelters through our boutique and pantry.”

Together we can make a true difference in our community.

If you would like more information about starting a donation drive with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, please contact Bailey at 631.464.4314 x125. For more information about LICH and all they offer, visit www. addressthehomeless.org or call 631.464.4314.

Noelle Lambert & Bryn Elliott

Warm And Fuzzy Sock Drive

On December 19, Michelle Stabile, Licensed Real Estate Agent of GEN X REALTY in Holtsville, NY, visited The Gurwin Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Commack, NY, to drop off the donations from her Warm and Fuzzy Sock Drive she orchestrated and started in early December. Michelle collected and delivered over 300 pairs of socks for the long-term residents at the Gurwin facility. This particular sock drive was near and dear to Michelle and her family, as this was where her grandmother spent her final days.

“The staff at Gurwin could not have done enough for my grandmother and my family while she was being cared for here at Gurwin. This was something I’ve always wanted to do during the holiday season, and to be able to give back to the residents with a pair of fun, cozy, colorful,

warm, and fuzzy socks was an absolute pleasure. If the socks brought joy and put a smile on at least one of the residents faces, then my life is complete.

This is a tradition I hope to continue for many years to come on behalf of my Real Estate Company”, Michelle Stated.

Connetquot’s Aidan Friel Earns All-American Recognition

Connetquot High School’s Aidan Friel topped off a very successful soccer career, as he was presented on Dec. 5 with the most prestigious athletic award, High School All-American. By accomplishing AllAmerican Honors, Aidan is recognized as one of the best amateur soccer players in the United States. Aidan also received First Team All-New York State Honors and AllRegion Honors. All-Region Honors represents being one of the best players in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

“It is absolutely amazing and well deserved that he was selected for this award,” coach John Zambriski said. “He is our captain, our leader and our heart and has left a special impact on the program.”

Senior, Aidan Friel is a

four-year starting center defender for the Connetquot T-Birds. Coach Zambriski said Aidan created a level of excellence that will be hard to match by future T-Birds. He described Aidan as an intrinsically motivated athlete with a desire to win that goes unmatched and unchallenged.

“It is rare when exceptional talent and physical ability meet effort and desire to be the best. Aidan leaves no excuses on the pitch. He can shut down the other team’s best attack with his speed, skill and physical play,” coach Zambriski said. “His excellent footwork and ability to control the ball was a big help in starting our possessions out of the back. We would not have had the season we had without Aidan leading us on and off the field. Watching him grow

into such an outstanding, talented, and disciplined defender over these past 4-years has been an absolute pleasure.”

Aidan was a huge part of a historic season for the Connetquot High School boys soccer team. The team won the league title for the first time in 20 years, and it was the first time in the school’s history that they advanced to the Suffolk County Championship. In exciting fashion, the team won its Suffolk County Championship on penalty kicks and then advanced and won their first ever Long Island Championship.

Congratulations to Aidan on these amazing athletic accomplishments and to all the young men on the team for this notable season.

FRIEL EARNS ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION - Connetquot High School’s Aidan Friel topped off a very successful soccer career, as he was presented on Dec. 5 with the most prestigious athletic award, High School All-American. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

WARM AND FUZZY SOCK DRIVE - On December 19, Michelle Stabile, Licensed Real Estate Agent of GEN X REALTY in Holtsville, NY, visited The Gurwin Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Commack, NY, to drop off the donations from her Warm and Fuzzy Sock Drive she orchestrated and started in early December.

The Long Island Elite (LIE) is celebrating a milestone achievement—20 years of fostering the development of Long Island’s business and philanthropic communities. Since 2002, the organization has focused on cultivating the growth and leadership capabilities of Long Island business professionals, while raising awareness and funds for local charities. To highlight this milestone, and raise money for its Charity Partner of the Year United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island, the business networking and philanthropy group held its Great Gatsby Gala, channeling the glamour of the roaring 1920s.

“This year, the Long Island Elite celebrates its 20th Anniversary,” said Long Island Elite President Frank Morizio, Jr. “Organizations that hit this

Sending Holiday Cheer To Long Island Veterans

Long Island Elite Great Gatsby Gala Celebrates Organization’s 20th Anniversary

remarkable milestone must be filled with mission driven people, who are themselves, remarkable. But that’s not all you need to get here.

Over the past 20 years, there have been hundreds of members, thousands of connections made, and millions of dollars raised to support organizations that are doing amazing things for our neighbors in need.”

The anniversary gala is a celebration of the vision that the LIE “Founders” had to support the growth of business and charitable efforts on Long Island. To honor that vision, the LIE chose United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island to be its gala beneficiary and have committed to help them build an adaptive playground where children in their program can enjoy the simple pleasures of adolescent fun as all children should.

