December 21, 2022 - January 3, 2023 Suffolk Zone 4

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Suffolk County “Hog” Motorcycle Club

Mounts 4th Annual Ride To Bring Holiday Cheer To Families At Ronald McDonald House NY Metro

Approximately 200 members of the Suffolk County “HOG” (Harley Owners Group) made the 40 mile ride from Oakdale, NY to New Hyde Park, NY on their 4th Annual Holiday Motorcycle Ride to bring toys and cheer to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

The ride delivered dozens

of toys that were given out by Santa Claus and raised more than $6,000 for the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House to be located in Suffolk County to serve families there.

The event is the biggest of the year for the Suffolk County HOG group.

“These kids in the

hospital are very sick and their families are under a lot of stress,” said Nicholas Nigro, Organizer of the Annual HOG ride. “They should be able to celebrate for a day. If it brings a smile to their face for one day, that’s all we want to do.”

The event started with a gathering of the riders at the Suffolk County Harley

Davidson, located at 4020 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769. Members packed the toys on a three-wheeled motorcycle “sleigh” and in a group of Jeeps and the convoy of riders departed at approximately 11 a.m.

The group traveled along Sunrise Highway and Ocean Parkway, with a scenic view of the

beach, before turning north toward the Ronald McDonald House, located at 267-07 76th Ave, Queens, NY 11040, arriving at approximately noon.

Riders disembarked and distributed toys to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

“Events like today put smiles on the faces of the

families that stay here and its just so special,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “We will collect enough toys in the last 30 days of the year to last us all of next year. Every time a child comes back to their room there’s something waiting for them.”

Historic Season For Connetquot Soccer

It was an 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 in the playoff and advanced to the Suffolk County Championship. In exciting fashion, the team won the Suffolk County Championship on penalty kicks and advanced to the Long Island Championship, where they defeated Plainview-Old Bethpage 2-0 to advance to the New York State semifinals.

There were also individual high points this season. The team had an abundance of talented players who led the way in adding to the Connetquot

boys soccer record books. Two of these athletes had outstanding seasons and were awarded by opposing coaches for their outstanding play.

Senior Andrew Johnson received third team AllNew York State Honors and All-Region Honors. Andrew is a three-year starting center midfielder who is an absolute star controlling the ball and settling down our midfield. His skill led the counterattack, setting up the team’s offense. His work ethic, speed and ball control were dominant in every game.

Captain and four-year starting center back Aidan Friel received First Team All- New York State Honors, All-Region Honors and the holy grail of awards, All-

American Honors as one of the best amateur soccer players in the United States for 2022.

“He is our captain, our leader, our heart,” said coach John Zambrisski. “Aidan is an intrinsically motivated athlete with a desire to win that goes unmatched and unchallenged. He leaves no excuses behind. He can shut down the other team’s best attack with his speed, skill and physical play and possesses the ability to use his feet to control the ball, starting our possession and attack from the back.”

Congratulations to Aidan and Andrew on these amazing athletic accomplishments.

Connetquot Public Library

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

Afternoon Movies, Thursday, December 22, 2:00pm – 4:15pm

For movie title and additional information, please check our website at www.connetquotlibrary. org, visit our Facebook page, or call the library at 631-567-5079.

Ancient Wisdom, Tuesday, December 27, 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Astrologist Lelonni Campbell draws on ancient philosophies and interprets them for our modern world.

Unsung Heroes: Jewish Women, Wednesday, December 28, 11:00am – 12:30pm Jewish women have paved the way in many fields. Explore the accomplishments of several who have made it into the history books, such as Rose Schneiderman, labor leader and Lillian Wald. Public health pioneer, among others. No registration required.

Vinyl Listening Club, Saturday, December 31, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

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.

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

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

AIDAN FRIEL - Connetquot boys soccer captain and four-year starting center Aidan Friel has garnered the titled of All-American Honors, naming him as one of the best amateur soccer players in the United States. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

ANDREW JOHNSON - Connetquot boys soccer three-year starting center midfielder Andrew Johnson received Third Team All-New York State Honors and All-Region Honors during the 2022 season. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

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

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

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.

Amber Corrigan Graces The Staller Center Stage In Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker

On December 17th19th, Amber Corrigan graced the Staller Center stage (Stony Brook, NY) in Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker. She appeared as a First Soloist in the roles of Snow Queen and Doll. Her elegant lines, exquisite turns, and magnetic stage presence were a delight for all. She illuminated the stage by demonstrating her unparalleled technique, gifting the audience with an exceptional performance. Amber is a Long Island local, but this past year moved to New York City to attend the prestigious Institute for American Musical Theatre a two-year conservatory for serious and talented artists. Additionally, she trains with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in their pre-professional program. Gifted with merit scholarships at both institutions, her name is one to keep an eye out for, as her future shines bright for a career in the arts. Photo Credit: Dimitri Papadakos

Local Artist Finds New Success

Kristen Hadjoglou, a local artist from Eastport, New York, truly offers something different to the marketplace. Her signature personalized hand-made coloring books are what really launched her career as an artist, but she has expanded to offer various other products as well.

