August 16, 2023 - August 29, 2023 Suffolk Zone 4

Meet Guy. He’s a local business owner, former rock bassist, and current fan of LEDs. It didn’t hurt that he got $5,900 in rebates to replace his store’s old lighting with energy-efficient fixtures.* He says his store and his guitars look great in the new LED glow. And, with the monthly energy cost savings, he couldn’t be happier. How can we help your small business save?

psegliny.com/BusinessRebates

“I’m saving about $1,800 a year in energy costs with LED lighting.”*

—Guy Brogna, All Music, Inc., Plainview

ELA

Homing In On Student Reading

IN ON STUDENT READING -

Sachem Announces New Executive Director For Special Education

New Principal At Samoset MS

The Sachem Central School District is pleased to announce Dr. Georgia Afxendiou as the new principal of Samoset Middle School, effective Aug. 1. The board of education appointed Dr. Afxendiou at its July 26 meeting to replace James Horan, who is retiring.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION - Eric Neithardt was appointed the executive director for special education in the Sachem Central School District. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

The Sachem Central School District is pleased to announce Eric Neithardt as its new executive director for special education. Mr. Neithardt was appointed to this position during the board of education’s July 12 meeting.

Mr. Neithardt previously served as the assistant director for special education in Sachem. He began this role in 2021 and provided oversight of special education programs from students in grade 8 through age 21. Mr. Neithardt gained experience collaborating with various administrators to assess the district’s special education program and services. Additionally, he

implemented changes to meet the needs of students, conducted professional development workshops and initiated Special Education Collegial Circles for teachers and staff throughout Sachem.

Prior to working in Sachem, Mr. Neithardt served as the assistant to the district administrator for special education, Pre-K to Grade 5 in the North Babylon School District. In this leadership position, he maintained supervision of IEP processes and conducted observations and evaluations for elementary level special education staff. Mr. Neithardt also has experience working as a

social worker and the special education coordinator for secondary education in the Elwood School District.

Mr. Neithardt holds a bachelor’s degree from Queens College, a master’s degree from Union College, a master’s degree in social work from Stony Brook University and a School District Leader certification. He is also a New York State licensed clinical social worker.

The district is excited to see Mr. Neithardt step into this new role and is confident his wealth of experience will be an asset to Sachem students and families.

Dr. Afxendiou started in the Sachem Central School District as a social studies teacher in 2006 and, most recently, was an assistant principal at Seneca Middle School. During the years, Dr. Afxendiou held several leadership positions including the developer and instructor of the non-tenured and new teacher programs. In this role, she created

professional development opportunities for Sachem staff members. Additionally, Dr. Afxendiou was a Code of Conduct Revision Team member, a District Grade Transition Team member, and a Curriculum Council member. Her administrative experience extends to serving as a Tri-State Consortium Evaluation Team Member to evaluate K-12 social studies curriculum in other districts.

Throughout her time in Sachem, she has been named High School North Teacher of the Year and received the Outstanding High School Social Studies Teaching Award from the Long Island Council of the Social Studies. She has

several state certifications, including one in school building leadership and one in district leadership. Notably, Dr. Afxendiou is a Fulbright Scholar. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree and a post-master’s certificate in education leadership from Stony Brook University, as well as a Ph.D. in social anthropology from the University of Rochester.

While Dr. Afxendiou has been a longtime member of the Sachem family, the district welcomes her to this new role and is confident she will be an asset to Samoset Middle School students, staff and families.

NEW PRINCIPAL AT SAMOSET MS - Dr. Georgia Afxendiou was appointed principal of Samoset Middle School, effective Aug. 1. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

HOMING

As part of ongoing professional development in the South Country School District, Bellport Middle School and High School

teachers and media specialists participated in a four-day educational session facilitated by Laurie Burke, a staff developer with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. During the program, the grade 7-12 educators worked on honing students’ skills in critical reading, literary conversations and investigating books as agents of social change. Photo courtesy of the South Central School District

August Happenings

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

State Awards $660,000 To Federation Of Organizations For Programs That Combat Drug Addiction

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

7:30PM-10:30PM

TRIVIA NIGHT AT SHANDON COURT

Come to Shandon Court for Rock 'n' Roll Trivia Night! Reservations recommended for table seating or teams over 3 people, but walk-ins are welcomed at the bar. $5 per person to play. Call 631-581-5678 to make a phone reservation.

