February 1, 2023 - February 14, 2023 Suffolk Zone 4

SERVING: OAKDALE, SAYVILLE, BLUE POINT, BAYPORT, PATCHOGUE, BELLPORT, MEDFORD, HOLBROOK, RONKONKOMA, BOHEMIA &

OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING, INC. HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - Expressions of gratitude sometimes accompanied by tears greeted case managers from Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) as they made holiday gift deliveries to their clients. Pictured (L to R): Laura Grossé; Vicki Perks, Donor Engagement Manager, Options for Community Living, Inc.; Wayne N. Grossé, President/ Chief Executive Officer, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Jessica Klein, Marketing & Development Specialist, Options for Community Living, Inc.

As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans.

Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started.

As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans. Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started.

As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans. Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started.

Start today. Peace of mind tomorrow.

Start today. Peace of mind tomorrow.

Start today. Peace of mind tomorrow.

(631) 588-1515

(631)

(631) 588-1515

Serving all of Long Island with locations in: Bohemia, Central Islip, Holbrook, Lake Ronkonkoma, Center Moriches, Port Jefferson Station, and Hauppauge.

Serving all of Long

Serving all of Long Island with locations in: Bohemia, Central Islip, Holbrook, Lake Ronkonkoma, Center Moriches, Port Jefferson Station, and Hauppauge.

DANIEL MOLONEY JR. & PETER G. MOLONEY, OWNERS

THE HARDEST PART IS GETTING STARTED. WE MAKE IT EASY.

THE HARDEST PART IS GETTING STARTED.

Neighbor Pets’ Place

1-2 year old male. Full of love and energy. Very sweet and loves treats.

TINY 4-6 year old male. Sweet and bouncy. Enjoys attention and getting pets.

SHELLY

7 year old female. Sweet girl. A ball of sunshine who loves to play.

BENTLEY 6 year old male. Beautiful boy that loves getting lots of pets and belly rubs.

HAZE

7 year old male. Puggle. Enjoys walks and exploring. Friendly with everyone.

ABRIL

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

BUBBLES

3 year old male. Cane Corso. Down to earth, goodnatured, well-mannered.

ULTRA

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

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

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

www.connetquotlibrary.org ***

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON

Demystifying Eastern European Research, Wednesday, February 1, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Anyone who has attempted to trace their ancestors back to Eastern Europe understands the special challenges and frustrations involved. Border changes, language differences, political considerations, and exoticsounding surnames often complicate the research process. This session covers the most common myths/ misconceptions and how to work around them. With speaker Lisa Alzo. This

Connetquot Public Library

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.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON

Fabric Art: A History, Thursday, February 2, 3:00 - 4:30 pm

During this Zoom talk hosted by art historian Sylvia Laudien-Meo, we will explore modern art works made from threads or fabric. Join us to learn about the leading artists working in this exciting medium and explore their innovative use of materials. 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.

NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps: Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Thursday, February 2, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

The Citizen Preparedness Corps is an emergency preparedness program initiated in 2014 to provide residents with the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible. New York National Guard Service members, working with experts from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local

All-County Musicians Named In Bellport

Seven Bellport High School musicians were selected to participate in the prestigious 2022 High School All-County Music Festival, sponsored by The Suffolk Chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education and the Suffolk Music Educators’ Association. The concert is March 12, 2023.

This year, Bellport had representatives in four performing groups, the All-County Treble Choir, Mixed Chorus, Symphonic Band and Symphony

Orchestra. Over 14 hours of rehearsals culminated in a concert performance at Half Hollow Hills High School East on Friday, Nov. 18.

The students were selected based on their NYSSMA Solo Festival rating and nominations submitted by school music teachers last June. This festival recognizes Suffolk’s most accomplished high school music students in grades 11 and 12.

