October 26, 2022 - November 8, 2022 Suffolk Zone 4

Second Step Program

Forges Student Bonds

The South Country Central School District inaugurated a new social and emotional learning program, Second Step, that aims to create lasting bonds between Bellport High School studentathletes and third graders in the district’s elementary schools.

The program kicked off at Kreamer Street Elementary School on Sept. 23, where 19 Bellport High School football players and girls varsity soccer team members visited third graders for a full day of bonding and learning. Serving

as role models, athletes shadowed the third graders and supported them in all aspects of their day, from lessons to assisting with academics and accompanying them to lunch.

Prior to the visit, all the student-athletes were trained in social and emotional learning techniques.

“Building relationships and supporting socialemotional learning is so important in the development of young students, and we felt we can help support both with this initiative,” said restorative

practices facilitator Kai Watkins, who spearheaded the program along with Patrick Hayes, athletic director. He added, “The younger students look up to the seniors and the senior athletes, and the positive messages they send to the third graders will hopefully leave a lasting impact.”

The program will continue during the winter and spring sports seasons when athletes will take turns visiting third graders at Brookhaven and Verne W. Critz elementary schools.

Connetquot Public Library

760 Ocean Avenue Bohemia, NY 11716, 631-567-5079 www.connetquotlibrary.org

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A Book on Every Bed Connetquot Public Library will continue the holiday book tradition A Book on Every Bed. Help bring the gift of literacy to boys and girls in our community. We will be collecting new or gently-used children’s books from Tuesday, November 1 through Friday, December 2. These books will be donated to The Children’s Community Head Start & Early Head Start in Ronkonkoma and St. John Nepomucene Parish Outreach in Bohemia. They will present your donations to children in need. There will be baskets at the Circulation Desk, Children & Family Services Desk, and Adult Services Desk for your generous donations.

VIRTUAL: Case Studies in Genealogy, Wednesday, November 2, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

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

VIRTUAL: Local Eats: Eggplant, Thursday, November 3, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Learn how to grow eggplant and about its nutritional benefits. This program will include tips on how to select, store, and prepare eggplants to make tasty meals, snacks, and even dessert! Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON: Decked Out In the City: Deco Era Building and NY Glamour, Thursday, November 3, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

drop off puzzles of your own to donate (no missing pieces please!). No registration required.

VIRTUAL: Preventing Elder Fraud & Identity Theft, Monday, November 7, 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Many people are unaware of scammers’ tactics and are unprepared to fend off their attacks. People often blame the internet and the technology for identity theft, but there are other avenues for them to get to you. Join SeniorNet’s free webinar to learn how to recognize scammers and effectively counter them. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

SECOND STEP PROGRAM FORGES STUDENT BONDS - The South Country Central School District inaugurated a new social and emotional learning program, Second Step, that aims to create lasting bonds between Bellport High School studentathletes and third graders in the district’s elementary schools. Photo courtesy of the South Country Central School District

Several case studies covering different time periods and various types of genealogical research problems will be presented. Each problem will be resolved using different approaches and a variety of sources. Case studies will demonstrate how to use various types of genealogical records together to establish evidence and meet the Genealogical Proof Standard. Library

Step off the sidewalk and back in time to the glamorous twenties. Explore the backdrop of that romantic and high-living era by joining Deborah Zelcer to view magnificent period lobbies in buildings including 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Fred F. French Building, the Chanin Building, and the iconic Chrysler and Empire State buildings. 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.

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap Saturday, November 5, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Take home puzzles from the library’s collection or

Apple iOS Q&A Tuesday, November 8, 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.

Long Island Cares Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise

Wednesday, November 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

2022 Community Expo Was A Huge Success

On Wednesday, October 19th, the BayportBlue Point Chamber of Commerce held their 13th Community Expo at Bayport Flower Houses, located at 940 Montauk Highway in Bayport. The event ran from 4pm-8pm and was a huge success, as it provided local businesses, nonprofits and civic organizations the opportunity to showcase their products and services in a creative and attractive way for countless community members to engage with.