5:00PM-9:00PM

ST. JAMES SUMMER NIGHTS

Brought to you by the Community Association of Greater St. James. The annual nighttime street fair, with live band, vendors, and food trucks at St. James Elementary School. For more information please call 516-220-8217.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

6:00PM-11:00PM

FEAST OF SAINT PIUS X

Held from August 17th to August 20th. Sunday open from 4PM10PM. Located at 270 Washington Avenue in Plainview. There will be nightly entertainment, rides and games, beer and wine bar, pastry bar and more! Pay one price for all rides, available every night. For more information contact St. Pius X at 516-938-3956.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

1:30PM-7:30PM

BLOOD DRIVE

Save a life this summer by donating blood at the Freeport Memorial Library. Each person who donates will receive a voucher for two Mets tickets. Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16-year-olds require parental permission). Those 76 and over

require a doctor’s note. Walk-ins welcome. Visit www.nycb.org for information.

5:35PM

DUCK BASEBALL & COOLING

TOWEL GIVEAWAY

Kick off the weekend with an exciting night of LI Ducks Baseball! The Ducks take on game one of a three game series. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Fairfi eld Properties Ballpark box offi ce, calling 631-940-TIXX or online at www.liducks.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

10:00AM-5:00PM

KIDS FUN FEST

Visit the John J. Byrne Community Center in Uniondale for a Kids Fun Fest. Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Bouncy House, Giveaways and more. Sign up today as space is limited. This is an outdoor event. For more information please call 516-288-5138.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

12:00PM

CINEMA FOR KIDS: THE IRON GIANT

Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre will be hosting a selection of special events that include screenings of beloved family movies, and cult classics. Visit cinemaartscentre.org for more information.

3:00PM-6:00PM

LOBSTER & CHICKEN BBQ

Riverhead Elks Lodge is having their annual Lobster & Chicken BBQ. Serving begins at 4 pm. Music by DJ Stephanie, raffl es and

50/50. Only 200 tickets available! For more information please call 631-727-2027.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

2:00PM-3:00PM

ARTS FIM FESTIVAL

Join the Freeport Memorial Library for an entertaining and educational Watch Party featuring various topics in the arts on the medici. tv database. Patrons can also view the documentary at home during the event. For more information visit freeportlibrary.info.

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING

The next meeting of the Republic Airport Commission will be held at 7150 Republic Airport, Rm 201, Farmingdale. For more information call 631-752-7707 x6109 or email info@republicairport.net.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

10:00AM-3:00PM

$5 FOR ALL THAT FITS

Union United Methodist Church in East Northport is hosting a Clearance Treasures to go event. They are clearing out their shop and invite everyone to fi ll up their bags for $5. Some specialty items will be individually priced. For more information please call 631-261-1303.

6:30PM

TALENT SHOW

Grace United Methodist Church in Lindenhurst will be hosting a Talent Show at 515 S. Wellwood Avenue. A free-will offering will be taken. For more information please call 631-226-8690.

The Federation of Organizations for the New York State Mentally Disabled, a multi-service, community-based social wellness agency based in West Babylon, has been awarded $660,000 towards further establishing its comprehensive outpatient treatment programs for those suffering from addiction, Senator Monica R. Martinez announced. The award stems from the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund and is part of a $5.8 million distribution to similar programs throughout New York State.

Programs receiving this funding will offer both an outpatient treatment program and an opioid treatment program at the same location to facilitate broad, people-centered services - particularly for opioid use disorder.

“Integrating treatments and centralizing these programs makes them

more easily accessible and increases their success rate,” said Senator Monica R. Martinez of the award. “Long Island continues to be in the midst of a severe opioid crisis,” she added. “We need programs like this that guide those suffering from substance use disorders toward their road to recovery.”