“I was born an artist,” said Kristen. “I always knew that growing up. I attended Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting. From there, I worked in multiple industries where I was able to express myself creatively. Life surprisingly led me into obtaining a career as a Financial Advisor, which has been very fulfilling since helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.” However, Hadjoglou never lost her passion for the arts.

As a long-time Eastport resident, she grew attached to many of the local businesses and what made the town so unique. “One day I drew a few pictures on a couple of pages as a gift for our local general store, and it quickly turned into an entire hand-drawn coloring book, which spotlighted the main destinations in the town. What started as a fun project

I worked on in my downtime turned into something that ended up being sold in local businesses and even on Amazon. People love to open up a physical book and see visuals that bring back special memories, and I love being a part of that.”

Since then, Kristen started her own company, Underdog Nation, where she sells her coloring books, stickers, clothing items, journals, puzzles and other fun gifts (such as crayons in the shape of people and stars)! With recent success, she is starting to focus more and more on her career as an artist. The best part is that Kristen can make something for any age group to enjoy.

“I recently finished a project with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, which was a custom coloring book that’s filled with drawings of local businesses. It brought the Chamber Members together in a special way and is being sold around

Patchogue.” Another special project Kristen recently produced is a personalized coloring book that was used by a local fireman’s foundation for fundraising efforts.

“If you dream it, I can probably find a way to make something fun with it,” said Kristen.

“Whether it’s a single page or a full book, everything I draw is by hand in my personal style and reflects how much I care about the project. I’ve been inspired by all things local and historic, and it’s been fun to find a new way to teach kids in our community about local history. Some other projects I’ve worked on came from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I absolutely love what I do, and that means I usually get things done pretty fast! I’m living that dream phrase, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Looks like I’m almost there.”

If you, your business, Chamber of Commerce, town or the like are interested in more information, please contact Kristen today at 631.245.8090 or kkhudn@ gmail.com.

You can also visit her website at www. underdognation.io.

Connetquot Boys Championship Teams Honored

Nov.

Two Bellport HS Seniors Earn Full College Scholarships Through Questbridge

Bellport High School seniors Tatianna Alvarado and Rachel Li have earned full four-year college scholarships through the QuestBridge Match Scholarship Program.

The seniors are two out of 17,900 applicants to earn a QuestBridge scholarship, which connects highachieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full fouryear scholarships to 48 of the nation’s best colleges.

Through the scholarship program, Alvarado will be heading to Tufts University in the fall, while Li will be attending Boston College.

In addition to being academically talented, Alvarado is a member of her school’s National Honor Society, Key Club and Fathom Literary Magazine. She plans to study film in college.

Equally involved in

TWO BELLPORT SENIORS EARN FULL COLLEGE

SCHOLARSHIPS

- Bellport High School seniors Tatianna Alvarado and Rachel Li will be attending Tufts University and Boston College, respectively, on full fouryear scholarships awarded through the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program. Photo courtesy of the South Country Central School District

school, Li is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Fathom Literary Magazine and plays viola in the school’s chamber and pit orchestras. She plans to

study economics in the fall.

The South Country Central School District congratulates both seniors on this outstanding academic accomplishment.

CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM - (Center-l-r) Suffolk County Legislators Anthony Piccirillo and Trish Bergin honored the Connetquot High School boys volleyball team for garnering the Suffolk County Championship title and are pictured with, left, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Peter Melore. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

The Connetquot Central School District would like to thank Suffolk County Legislators Trish Bergin

and Anthony Piccirillo for honoring the boys volleyball and boys soccer championship teams on

22. The boys fall athletic program ended on a high note with the boys

volleyball team garnering the title of Suffolk County Champions. The boys varsity soccer team

took home the Suffolk County and Long Island Championship titles. This is the first county

championship for either sports team.

CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM - The Connetquot High School boys soccer team was honored by, left, Suffolk County Legislators Anthony Piccirillo and, right, Trish Bergin and are pictured with, left, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Peter Melore and, right, coach John Zambriski. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

Senior Football Players Thank Inspiring Staff

Appreciation was in the air as 18 Bellport High School senior football players paid tribute to the staff members who made a major impact on them during their time in the South Country School District.

Each player penned and hand-delivered a special note of thanks to one staff member of their choosing. They also lent them their game jersey to display or wear.