In addition to the vendors, there was local food trucks, free kids activities (including Erik’s Reptile Edventures), live entertainment, raffles and giveaways. Plus, if you were in attendance you couldn’t miss the appearance of Quacker Jack, the famous Long Island Ducks Mascot!

“I was raised in Blue Point and am an active member of the Chamber of Commerce,” said Bryn Elliott, Membership Chairperson at the BBP

Chamber of Commerce and Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “Many of us have the routine of eating at our few favorite restaurants and frequenting the same stores, but you truly get to see all that our community has to offer when you attend this Expo. These towns are so special to me and there is so much to get involved with locally.

Seeing my community come together and having businesses back to normal is great. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this event and see so many familiar faces.”

The Community Expo is held every other year, which made this year’s event extra special since its 2020 plans had to be canceled due to the pandemic. Seth Needelman, the Expo Chairperson at the BBP Chamber of Commerce, as well as the owner of The Fish Store, located at 836 Montauk Highway in Bayport, works tirelessly to make this event unforgettable. “I’ve been

involved in planning the Community Expo for well over 20 years,” said Seth.

“The Fish Store was happy to have a table at the event, we were glad to give our gift certificates, samples and more, however my main goal for each and every event is to bring our entire community together in one location, and to have something for everyone. Parents, children, local organizations and businesses will all enjoy attending the Community Expo and that’s what makes it such a great event each time.”

A huge thank you to Karl and Amy Auwaerter, owners of Bayport Flower Houses, for generously hosting the event; it couldn’t have been done without you. If you would like more information on the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce, including membership information, please visit www.bayportbluepoint. com or contact Bryn Elliott at 631.332.8899.

Pictured Above: Bryn Elliott, Silvana Lewis and Norm Marcioch hosting the Douglas Elliman table at the 2022 Community Expo.

Carly Gayer Named Bayport-Blue Point Teacher Of The Year

Art teacher Carly Gayer was named Bayport-Blue Point School District Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year.

Ms. Gayer has taught K-5 students at both Blue Point and Sylvan Avenue elementary schools since 2001 and will add universal pre-kindergarten students to her weekly instruction schedule during the 20222023 school year. Prior to working in the district, Ms. Gayer was employed as an art teacher at a middle school in Oswego, New York and at a BOCES school in Sullivan County where she taught students 4-21 years of age with special needs.

Ms. Gayer explained that although part of art instruction is about having a fun experience, it is equally important that students be provided an environment that cultivates respect, pride, independence, creativity and organization, and clear expectations so that children can become efficient, contributing and successful members of the artists’ community, the classroom.

“After their artmaking experiences, the treasures and value of the finished masterpieces they walk away with are

BAYPORT-BLUE POINT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

immeasurable, not just as artists, but as humans,” Ms. Gayer said. “They learn to problem-solve, self-reflect, learn from mistakes, talk and collaborate with peers, express themselves and simply just enjoy being creative.”

During Superintendent’s Conference Day on Aug. 29 and during the Sept. 13 board of education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney introduced Ms.

Gayer as Teacher of the Year and read comments written by her colleagues.

Dr. Hearney read, “This exceptional teacher [Gayer] makes the world a more beautiful place not only with her incredible artistry and creativity, but even more so by the kindness, compassion and positivity that exudes from her day in and day out.”

Photos courtesy of the Bayport-Blue Point School District

BAYPORT-BLUE POINT TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Bayport-Blue Point School District 2021-2022 School Teacher of the Year, Carly Gayer center, is pictured with board of education trustee Jessica Pignataro, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney and trustee John Kroog during the Sept. 13 public meeting.

- Prior to speaking to her colleagues on Superintendent’s Conference Day, Bayport-Blue Point 2021 Teacher of the Year Carly Gayer donned a tiara and banner for fun.

South Country Student-Musicians Named To All-State

Four Bellport High School students have been selected to perform in the All-State Festival of the 2022 New York State School Music Association Winter Conference.