UCP of Long Island

has been committed to advancing the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities by creating Life Without Limits. The Children’s Center, located in Commack, has provided over 60 years of excellence in educational services including preschool, school-age programs and early intervention services tailored to meet the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of children with disabilities from birth to 21 years of age. The Children’s Center currently serves over 80 infants and children through age 21, with a wide range of developmental disabilities and diagnoses.

Together, the L.I.E. and UCP of Long Island strive to improve the quality of life for individuals and families who have children with disabilities. Please help us by supporting this year’s

20th Anniversary Gala.

For information on how you can support the Long Island Elite and UCP of Long Island, visit www. longislandelite.com or email info@longislandelite. com.

About the Long Island Elite

The Long Island Elite is a registered 501(c)3

nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fostering the development of Long Island’s business and philanthropic communities. Its core goal is to bring business professionals together to support each other’s careers through a variety of networking, business and community functions.

The organization takes a leadership role in helping local nonprofits raise money and gain more recognition. As a philanthropic liaison, Long Island Elite provides forums such as special events, outreach programs, and fundraising support to help its annual charity partner organization grow and thrive.

SENDING HOLIDAY CHEER - (back, l-r) New York State Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo collected letters to veterans at James Wilson Young Middle School and is pictured with Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Theodore Fulton, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney, Principal John Andruszkiewicz, Dean of Students Patricia Westerlund and students Charlotte J., Jhanvi P., Jacob W. and Michael K. Photo courtesy of the Bayport-Blue Point School District

Students at James Wilson Young Middle School in the Bayport-Blue Point School District were spreading holiday cheer to Long Island Veterans. The school recently wrote letters thanking the veterans for their service and for securing their freedoms.

New York State Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo visited the middle school on Dec. 2 to thank the students for spreading cheer among the nation’s heroes and to collect the letters, which were distributed to veterans in the community.

Connetquot Public Library Sachem Student-Athletes Commit To Colleges

760 Ocean Avenue Bohemia, NY 11716, 631-567-5079

www.connetquotlibrary.org ***

Color Your Cares Away, Thursday, January 5, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Relax and de-stress by dropping in and coloring a page or two. Coloring pages, pencils, and gel pens will be provided. No registration required.

VIRTUAL: 2023 Movie Preview, Friday, January 6, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Love movies? Join us for a sneak preview of the new movies coming out in 2023. Get fun behindthe-scenes movie facts about your favorite stars, filmmakers, and upcoming movie releases. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Apple iOS Q & A Monday, January 9, 10:00 - 11:00 am

Get information, tips, and tricks on all things Apple iOS for your iPhone and iPad, including the latest software information. Share your favorite apps and shortcuts with other group members. Bring your questions and we will answer them. No registration required.

Veteran Community Resource Table, Monday, January 9, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

A monthly resource table where you can learn about programs and services available in Suffolk

County for veterans and their families. Hosted by Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. No registration required.

VIRTUAL: New Year, New You, Tuesday, January 10, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Learn the best healthy practices to help you start the year off right. General nutrition and hydration tips, as well as ways to increase physical activity will be discussed. Presented by South Shore University Hospital. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Long Island Cares Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise, Thursday, January 12, 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Long Island Cares will have a van on site for a three-day supply of food. No identification or library registration required. While supplies last.

Exploring the World of Whiskey with Bob Lipinski, Thursday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Bob will discuss the 10 major types of whiskey, including history, ingredients, distillation, aging, label terminology, and trivia. Mr. Lipinski is the author of 10 books on alcoholic beverages and food, including 101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey. He taught the executive staff at The White House “How To Pair Wine with Food,”

“Proper Wine Service,” and “Sensory Evaluation Skills.” No registration required.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON Prohibition & Speakeasies, Tuesday, January 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Join us on the anniversary of Prohibition when art historian Sylvia Laudien-Meo will discuss the dynamics that led to this most unusual law and the ways in which people worked around it, the crime scene that unfolded, and the many speakeasies that blossomed. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON:

Invisible Labor: Women’s Work in Whaling Communities, Wednesday, January 18, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Long Island was at the heart of commercial whaling, the U.S.A’s fifth most profitable industry in the 19th century. Long Island Native women ensured industry success by their labor and the mechanisms of survival they built while men were absent, at sea. In this talk, local historian Erin Becker discusses the role of Long Island Native women in this industry. This is a Zoom presentation that will be shown in the library or can be viewed from home. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

On Nov. 30, senior student-athletes from the Sachem Central School District signed their national letters of intent to play their respective sports at the collegiate level. During this first round of signings, 32 students committed to continuing

their athletic careers after high school. Students and their families wore apparel representing their future schools as they were congratulated by Sachem Athletic Director Gary Beutel and Assistant Athletic Director Philip

Torregrosa. The Sachem Central School District thanks its coaches for their commitment to helping student-athletes excel both on and off the field and congratulates all of the student-athletes.

Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings

12-Step support group giving Hope & Strength to parents, family and friends concerned with a loved one’s destructive behavior caused by

Alcohol, Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems is now meeting virtually until further notice. For further information e-mail or

call: Donna526@aol.com or (631) 589.3790; Diane (631) 587.0966, www. FamiliesAnonymous.org

SACHEM HS EAST - Seventeen students from Sachem HS East committed to playing their sports at the collegiate level. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

SACHEM HS NORTH - At Sachem HS North, 15 student-athletes signed their national letters of intent. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Northwell Direct, NYPD

Finest Care: Free, Confidential Counseling For Police Officers

Northwell Direct and The New York Police Department recently announced a new collaboration that will connect the 36,000 uniformed Members of Service with free, confidential counseling and other mental health services. Finest Care enables officers to call a confidential Northwell Health behavioral health access and navigation center to be assessed and linked to Northwell’s expansive network of psychologists and psychiatrists through the Northwell Direct provider network*. Northwell Direct is owned by Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer.

“Northwell Direct is

honored to be able to provide New York’s Finest with the highest-quality mental health services available,” said Nick Stefanizzi, CEO of Northwell Direct. “By providing a confidential and easy-to-use navigation service, we’re breaking down barriers and changing how behavioral health is accessed. With Finest Care, the dedicated public servants of the NYPD will be immediately connected to the help they need by making a simple phone call.”

The 24/7/365-day-a-week call center will be available for all uniformed Members of Service and all calls will be received and triaged by trained nurses and master-

level therapists. If a Member of Service is experiencing an acute crisis, the nurse or therapist will be able to arrange for an appropriate and immediate medical response, including the dispatch of an ambulance or access to emergency telepsychiatry services.

“We are excited to be able to increase police officer access to Northwell’s stellar behavioral therapy teams, and wide choice of venues, helping us provide Finest Care, everywhere,” said Eli Kleinman, MD, MPH, NYPD chief surgeon.

“Finest Care through Northwell Direct is an excellent resource for NYPD, said Lokesh Reddy, MD,

NYPD deputy chief surgeon. “Our police officers will have more access to exceptional mental health services.”

“To best serve our women and men police officers, the NYPD is dedicated to ensuring the continuity of all aspects of our proactive and comprehensive wellness program,” said Dr. Adria Adams, the director of the NYPD’s Health and Wellness Section. “And our collaboration with Northwell Direct is integral to that important work. It ensures there is no interruption in accessing immediate mental health care, outside of the department, on an ongoing basis, in a comprehensive manner, and with a health

Little Girls Need Clothing

Ethical Friends of Children, a free shop for Long Island children in need, is requesting donations of girls’ clothing, sizes 2 to 5. This outreach program, run and supported by the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island in Garden City, assists more than 2500 children

and their families each year by providing them with clothing, backpacks for school and infant furniture. The service is set up like a store so people can select what they want from a wide variety of clothes. “As we’ve set up our winter store, we are finding a gap in our supply of

clothing for little girls,” says Ethical Friends of Children Director Jim LoPresti of Massapequa Park.

Ethical Friends of Children, established in 1985, is staffed entirely by volunteers and there is no charge for any services. Individuals, families, or community groups

donate gently used clothing and other things children may require, such as backpacks. Any cash donations go entirely towards purchase of needed items for children, such as diapers and formula.

“Customers” are referred by many of the area’s social service

partner that offers a large footprint of service facilities throughout our region. We know this continuation of the Finest Care program will meet our officers’ needs with the thoughtfulness and confidentiality they require.”

Appointments with a psychologist or psychiatrist for comprehensive evaluation and counseling will be available within 48 hours of the call for urgent issues. Inperson or virtual visits will be offered to accommodate personal preference and schedule.

“Mental health disorders are among the most common illnesses in our communities, and they can have a severe impact on functioning and

quality of life,” said Manish Sapra, MD, executive director of the behavioral health service line at Northwell Health. “Police officers face unique stressors not seen in the general public. We are confident this program will help reduce stigma associated with seeking and accepting help.”

Members of Service can be seen at Northwell Health facilities located in: Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Manhasset, Bay Shore, Port Jefferson, Glen Oaks, and Ossining.

*Northwell Direct’s provider network is provided through Northwell Direct Administrative Services Organization, Inc.

organizations and are supported by both religiously affiliated and private agencies funded by Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Volunteers are always welcome to help sort, organize and deliver clothing and goods.

To volunteer or donate, please contact office@

ehsli.org

Or call the the Ethical Humanist Society of LI at 516-741-7304.

People can also make a monetary contribution to EFC through https:// www.ehsli.org/socialaction/ethical-friends-ofchildren/

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

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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

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