(Photo right) - Bellport High School senior football players recently thanked special staff members who positively impacted their educational journeys. Pictured is senior Kyle Brown and Camilla Ciervo of Frank P. Long Middle School. Photo courtesy of the South Country Central School District

S’MORES

Victor Montanez III Joins The Village Board As A Trustee

During its October 4 board meeting, the Village of Islandia announced that Victor Montanez III has joined the Village Board as its new Trustee. He replaces Barbara Lacey, who is relocating elsewhere.

A 49-year Village resident, Mr. Montanez has been employed as an Information Technology (IT) specialist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook for the past 17 years. He also owns his own IT firm, Gemini Total Solutions, based in Islandia. Prior to this, he was a Business Manager and Director for Phibro Animal Health in Fort Lee, New Jersey. His duties included serving as

III

an assistant to the Chief Information Officer and handling domestic and international business matters.

Mr. Montanez is a graduate of Suffolk County

Community College in Selden, New York, where he earned his Associate of Arts and Science degree in Business. He is currently enrolled at SUNY-Stony Brook as a Business major. His father, Victor Montanez, Jr., is a member of the Francis S. Midura Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12144. In September, the younger Victor Montanez served as a Guardian for his father during the Honor Flight, in which war veterans are escorted during visits to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr. Montanez is married and has two daughters.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Sweet and bouncy. Loves attention and getting lots of pets.

LILY & HERMAN

8 year old Lhaso Apso and 5 year old Yorkie mix. Bonded pair. The best of friends.

10 year old female.

Pomeranian. Sweet girl with an open personality.

OREO 2 year old male. MinPin. Clever, spirited, and a bit comedic. Loyal and devoted.

RAMON 9 year old male. Pomeranian. Confident. Extroverted and inquisitive.

VICTOR MONTANEZ

THE NEW VILLAGE TRUSTEE - Joe Prokop (right), Village Attorney, Village of Islandia, swears in Victor Montanez III (left) as the new Village Trustee during the village’s board meeting.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for December is EAC Network

EAC Network is a non-profit organization that empowers, assists and cares for individuals in need. Their objective is to reach individuals within our community through innovative programs that improve quality of life. They have five service areas:

It’s the holiday season; a time to be jolly. A time particularly for children to be happy. On Wednesday, December 14th, EAC Network stepped up to support children in need on Long Island who otherwise would not have the possibility to celebrate this Holiday season like every child deserves to by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at Walmart in Farmingdale.

More than a hundred children and young adults, from 4 to 19 years old, were able to get a $100 gift card to spend on gifts of their choice. The event was organized in collaboration with Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) who donated $10,000 and Summit Health-CityMD, who donated $5,000.

Malik and Adrian, both 14 years old, were so grateful to be part of the shopping spree. With sparkles in their eyes as they explored the isles at Walmart and admired the different items on the shelves, their first stop was at the electronic game area, where they eagerly looked at different options available. The feeling of gratitude for the possibility to acquire a game or two, along with other items, was palpable.

Volunteers from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Summit HealthCityMD spent the afternoon with each child to assist them as they purchased gifts.

After picking up a game, with excitement and humility Malik said, “I now have only one item in my cart, but I have what I was looking for and it feels good. It feels great.”

Sadly, the number of children in foster care is rising throughout the United States. These children are at a much higher risk of incarceration, teenage

pregnancy, substance abuse, lack of self-esteem and of ending up on public assistance. However, EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program works to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children and youth in foster care by providing positive outlooks and enrichment opportunities through oneon-one mentoring as well as life skills workshops and activities, with the goal of assisting, caring and empowering children to take control of their lives.

If you are in need and believe you can benefit from any of EAC Network’s offerings, please contact Robert Stricoff, Chief Development Officer at EAC Network at Robert.Stricoff@eacnetwork.org or 631.433.1662.

EAC Staff & BCFU Volunteers at the Holiday Shopping Spree

Sign-In Station at the Holiday Shopping Spree

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

Connetquot Public Library: Community and Connection

As we begin a season of togetherness and celebration, a spirit of nostalgia and anticipation ushers in the close of one year and the beginning of another. During this time, we seek hope and renewal, reminiscing of times past while journeying forward.

Connetquot Public Library is a place to revisit our history and prepare for our future, a place anchored in familiarity and wonder. Generations coming

Connetquot Public Library

together in one space, “your space to read, grow, learn, work, make, and connect.” In this season of possibilities, we strive to be service to one another, uplift our community, come together, and change our world.