The South Country Central School District extends its congratulations

to the following musicians for a job well done:

Keira Ballan, Alto 1, Treble Choir

Liany Kasten, Alto 1, Treble Choir

MacKenzie Cover, Soprano 1, Treble Choir

Olivia Horn, Soprano, Mixed Chorus

Hannah Carlson, Violin 1, Symphony Orchestra

Emma Kuegel, Oboe, Symphony Orchestra

Grace Zimlinghaus , French Horn, Symphonic Band

Emergency Management personnel, are holding classes across the state. The program was designed by DHSES and covers a broad range of emergency preparedness topics like developing a family emergency plan, what to do in the case of an active shooter situation, stocking up on emergency supplies, and registering for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system. The program takes approximately one hour, which will include time for the participants to ask questions of both the instructor and the larger group. No registration required. For additional information, please call the library at 631-567-5079 or visit our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Color Your Cares Away, Thursday, February 2, 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, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. No registration required. For additional information, please call the library at 631-567-5079 or visit our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Long Island Cares Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise, Thursday, February 9, 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. For additional information, please call the library at 631-567-5079 or visit our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

VIRTUAL: Social Media Marketing for Small Business, Thursday, February 9, 3:30pm – 4:30pm

members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Afternoon Movie, Friday, February 10, 2:00pm – 4:15pm

For movie title please check our website, Facebook page, or call the library at 631-567-5079.

Apple iOS Q & A, Monday, February 13, 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, February 13, 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.

ALL-COUNTY MUSICIANS NAMED IN BELLPORT - Bellport High School musicians will perform in the 2022 All-County Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the South Country School District

Learn the basics for developing a social media and website presence, as well as creating a local community profile. Library

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for February is The Corporate Source

The Corporate Source (TCS) is a non-profit organization that started in 1996. They strive to change the perceptions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce by having them work in integrated settings where their value, productivity, commitment and dedication can be experienced by all. To accomplish this mission, TCS addresses the factors a ecting employment inequity and overcomes barriers to employment that keep this staggering number of people with disabilities excluded from the workforce. TCS is extremely proud of their work and today the operate in over 100 locations , many here on Long Island, NY.

Despite an increased knowledge base and laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, the overwhelming number of people with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed. In America alone, roughly 61 million adults live with a disability. Today, about 1 in 6 American children are diagnosed with a developmental disability and they then age out of most public programming when they become 21. With less to do each day and having fewer prospects for employment, these young adults often become socially isolated and depressed.

Sometimes, employers may have misconceptions which make them reluctant to hire a person with disabilities. TCS works to change perceptions to show employers the benefits of an inclusive workforce. Given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and capabilities, these employees show dependability, honesty, tenacity and dedication to doing the best job possible. Several TCS workers have received awards and recognition for their achievements and outstanding performance on the job.

TCS employs nearly 400 people with disabilities in the greater New York tristate region, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, providing outsourcing services to several federal, state and

private sector organizations. A small sample of their longterm client collaborations include Janitorial and Disinfecting Services for the US Merchant Marine Academy, Mail-room Operations at Long Island and NYC Internal Revenue Service locations, Call Center Support at the Manhattan VA Medical Center and Kennel Care for the Department of Homeland Security at JFK Airport.

Most recently, they have partnered with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to develop a program for professionally educating and training people with disabilities for entry level positions in the growing IT field. Corporations like Microsoft, Ernst & Young and more have had very positive experiences where people with disabilities are e ective for these positions from a number of perspectives.

This non-profit works year-round through special events, networking opportunities, social media outreach and other e orts to raise awareness and funds to support disability employment initiatives. There are many ways that you can support the mission of TCS.

For more information, visit www. thecorporatesource.org or contact Ruth-Ann Gater at ruth-ann.gater@ thecorporatesource.org and stay tuned for next week’s article.

Child Care & Pre-School incl Flexible days (6 weeks- 5 years o

• Full day “Creative Curriculum

• Weekly sign language classes

• Trained and OCFS qualified

• Organic/all natural meals and

NOW REGISTERING SCHOOL AGE

• Free parent app for daily reports

• Warm home-like loving environment

S.T.E.A.M. SUMMER CAMP

Offering

Expanding

Child Care & Pre-School includes:

Flexible days (6 weeks - 5 years old)

• Full day “Creative Curriculum” taught to all ages and all levels

• Trained and OCFS qualified staff

• Organic/all natural meals and snack served daily (included)

• Affordable options

• Free parent app for daily reports and insight into your child’s day

• Warm home-like loving environment

• Affordable options

• Field trips included - Locations and dates TBD

• Weekly themes and workshops include: make your own movie week, robot build-off, body, mind and physics & lots more fun!

