February 15, 2023 - February 28, 2023 Suffolk Zone 4

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.

“PREPLANNING YOUR FUNERAL NOW IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER.”

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

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.

Connetquot Varsity Cheer Places First At UCA Garden State Challenge

The Connetquot Central School District is proud to announce that the varsity cheerleading team placed first at the Universal Cheerleading Association Garden State Challenge, held in New Jersey this month. The cheer team is now preparing to compete at the UCA National High

School Cheerleading Championships, to be held in Orlando, Florida in March.

In addition to their competition win, coach Kelly Unterweiser reported that the team also received an honorable mention from Newsday as one of Long Island’s top 15

cheerleading teams on Long Island.

The district congratulates the team on this outstanding accomplishment and extends best wishes for success at the national competition.

VARSITY CHEER PLACES FIRST AT UCA GARDEN STATE CHALLENGE

- The Connetquot High School varsity cheerleading team placed first at the UCA Garden State Challenge held in New Jersey and will attend the UCA National High School Cheerleading Competition Championships in March. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

Music Courses

Music courses can have a profound impact on students, potentially helping them perform better in other subjects. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that high school students who take music courses score significantly better on exams in subjects like math and science than their nonmusical peers. The improved academic performance was more pronounced among students who learned to play an instrument rather than vocal music. The researchers behind

the study examined the records of more than 112,000 students in British Columbia. Among the students whose records were studied, 13 percent had participated in at least one music course in grade 10, 11 or 12. Researchers discovered that, on average, children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years and ultimately played in a high school band or orchestra were the equivalent of roughly one academic year ahead of their peers in regard to their English, mathematics and science skills.

February Happenings

Wednesday, Februrary 15

7:00PM-9:00PM

Night Of Bingo

Del Fuego in East Northport will be hosting Bingo. The rst game starts at 7pm and it is free to play. There will be prizes given out each round. Visit their instagram, delfuegotexmex, for more information.

Wednesday, Februrary 15

7:00PM-10:00PM

Hard Luck Café Concert

Tracy Walton and Sierra West, singersongwriters 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-8:00PM

Vinyl Listening Club

Visit the Connetquot Public Library to hear a mix of records ranging from jazz, blues, country, classical, and everything in between. Attend as a listener or bring a record of your own to share with other vinyl enthusiasts. A turntable will be provided. All ages are welcome. No registration required. Call 631-567-5079 for more information.

Thursday, Februrary 16

7:00PM

Keep Islip Clean 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

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

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 631-2352059 or sailingsals60@gmail.com.

Friday, Februrary 17

2:30PM-3:30PM

Adult Coloring

Presented by Chris Bisonette and will be held at the Freeport Memorial Library. This is a free event which will also provide the coloring pages and pencils. Register online at www. freeportlibrary.info, by phone at 516379-3274, or in person at the ASK Desk.

Saturday, Februrary 18

10:00AM-4:00PM

Southold WinterFest

This event is free to all residents and visitors. It includes exhibits, displays of local business/organizations, entertainment, free food/beverages and activities for adults and children.

Rain date is Sunday, February 19. Visit their Facebook at @Southold WinterFest for updates and more information.

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. Call 631-226-8690 for more information.

Sunday, Februrary 19

9:00AM

Jones Beach Bird Walk

Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk. The group will meet in the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. Rain or snow will cancel the bird walk. To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498.

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

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.

Friday, Februrary 24 3:30PM-5:30PM

Teen Bake Off:

Chocolate Overload

Make desserts from scratch (no mixes) and bring it in starting at 3:30pm. Judging will begin promptly at 4pm. Afterwards, enjoy the treats everyone made! This event will be held in the Main Building at the PatchogueMedford Library. Call 631-654-4700 to register.

Saturday, Februrary 25

8:00PM-9:30PM

Long Island Comedy Festival

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for a night of comedy. Featuring: Paul Anthony, Maria Walsh and Rob Falcone. Tickets are $35. Visit www.limehof.org for tickets and more information.

Saturday, Februrary 25

12:00PM-3:00PM

Community Spaghetti Dinner

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Babylon will be hosting a dinner for the community. This is a free event. Food and drinks will be provided. Contact Georgia at 631782-0893 or McCullan at 631-643-3045

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

Do you know who cleans and maintains many Long Island Courts?

www.thecorporatesource.org

A major vocation for people with disabilities is cleaning, maintenance, janitorial, landscaping and snow removal work. The Corporate Source (TCS) is a Garden City-based non profit organization, which has vendor contract relationships to provide cleaning and maintenance for many of Long Island’s courthouse facilities.

As one example, the Su olk County Court Complex in Central Islip averages visits from more than 1000 people a day, whether it is judges, employees, lawyers, plainti s or defendants. Many of these visitors would not know that this 28 acre campus is cleaned and maintained in large measure by people with disabilities from The Corporate Source. In recognized annual surveys these workers are ranked “well into the ninety percentile”, performing above industry standard.

As a logical progression, in 2000 as construction and development of the D’Amato Federal Court House was completed, the Federal government awarded a janitorial contract to The Corporate Source. By 2003, they were so confident in the work of The Corporate Source that the contract evolved into Total Facilities Management including maintenance, landscaping and snow removal. More than 30 TCS employees work alongside a variety of federal employees, including 16 federal judges. Judges have been so impressed by their work that they held a lunch for these employees to express their appreciation for their commitment and outstanding performance. Michael Kramer, CEO of The Corporate Source, said “Our workers earned credibility for this enlarged opportunity. They proved that they could deliver when given a chance to do a job.”

