January 18, 2023 - January 31, 2023 Suffolk Zone 5

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Prior to an alumni ceremony held prior to a recent league wrestling meet at Connetquot High School in December, the

Connetquot Honors Peter Venier

community, studentathletes, coaches, faculty and more than 60 former wrestlers honored Bohemia resident Peter Venier.

For 40 years, Mr. Venier photographed studentathletes and donated prints of his work to students and their families.

Mr. Venier is a member of the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame and was then elected to the National Wrestling Hall of

Fame. He also garnered the National Wrestling Photographer of the Year Award and was a recipient

of the Grand Master Award by the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association.

CONNETQUOT HONORS PETER VENIERConnetquot Central School District wrestling alumnus Peter Venier was recently honored by the district prior to a December league game.

PETER VENIER - Peter Venier, center, was awarded a plaque for his four decades

Connetquot Central School District’s student-athletes

pictured with fellow alumni, studentathletes

coaches. Photos courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

Furry Friends Support

One of the tenets of the National Junior Honor Society is to give back to the community, as was the intention of OakdaleBohemia Middle School’s

recent collection of dog and cat food, pet toys, treats, leashes, collars and paper towels for the Francesca’s Furry Fundraiser for the Kent Animal Shelter

in Calverton. Because of the National Junior Honor Society’s generous donations, their furry friends will be provided much-needed essentials.

FURRY FRIENDS SUPPORT - From left, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School National Junior Honor Society officers Zoe Lasko, Braelyn Webber, Natalie Insinga and Hazel Gobetz are pictured with donations for the Kent Animal Shelter. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

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

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Keys to Holistic Health and Wellness, Wednesday, January 18, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, autoimmune diseases, and cancers are on the rise. Many diet and lifestyle practices are promoted as being healthy and reducing the risks of chronic disease, but some of this information is confusing and contradictory. Join us to cut through the confusion, learn some easy holistic practices and strategies, and take charge of your health and wellness. Please note that this lecture is for educational purposes

Connetquot Public Library

only and is not intended to replace medical care. Specific medical diagnoses or health issues cannot be discussed. Certified personal holistic health and wellness coach Kristine Henderson is the speaker.

VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON: Through the Golden Door: Immigration

After the Civil War, Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 - 8:30 pm America’s doors were open to all before the Civil War, with few restrictions. Afterwards, the laws began tightening, with exclusions, quotas, even required visas. How did the immigration laws affect your ancestors who immigrated after the Civil War? What hoops did they have to jump through to enter America’s “golden door”—and what records might we find as a result? Judy G. Russell,

a genealogist and lawyer, will be the presenter. 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: Local Eats: Potatoes, Thursday, January 19, 3:30 - 4:30 pm Join us as we discuss the endless ways to prepare potatoes. You will learn how easy it is to grow your own potatoes, along with important tips on storing/ freezing them. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Sound Healing, Thursday, January 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Relax your body and receive

Robotics Team Participates In VEX Spin Up Robotics Competition

The Centereach High School’s robotics team, the “CouGears”, recently traveled to Vaughn College in Queens, New York for a VEX Spin Up robotics competition.

“We are so proud of our CouGears. They showed great ability and determination,” said

Thomas Bell, Principal of Centereach High School. “We look forward to seeing the teams competing in more regional competitions this winter. Good luck, CouGears!”

The robotics team competed against 31 other school districts and ranked fourth place for

qualifying matches with a 5-1 record. They moved on to compete in the elimination rounds and made it to the semifinals. The team showed great skill in other driver and programming challenges, earning them an invitation to the VEX New York State Championship in March.

the soothing sounds of crystals, gongs, and other sacred instruments. Sound healing is an ancient technique that uses tonal frequencies to bring the body into a state of vibrational harmony and balance. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Preschool Fair, Saturday, January 21, 10:00am –11:30am

Do you have a young child who will be attending

preschool soon? Come and learn about preschools in the area. Representatives will be available to answer questions and share information about their philosophies and curriculum. No registration required. For additional information, please call the library at 631-567-5079 or visit our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

VIRTUAL: Older Wiser Driver, Tuesday, January 24, 3:00 - 4:00 pm Learn safe driving strategies to compensate for vision,

cognitive, and physical changes that come with aging. This class will be presented by a representative from AAA Northeast. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Boat Building and Boat Yards of Long Island: A Tribute to Tradition Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Author, folklorist, and Long Island Traditions’

New Book Room Unveiled

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

VEX SPIN UP ROBOTICS COMPETITION - Centereach High School’s CouGears robotics team at the Vex Spin Up robotics competition at Vaughn College. Photo courtesy of the Middle 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

LIPA Announces New Community College Scholarship

Officials from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) joined with representatives from Nassau Community College and Suffolk County Community College to announce a new community college scholarship program.

The LIPA Scholarship is designed to provide education and training for students from households with incomes below the median income of Long Island and the Rockaways (approximately $100,000 for a family of four) living in historically underserved communities.

The LIPA Scholarship is a $350,000 commitment over the next five years to provide 50 full scholarships for students to attend either Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College to obtain an associate degree or certificate that will help them pursue a career in the electric utility or clean energy sectors.

This investment is an effort to ensure that our workforce represents all the communities LIPA serves and that all of our customers can participate in the growing career opportunities available in the electric utility and clean energy industry.