Incorporated as a non-profit in 1972, the Federation of Organizations has since grown into a major health and human services agency providing a wide range of health and wellness services, senior and children’s services, housing, and support services for thousands of vulnerable community members on Long Island and New York City. Its Suffolk County community centers and clinics are located in Patchogue, Copiague, Medford, and Wyandanch.

United Way Of Long Island Stuff-A-Bus Program

The United Way of Long Island has kicked off its annual Stuff-ABus program. Now in its 15th year and in partnership with Suffolk Transportation Service Inc., their goal is to help young students succeed by providing school supplies to thousands of students across Long Island.

Requested items include:

Backpacks, Lunch Boxes

Pocket Folders, Notebooks (Marble Composition), Index Cards

Washable Markers, Highlighters, Crayons, Colored Pencils Pencils, Pens, Erasers,

Pencil Cases (Holders) Glue/Glue Sticks Rulers, Scissors Sticky Notes, Hand Wipes

To donate supplies visit Amazon wish list, or www. unitedwayli.org/stuffabus. To participate contact Donna at 631.940.3734 or Donna@unitedwayli.org.

School items collected by individuals or companies can be delivered by August 18 to: United Way of Long Island, 819 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park (Next to Tangier Outlets Deer Park). Drop-Off I-lours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm

Catholic Health Opens Ambulatory & Urgent Care at Centereach

Catholic Health has announced the opening of Catholic Health Ambulatory & Urgent Care at Centereach, bringing exceptional outpatient care services to the middle of Suffolk County. Located at 2112 Middle Country Road in Centereach, the newly constructed 63,000 square foot multispecialty care center will feature a number of primary and specialty care services, as well as a walk-in urgent care for patients with more immediate care needs.

The new center is part of Catholic Health’s growing network of multispecialty care centers, complete with diagnostic imaging, an on-site pharmacy, and a dedicated suite where Catholic Health’s gastroenterologists can perform endoscopy procedures in a safe, comfortable and convenient environment outside the hospital setting.

“Today marks an

important day not only for Catholic Health but also for the residents in and near Centereach, who now have access to exceptional primary care, urgent care, and specialized care across a wide variety of medical specialties,” said Catholic Health President & CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA. “We’ve launched a number of Ambulatory Care sites across Long Island, however, today we open our largest and most expansive. This state-ofthe-art facility reflects our continuing commitment to placing more health care services outside of the hospital setting, serving our communities with highly accessible, communitybased sites where patients can get the care they need, when they need it, as conveniently as possible.”

The new facility is part of a $17 million development project that further strengthens

Catholic Health’s goal of making quality health care more convenient for Long Islanders and to support many of the unmet health care needs of the community. Designed and constructed from the ground up, 43,000 square-feet of space will immediately be used for primary and specialty care services, eventually building out an additional 20,000 square-feet for future health care services.

In addition to the center in Centereach, and consistent with their expansion plans in Suffolk County, Catholic Health plans to launch another ambulatory care site further east in Riverhead in the months ahead.

“We are delighted to celebrate this incredible transformation of a former retail site into a state-ofthe-art multispecialty ambulatory and urgent care center for Catholic Health,” said Joseph Simone, President of Simone

Development Companies. “It was a true collaboration between our teams to be able to deliver this firstrate facility in just one year from start of construction. Numerous planning approvals were required and we thank the Town of Brookhaven and Suffolk County for their support and

cooperation throughout the process.”

Additionally, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “I am happy to welcome Catholic Health Ambulatory & Urgent Care to the new Centereach location. As their largest facility, they can offer a wide variety of health services to

the residents of Brookhaven Town. This is a great example of how redevelopment of a former retail property is a much better alternative to new development and it makes healthcare more easily accessible for our residents while creating jobs for local healthcare workers.”

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - The ribbon cutting ceremony featured members of Catholic Health leadership, elected officials and community leaders and Simone Healthcare Development, owner and developer of the facility.