The students were selected after receiving perfect scores from state adjudicators on their solo performances at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo Evaluation

Festival. They are among only 565 students selected for the state conference out of over 4,300 auditions. South Country had 17 high school students audition for All-State last spring.

The conference will take place in Rochester from Dec. 1-4. Two days of concert performances will be held at the renowned Eastman Theatre of the Eastman

School of Music.

The South Country School District congratulates the following talented students: Keira Ballan (alto 1, Mixed Chorus), Hannah Carlson (violin, Symphony Orchestra, alternate), MacKenzie Cover (soprano 1, Mixed Chorus, alternate) and Emma Kuegel (violin 2, Symphony Orchestra and oboe, Symphonic Band).

STUDENT-MUSICIANS NAMED TO ALL-STATE - Four Bellport High School students have been named as 2022 NYSSMA All-State musicians. From left, are MacKenzie Cover, Emma Kuegel, Keira Ballan and Hannah Carlson. Photo courtesy of the South Country Central School District

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for October is Helen Keller Services

Helen Keller Services (HKS), a nonprofit organization with locations across Long Island and the nation, works with thousands of individuals

are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Helen Keller Services, located in Port Washington, recently held its 3rd annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event, celebrating The US Department of Labor’s theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation”, recognizing the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive.

“Accessibility to job opportunities affects everyone and should be integral to hiring practices, and not just an afterthought,” said Joseph Melillo, National Business & Employment Relations Specialist at Helen Keller Services. “With equal access, people who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind can unlock their inner ability.”

Highlights of the event included a keynote address from Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)/ National Employment Team (NET), and experts who spoke about disability inclusion, use of technology and the talents of the DeafBlind community in the workplace.

“The DeafBlind community is just like the rest of us; they simply communicate differently. And like the rest of us, they have unique gifts and talents to share that can

Breast Cancer Hotline Volunteers Sought

make our world a more diverse and vibrant place to work and live,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services.

Every year, Helen Keller Services spotlights companies that work with the DeafBlind community at its Access-Ability Awards, held in June.

“We recognize leaders who have made it their business to take action and advance accessibility within their companies or organizations and for the people they serve,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “We continue to make progress towards greater accessibility and inclusivity for and among the communities we work with, but there is still a great deal more of work to be done.”

If you would like to get involved with this organization, there are various opportunities to do so! HKS is actively hiring for multiple positions and they’re also accepting new volunteers. Your HKS experience, whether through a paid or volunteer position, will no doubt be rewarding on a personal level. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with blind or DeafBlind individuals, helping to enhance their quality of life and to expand their social circles. Additionally, you can donate to HKS anytime on their website.

To learn more about Helen Keller Services, including their employment, volunteer and donation opportunities, please visit their website, www.helenkeller.org.

Breast cancer survivors can help others coping with breast cancer by becoming volunteers with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. The four-day training program will take place on consecutive Tuesdays in November (November 1, 8, 15 and 22) from 10 am to 1 pm on zoom. Attendance at all four sessions is necessary.

This in-depth training includes presentations by nurse navigators and social workers on basic breast cancer education, active listening skills, and tips on engaging the community.

Those who complete the training will have opportunities to provide support and guidance on the hotline; attend community outreach events to support underserved communities;

deliver educational presentations and speaking engagements; assist with local and national press and media; and help with fundraising efforts.

To arrange an interview, contact Nina Foley, Hotline and Volunteer Coordinator, at 516-877-4315; nfoley@ adelphi.edu.

To reach the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline, call 800-8778077. You are not alone.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

The Bayport-Blue Point School District is pleased to announce that Ryan M. and Erin M. have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Bayport-Blue Point High School Class of 2023. The surprise announcement was made during the Sept. 13 board of education meeting.

Principal Robert Haas introduced the students to the community, describing both Ryan and Erin as well-rounded students and leaders. He also noted that although both students suffered from sports injuries, they stayed

dedicated to their teams and teammates.