• Daily outside themes and interactive lessons are taught in small groups geared to challenge every child no matter their age. Our program helps your child test the boundaries of creativity, design and exploration.

February Happenings

Wednesday, February 1 12:00PM-1:00PM

Alzheimer's Disease Book Club

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting the Virtual Caregiver Book Club starting February 1st for six weeks. They will be reading and discussing “On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's” by Greg O’Brien. To register for the virtual book club, contact Joanna Rekas at 800-272-3900 or jrekas@alz.org.

Thursday, February 2

11:00AM

White Elephant Sale

Free admission. Located at The Seaford American Legion. Contact Mary at 631-567-4483 for any additional information.

Sunday, February 5

2:00PM-5:00PM

Fundraiser To Support East Islip St. Patrick's Day Parade

A fundraiser to support the parade will be held at Harp & Hound in Islip. A $20 donation at the door includes assorted appetizers, live music by J&D Acoustics, and a cash bar. There will also be raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. Email localhibernians@gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday, February 7

7:00PM

Republic Airport Commission Meeting

The meeting will be held at the Republic Airport, Room 201, Farmingdale, NY. For more information, call 631-752-707 x6109 or email info@republicairport.net.

Saturday, February 11 5:30PM-8:30PM

Snowball Dinner

$10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children. Free for children 3 and under.

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

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.

Sunday, Februrary 12

9:00AM-3:00PM

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.

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.

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.

STALLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

A cultural hub right in your own backyard!

Regular Tickets & Gala Tickets available at

STAGE

Fri. March 31 @ 8pm

EMERSON STRING QUARTET #3

Tue April 11 @ 7pm

DIAVOLO - ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION

Sat April 15 @ 8pm

MIKE BIRBIGLIA

Fri. April 21 @ 8pm

SHELÉA

Sat. April 22 @ 8pm

STONY BROOK OPERALA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN

Sat April 29 @ 8pm

Sun. April 30 @ 3pm

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

Sun. May 7 @ 7pm

LIVE PERFORMANCES STREAMING IN HD FROM THE MET OPERA Schedule at stallercenter.com/HD

Local College Hosts Inclusive Basketball Game

LOCAL COLLEGE HOSTS INCLUSIVE BASKETBALL GAME - Chippewa Elementary School students in the Sachem Central School District had a ball at an inclusive basketball game on Jan. 7. More than 20 Chippewa students participated in a clinic and game at St. Joseph’s College with their teachers and the women’s basketball team. Throughout the day, students were smiling from ear to ear – making the event a slam dunk. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Former NBA Player Shares Powerful Message

Former professional basketball player, Chris Herren, recently visited Sachem High School East to share a powerful message about substance use prevention and addiction. Tenth graders first watched a video outlining Herren’s basketball career from his high school days in

Massachusetts to playing for Division 1 teams to ultimately going pro in the NBA and overseas. Throughout the film, students got a look into Herren’s struggles with addiction during his career.

Herren then came out to speak with the 10th graders and share his path

Bringing New Life To Patients

to recovery. He empowered students to rethink how they look at addiction and through sharing his own experiences, touched on topics such as drinking and drug use, peer pressure and bullying. Through each presentation, Herren hopes to make a difference in at least one person’s life.

According to Donate Life America, 39,700 organ transplants from 19,300 donors brought new life to patients and their families in 2019. Nearly 60 percent of the more than 100,000 men, women and children awaiting lifesaving organ transplants are

from multicultural communities. Potential transplant recipients who identify as African American or Black make up the largest percentage from such communities, accounting for 29 percent of the people from multicultural communities currently

waiting for an organ transplant. Hispanics/ Latinos (20 percent), Asian Pacific Islanders (9 percent), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (1 percent) are other groups with significant amounts of people currently awaiting a transplant.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

FORMER NBA PLAYER SHARES POWERFUL MESSAGE - Former NBA player Chris Herren visited Sachem HS East to speak with 10th graders about substance use prevention and addiction. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Options for Community Living, Inc. Holiday Assistance Program

Grows to Serve More Than 100 Long Island Families

Expressions of gratitude sometimes accompanied by tears greeted case managers from Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) as they made holiday gift deliveries to their clients.

“I am very grateful for these gifts for my kids” expressed one parent. “It has been a very tough year for us. I wasn’t sure how I would give my children the Christmas they deserved. We appreciate the community for all they do.”