Shed the Meds Event

SHED THE MEDS EVENT - NYS Senator Dean Murray is proud to announce that his recently held, “Shed the Meds” event, was a big success. Senator Murray held the event at the Sachem Public Library, in coordination with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The free event allowed the public to, safely and properly, dispose of unused and/or expired prescription drugs and over the counter medications. Disposing of the medications in this manner protects our communities by preventing the drugs from getting into the wrong hands and protects the environment by preventing people from throwing the medication in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet. This event resulted in the collection of six large boxes of medications. Thank you to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Sachem Public Library officials and to those individuals who safely and smartly disposed of their medications. Senator Murray’s next “Shed the Meds” event will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Middle Country Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden, NY 11784. Pictured L to R – Alexandra Mercado, Sachem Public Library, Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff Shannon Smith, NYS Senator Dean Murray and Samantha Graviano, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

GUTTERS

276

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

www.connetquotlibrary.org ***

The Big 5 Theory of Personality, Wednesday, August 16, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Psychology professor ShamSher Tariq will discuss the theory that describes the traits of extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism and how they impact other aspects of our personalities. No registration required.

The Fire & Ice Show | Ages 3 years - entering Grade 5, Saturday, August 19, 11:00 - 11:45 am Families, get ready for some sizzling excitement! Join us for SAFE and scientific fun with fire and ice! Witness and learn about the amazing properties of fire. Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice! Check out the “Big Burp,” the “Screwdriver Sizzle,” and the famous “Mad Science Shower,” as we will explore the science behind this amazing frozen gas. Limit of 200, 4 seats per family. Library members may register by visiting our website at www.

Connetquot Public Library

connetquotlibrary.org.

Vinyl Listening Club, Saturday, August 19, 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Drop in to hear an eclectic mix of music ranging from jazz, blues, country, classical, rock, 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.

Apple iOS Q & A, Tuesday, August 22, 10:00 – 11:00am

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.

Ancient Wisdom, Tuesday, August 22, 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 can guide you in everyday life. No registration required.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON: Plundered: The History of the Art Looted & Lost

During WWII Tuesday, August 22, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Join art historian Jay Schuck as he surveys the artwork stolen and lost during World War II. Examine the reasons why these works were targeted, the efforts taken to recover them, and the impact it has had on the art world today. 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:

Over the Rainbow: The Hollywood Career of Judy Garland Thursday, August 24, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

While Judy Garland was among the greatest live entertainers in show biz history, and one of the top recording artists of her time, it’s her appearances in front of the camera that remain her lasting legacy. This talk, facilitated by Fordham University professor emeritus Brian Rose, will examine her remarkable Hollywood 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.

Fall Into Monarchs, Monday, August 28, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Monarch butterflies are among the most recognizable insects in America, with an astounding autumn migration seen throughout Long Island, lasting thousands of miles. Although an iconic species, a series of man-made problems are causing an ongoing and serious population decline. Join biologist Dr. Coby Klein to find out about the monarch’s life cycle, what they do for us, and what we can do for them. No registration required.

Unsung Heroes: Women of WWII Wednesday, August 30, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

World War II was a time with no shortage of heroic women both on and off the battlefield. Explore the stories of several of these women: spy Virginia Hall, POW nurse Colonel Ruby Bradley, and more. Howard Rosenberg is the speaker. No registration required.

Sachem Central School District Appoints Principal

The Sachem Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Marie Johnson as the new principal at Sagamore Middle School, effective July 1. The board of education appointed Ms. Johnson at its June 14 meeting. She will be replacing Frank Panasci who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Ms. Johnson is currently an assistant principal at Sachem High School North and has worked in the Sachem Central School District since 2006. She started as a mathematics teacher at Samoset Middle School and since then, has served in a number of administrative roles.

Most recently as High School North assistant principal, Ms. Johnson provided oversight of several departments, initiated a districtwide team to incorporate New York State science standards into the curriculum and led professional development opportunities. She is also an accountability coach in the district, assisting administrators and teachers implement effective instructional strategies.

Ms. Johnson’s leadership experience in Sachem also includes a period as the assistant principal of Sagamore Middle School, Principal of Grundy

Elementary School, cofacilitator of the math curriculum council and summer program supervisor. She holds several New York State certifications including one in School Building and School District Leadership.

“Ms. Johnson has been a member of the Sachem family for more than 15 years and I am excited to see her step into this new role,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Pellettieri said. “I am confident her experience will benefit our students, staff and Sachem families.”

Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

LISA MARIE JOHNSON