As valedictorian, Ryan acquired a weighted GPA of 103.44, and during his high school career has completed seven Advanced Placement courses, earning a top score of five on six of the courses. Having completed AP Research, Ryan has also earned an AP Capstone diploma. In 2021, he was recognized as an AP Scholar, and this year will be recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

As salutatorian, Erin acquired a weighted GPA of 102.69 and has completed six Advanced Placement

courses, scoring a five on four of them. This year, Erin was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

“Both of these students have excelled in the arts, athletically and as leaders within school,” Mr. Haas said. “However, it is their character and determination that has truly been as inspiration to their peers and anyone who has come in contact with them.”

The district congratulates Ryan and Erin on this outstanding academic achievement.

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

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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”

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Veteran Community Resource Table, Monday, November 14, 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.

SNAP Resource Table Wednesday, November 16, 12:00 - 5:00 pm

Many families can use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP) to assist in stretching their food budget, but are unaware that they qualify. Stop by the resource table or call 631-579-7051 to schedule an appointment with a Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinator to see if you qualify. No registration required.

Oakdale in Newspapers Part II, Wednesday, November 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

In this lecture, we will explore more fascinating old stories about Oakdale that have been recorded in newspapers. During the talk, you will also be given some tips on how to search the newspaper databases

yourself. No registration required.

Afternoon Movie Thursday, November 17, 2:00 - 4:15 pm

Title to be announced. Check our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org or Facebook page to see what movies we will show. No registration required.

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Insurance Tips And Information

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

Review Your Auto Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage this year?

Within the past five years? Unfortunately, most people’s eyes glaze over when offered the chance to review their coverage. “Everything is fine,” they instinctively say, stalwart in their effort to not-be-sold anything. The problem is our lives our dynamic and ever changing. We must alter our coverage to fit our everchanging physiques.

In the consumer focused, internet age, we can choose the coverage we want. Seldom, however, do our needs remain the same from year to year. A la carte coverage is as fickle as our craving for dessert.

KEN MARCUS

Do you want or need Rental Reimbursement? Towing and Labor? Low mileage discount? Did you waive Rental Reimbursement because the family had an extra car? Have you since gotten rid of that

car? Or has a kid matured into a driver of that car? Or might someone have retired and made the need for a car superfluous? Were you a decades long member of AAA or another motor club? Did your leased car come with roadside coverage? Have you cancelled motor club or returned the leased car and NOT added Towing and Labor to your auto policy? Did you take a job working from home or commuting by LIRR? Did you do the opposite? Is your mileage radically different than it was before?

Call your agent and talk about changes in your life. Review your coverage considering how you live.

Long

Halloween Event,

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a 28-day immersive, family friendly Halloween experience that’s set on Long Island’s historic 19th century village at the beloved Old Bethpage Village Restoration. It began on September 30, 2022 and runs through November 6, 2022. Historic Hudson Valley, which develops and produces the event, is a not-for-profit education organization that owns and operates National Historic Landmarks in New York’s Sleepy Hollow region. Proceeds from ticket purchases will support the education and preservation of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Historic Hudson Valley. An immersive, familyfriendly event, set to an original soundtrack and

synchronized lighting, this event includes more than 25 elaborate themed exhibits. New this year is:

• The Long Island Hall of Fame - featuring pumpkin portraits of local Long Island icons Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J and more

• A galloping, animated Headless Horsemanfeaturing an advanced chase scene of the Horseman flying down the hill

• An elaborate Pumpkin Portal - a 32-foot immersive light experience

• The Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s New York Mutuals Baseball Players – a Halloween tribute to this beloved 19th century baseball team

• The Deep Sea Divers – featuring pumpkin deep sea divers, a humpback whale, turtles, a shark and a squid

• Classic Hollywood Monsters – old-school Hollywood icons haunting a house

• And much more!

Other exhibits include the Pumkin Planetarium, and a magnificent Long Island Lighthouse, which pays homage to Long Island’s Montauk Light. The event has limited capacity and all admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket or FLEX anytime ticket. No tickets are sold on site. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17 and are free for children 2 and under.

Photo Credit: Matteo Raccuglia