Each year, Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) organizes a holiday assistance program for Long Island families in need. Case managers identify families in Options programs and help them create wish lists. Wish lists are then matched with community volunteers and local businesses interested in providing a magical holiday season for the families. Gifts

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs. It affects up

are purchased, wrapped, and returned to Options for distribution.

“Long Islanders are incredibly generous,” said Jessica Klein, Options Marketing and Development Specialist. “We started talking to our past supporters in September and by early November all of our families were adopted!”

Thanks to a generous community, 109 families in Options’ programs received assistance.

Among the organizations supporting this effort were Teachers Federal Credit Union, Kedrion Biopharma, Forchelli Deegan Terrana, several teams from Stony Brook University, and Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

“We are so happy to support and participate in this wonderful program,” said Katie Bielawski, Senior Manager of Charitable Giving and Events at

to two million Americans annually. If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs, causing a

Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “We are looking forward to another great partnership year in 2023!”

“The success of this program is truly a community effort,” said Jessica Klein. “It would not be possible without the help of local businesses, individual volunteers, and our employees who make it happen.” If you are interested in volunteering as a family sponsor for the 2023 program, please call 631-361-9020 and speak to a member of Options Development Department. About Options for Community Living, Inc.

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults recovering from mental illness, care coordination services for adults and children with chronic health conditions, and housing and services

for homeless people with disabilities and/or HIV/AIDS. Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the

community has grown through the years to serve more than 2,200 adults and children annually. For more information about Options

for Community Living, Inc., please visit their website at http://optionscl.org or call 631.361.9020.

OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING, INC. HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM - Expressions of gratitude sometimes accompanied by tears greeted case managers from Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) as they made holiday gift deliveries to their clients. Pictured (L to R): Laura Grossé; Vicki Perks, Donor Engagement Manager, Options for Community Living, Inc.; Wayne N. Grossé, President/Chief Executive Officer, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Jessica Klein, Marketing & Development Specialist, Options for Community Living, Inc.

Prevent DVT

pulmonary embolism. Approximately 300,000 people die each year from PE, the majority

of which resulted from a DVT. The best way to reduce your risk of DVT is to talk to your

doctor about the risk factors, especially if you have cancer or certain heart or respiratory

diseases, or prolonged immobility.

To learn more, visit www.preventdvt.org

Help

POOL MECHANIC

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.

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

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Bellport Football Senior Players Acknowledged

Apply Today For Connetquot Central School District’s 2023-24 Universal Pre-K Program

Applications for Connetquot Central School District’s 2023-2024

Universal Pre-Kindergarten program are now available on the district’s website, http://www.ccsdli.org/our_ district/universal_pre-k. The UPK program will be

Chippewa Elementary School in the Sachem Central School District has officially opened its brandnew book room. The book room is a place for teachers to access books and resources

full day, run only by SCOPE and will be housed in district elementary schools. Final locations for 2023-2024 have yet to be determined. All interested residents are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible, your child must turn 4 years old on

or before Dec. 1, 2023. Applicants will be selected by a lottery to attend the full day program. All completed forms and required documentation must be submitted to Central Registration via email to registration@

ccsdli.org; faxed to 631244-2294 or mailed to Central Registration, which is located at John Pearl Elementary School, 1070 Smithtown Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716. Deadline to apply is Feb. 17, 2023. Notification of those accepted into the

New Book Room Unveiled

for their classroom. Some of the books are geared toward small group instruction including in-class book clubs, while others are intended for guided reading.

Principal Michael

Saidens spoke with staff at the unveiling, thanking the many teachers who dedicated time to unpack books and organize the space.

program will be provided to families in mid-April. This program is funded by a New York State grant and there is no cost to the applicant. Parents must provide transportation to and from the program.

BELLPORT FOOTBALL SENIOR PLAYERS ACKNOWLEDGED - The South Country School District Board of Education recognized the Bellport High School football team and coaches during a recent meeting. Senior team members were presented with certificates of recognition for making school history by winning the Division II county championship for two years in a row. Photo courtesy of the South Country Central School District

NEW BOOK ROOM UNVEILED - Chippewa Elementary School unveiled a new space dedicated to providing teachers with books and resources for their classroom. Photos courtesy of the Sachem Central School District