Our ever-expanding catalog of family programs fosters education, entertainment, and enlightenment. Family engagement helps to fortify relationships and nurture children’s development through creativity and imagination. Families connecting with other families, connecting to library and community resources, and learning through enjoyment establishes a foundation

for our youngest members. From infant to toddler, school age to teen, parent to grandparent, and all who help our library grow, we are thankful. Please join us this winter for playdates, green screens, crafts, movies, bingo, and the beginning of lifelong friendships.

The journey continues with teen community service as it supports character-building and the acquisition of innovative skills to inspire and galvanize the future. It cultivates both local and global connections and the significance of their role in improving our community. Technological advances also change our world and our library as well.

On Monday, November 7, teens took part in a firstof-its-kind program for the library, Build a 3D-Printed Prosthetic Hand. Working in groups of three, teens helped to assemble 3D-printed prosthetic hands. The completed prosthetics will be donated to the non-profit organization e-Nable, “an online global community of ‘Digital Humanitarian’ volunteers,” making upper limb devices with 3D printers for those in need.

The bustle of the season continues in our library as our winter newsletter provides a host of activities for members of all ages. From innovative arts and crafts to engaging lectures, Sunday concerts and

cooking demonstrations, fitness and family history, professional development and parenting, discussion groups, and technology, your library offers all that and more. We bring community resources to you, including HIICAP, Suffolk County Senior Advocate, Veterans Community Resource Table, and Long Island Cares Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise. Health and Wellness classes, with some being held in-person and others virtually to help nourish your mind and body. Stop in for a quiet place to read, enjoy a game or two with friends, check out a museum pass or an item from our Library of Things

collection.

Throughout the year, our entire staff, from our Administrative, Adult Services, Children and Family Services, Learning Commons, Technical, and Maintenance personnel, work diligently to enhance your library experience. We thank you for your enduring support and welcome you from the first day we opened our doors to all the days ahead. We wish you peace and tranquility this holiday season, the warmth of family and friends, and a year filled with new aspirations, endless possibilities, and lifelong connections. We hope these connections sustain you through all the seasons of your life.

72 Inducted Into National Honor Society

Seventy-two Bellport High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society during a candlelighting ceremony on Nov. 9.

To be eligible for membership, the students were required to maintain a GPA of 90 or better; meet the standards of leadership, service, citizenship and

character; and complete six hours of community service.

The South Country School District extends its congratulations to the following inductees:

Cooper Alberto, Alexa Allan, Nicole Alvarado, Parker Antos, Brynne Ballan, Beberley BalvucaCordova, Destiny Brooks,

Dylan Carozza, Brandon Ceballos, Christopher Chaves, Nolan Comerford, Anthony Costanza, Seananthony Crooms, Wendy Delcidperez, Maya Dixit, Robert Dostaler, Erin Dupaya, Abiagil Dvorsky, Kely Encalada, Kenya Escobar, Madeline Fox, Anthony Frabizio, Logan Garafano,

Camryn Giron, Sean Glynn, Malena Gomez, Caroline Graham, Aubrey Grosso, Aljon Guillermo, Sha’Niyia Hollman, Connor Horak, Olivia Jones, Melina Kasten, Lexie Kollar, Marissa LaSorsa, Danika Leidig, Alexandria Lewkowski, Daniel Lewkowski, Jannat Majid, Ella Masem,

Catherine Masem, Ryan Mattfeld, Sarah Meininger, Emily Melgar, Derek Minden, Yonathan Moreno, Stella Morroun, Thalia Mowdy, Samantha Murphy, Macy Neider, Cody Pabst, Tahir Palmer, Rileigh Picken, Natalie Ponter, Brenna Porter, Stephanie Rodas, Trevor Rodecker, Sophia Ross, Dillon Saliba,

Kaitlyn Schuessler, Lila Schultz, Lily Seif, Ryan Seubert, Keshavi Shah, Adam Steininger, Carly Stepnowski, Francesco Traina, Joshua Uhlmann, Matthew Webster, Kathryn Angela Wood, Amanda Wynnyckyj and Rehan Zahir.

BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

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

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

THE power of

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

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Bellport Athletes Freezing For A Reason!

Thirty-one members of the Bellport High School Athletes Helping Others club raised more than $2,500 for Special

Olympics by participating in a “Freezing for a Reason” polar plunge at Cedar Beach on Nov. 19. The Special Olympics

organization raises money to fund athletes who want to participate in the Special Olympics and provides them with training to

prepare.

This is the 12th year that Bellport’s Athletes Helping Others has taken part in the fundraiser.

Throughout the years, the club has raised more than $12,000 toward the Special Olympics organization.

The Athletes Helping

Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276

Others club also sponsored two families by donating full Thanksgiving dinners.

of an

FREEZING FOR A REASON! - Bellport High School athletes braved the cold and raised funds for the Special Olympics as part

annual polar plunge. Photo courtesy of the South Country School District