Mr. Kramer mentioned that often cleaning, maintenance and janitorial tasks are perceived as “jobs of last resort” marked by high turnover and

a casual attitude. In contrast he said, “The workers provided by The Corporate Source are motivated when they are given these jobs. Sometimes this is their first position so they have a desire to prove what they can do. Among the 60+ TCS employees at the court complexes in Su olk, some have been employed since TCS first got the contract more than 20 years ago. The retention rate is well above the industry average and many employees are working there multiple years.”

TCS employees appreciate the stability that comes from work. Matt is a Heavy Equipment Mechanic at the D’Amato Federal Courthouse and over the past 23 years has worked his way up through the ranks of Janitor, to Project Worker and after taking additional training at BOCES, moved into his current role as a Mechanic. Matt is thankful for the support of his managers and supervisors who motivated and encouraged him to learn new skills and expand his role. He is grateful that work has given him the ability to provide for his wife and young children.

Richard, a TCS employee since 2017, reentered the workforce as a Janitor in the Su olk County Courthouse. Work not only helps him pay his bills and save for a new car, but also gives him a sense of pride and community. Richard is glad to complete his routine tasks and jump in when additional help is needed. “The people here are the best part of my job” said Richard. “Everyone is nice and I was really glad I got this opportunity to work for TCS.” His manager regularly hears compliments about his work and positive attitude.

Neighbor Pets’ Place

Connetquot Public Library Spinning For Health

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

www.connetquotlibrary.org ***

VIRTUAL: Local Eats: Beets, Thursday, February 16, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Originally from the Middle East, beets come in many different colors and flavors. Learn how to grow, purchase, and cook beets to add more nutrients to your daily meals. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Vinyl Listening Club, Thursday, February 16, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Drop in to hear an eclectic mix of records ranging from jazz, blues, country, classical, and everything in between. Attend as a listener or bring a record of your own to share with other vinyl enthusiasts. A turntable will be provided. All ages are welcome. No registration required.

Hiking Long Island, Thursday, February 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Naturalist, photographer, and author of Hiking the Catskills and Hiking Long Island (out in its fourth edition), Lee McAllister will present the many hiking opportunities available here. He’ll include the geology, history (natural and

human), flora, fauna, and topographical features that make Long Island such an interesting place to hike in any season. Lee was active in scouting, blazing, and maintaining the 115-milelong Paumanok Point that runs from Rocky Point to Montauk. No registration required.

The Pain of Risk vs. the Pain of Regret, Wednesday, February 22, 11:00 am12:30 pm

To risk or to regret? It’s not easy to decide. There are times when it’s better to think before you take a leap of faith to engage in a little risk-taking. However, there are times when taking healthy risks can benefit you. This lecture will discuss why healthy risk-taking can benefit you and how to make a rational decision to act or not. Jim Cummings is the speaker.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON:

Gene Kelly: Singing and Dancing in the Rain, Thursday, February 23, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Gene Kelly was one of the most engaging and influential dancers to ever set foot in Hollywood, transforming male movement and film directing to help make dance come alive on the big screen. Fordham University professor emeritus Brian Rose leads us through this survey of Kelly’s

extraordinary career. 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.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON:

Robert Moses: New York’s Hero or Villain? Monday, February 27, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Robert Moses was once a very powerful man in New York State second only to the Governor himself. He was the man responsible for building New York’s tunnels, bridges, parks, parkways and even World’s Fairs. Some people called him a genius and others called him a tyrant. Which one was he? This lecture might help you decide. St. John’s University professors Howard Ehrlich and Harvey Sackowitz are the presenters. 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.

Ancient Wisdom, Tuesday, February 28, 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Lelonni Campbell draws on ancient philosophies and interprets them for our modern world. Learn how you can use them to deepen insights into how universal principles affect everyday life.

10% OFF

$4 OFF

SPINNING FOR HEALTH - Bayport-Blue Point High School spin fusion student leaders are pictured with the school’s spin bikes. Photo courtesy of the Bayport-Blue Point School District

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. Monday - Friday 8:30a-4:30p. To Apply: Call: 631-225-1120 ext 218

Text: 631-503-1750 Email: Landlord@vifran.net

or “B” Li cense.

Overnight Shi ft.

(7pm – 5AM) Unio n Sh op , Be ne fits Avai la bl e.

F/T - 4 Days P/T 1-2 Da ys Call (631 ) 582-1144

POOL MECHANIC

Needed fo r well esta bl ished co mmercial p ool co mpany.

Experie nce with piping, mo tors, filter system & li gh t masonry a plus Clean, valid NYS drivers license requ ired Top sa la ry,

CLASSIFIED GETS RESULTS! Call today! 631-226-2636 631-226-2646

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

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

Connetquot Teacher Saves Student

CONNETQUOT TEACHER SAVES STUDENT - Helen B. Duffield Elementary School teacher aide Stella Tsimis is being hailed as a hero by school and Connetquot Central School District employees. On Feb. 1, Ms. Tsimis’ quick thinking and knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver saved the life of a second grade student, who choked during lunchtime. Principal Lisa Farrell said, “Ms. Tsimis stepped up without hesitation and we all thank her for saving the student’s life.

hero.” Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District