Thomas Falcone, Chief Executive Officer of LIPA, said: “Electricity is the clean fuel of the future. Studies predict electricity will provide more than 70 percent of New York’s energy needs by 2050 and that it will be entirely carbon-free. With this growing industry, LIPA’s commitment to fund 50 scholarships at Nassau and Suffolk Community College over the next five years will ensure that our workforce represents all the communities LIPA serves and that all our customers can participate in the fabulous and growing career opportunities available in the electric sector.”

Dr. Maria Conzatti,

Interim President of Nassau Community College, said: “Together with LIPA, Nassau Community College is pleased to meet the workforce development needs of our business partners and the educational aspirations of the Long Island community.”

Dr. Edward T. Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, said: “The Long Island Power Authority’s generous scholarships will help us recruit and sustain students entering the STEM fields, transforming our workforce and our region’s economy. With this support, LIPA joins the college in bridging our promising students from financial need to the high-need, high-wage disciplines that lead to a rewarding career.”

The curricula offered at Nassau Community College and Suffolk County Community College include courses relevant to the work LIPA does to meet the clean energy goals set by New York’s Climate Act, as well as to fulfill LIPA’s mission of providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy to Long Island and the Rockaways.

The LIPA Scholarship will support income-qualified, graduating high school seniors, allowing them to extend their educational development and enter the utility and clean energy sectors. Participation in the LIPA Scholarship will provide graduates with a competitive edge in applying for employment at LIPA and its contractor, PSEG Long Island, who plan to hire hundreds of entry-level workers over the next five years.

This five-year program will provide annual funding for ten full-time, two-year scholarships for low- to moderateincome students who reside in disadvantaged communities, as identified by New York’s Climate Justice Working Group,

planning to attend Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College. Residents of the following communities served by LIPA are eligible for the LIPA Scholarship:

Nassau County

· Westbury Village, New Cassel, Elmont, Hempstead Village, Uniondale, East Meadow, Valley Stream Village, South Valley Stream, Inwood, Oceanside, Roosevelt, Long Beach City, Glen Cove City, and East Massapequa.

Suffolk County

· Huntington Station, East Farmingdale, Wyandanch, West Babylon, North Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst Village, Brentwood, Islandia Village, Bay Shore, North Bay Shore, Central Islip, Ridge, Patchogue Village, Yaphank, Shirley, Mastic, Calverton, Flanders, Westhampton Beach Village, and Tuckahoe.

Queens County

· The Rockaways.

Awardees of LIPA’s Scholarship will have the opportunity to:

· Obtain a scholarship toward an associate degree or certificate program at either Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College.

· Attend LIPA Workforce Seminars with utility executives and subject matter experts.

· Receive job placement support for available positions at LIPA, PSEG Long Island, and other LIPA contractors and suppliers.

The first recipients of the scholarship are expected to be announced in 2023. To learn more about the program, please visit www. lipower.org.

The announcement was held on November 8, 2022 at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center in Wantagh, an educational facility that LIPA maintains in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Insurance Tips And Information

Review Your Home 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 are dynamic and ever-changing. We must alter our coverage to fit our ever-changing 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. We often need a professional to guide us to purchase what we want, whether we know what we want or not.

Have building codes changed since you purchased your home? Did you ask about Code Coverage? Do you know what Code Coverage provides? Is your personal property insured against loss or theft? How about if it’s away from home? What happens if you list your house on Air BNB? Or rent a room or floor to a tenant? Are you covered for their lost possessions? Are you covered if you are sued by them?

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

Bird Walk At Hempstead Lake State Park

Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk at Hempstead Lake State Park on Sunday, January 22, starting at 9:00 am.

All are welcome. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share

their knowledge and experience with you.To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 4679498. Bring binoculars. The bird walk is free of charge.

The group will meet in Parking Field #3,

Exit 18 South, from the Southern State Parkway. Rain or snow will cancel the bird walk. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon.org. We follow Covid protocols in effect at the time of walk.

LIPA ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP - From left to right: Dr. Edward T. Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College; Thomas Falcone, Chief Executive Officer of LIPA; and Dr. Maria Conzatti, Interim President of Nassau Community College

KEN MARCUS

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today!

“2023 will be a year of physical growth with our new educational center and treatment clinic, as well as spiritual growth by continuing to serve the many who need our 13 acre farm and herd to help them heal from trauma, grow in personal strength and learn new things to brighten their future,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. The organization will be o ering various events throughout 2023, some of which are noted below.

February 15th they will kick-o a 3 month virtual Hay Drive Fundraiser. “We’ve been holding this Fundraiser once a year for 3 years now because in the last few years the cost of hay has tripled,” said Lisa. “Every penny donated through this fundraiser goes directly to helping us buy hay for our herd. I’d like to warmly thank everyone in advance for their support and donations, it truly helps us more than you know.” This year they are proud to o er a new text to donate feature. More information is available on their website (www.pal-o-mine.org).

Additionally, May 3rd through May 7th from 9:30AM-2:30PM

they are holding their annual J-STEP Spring Craft Fair at their farm, located at 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia.

J-STEP, which stands for Job Security Through Equine Partnership, is their Vocational Program. The program o ers a paid internship that runs 5 days per week for people with disabilities who are 18 years or older. Every item showcased at this fair is handcrafted by the J-STEP interns.

Lastly, May 4th from 6PM-9PM they will hold a Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction in their barn. This will be a night you won’t want to miss, filled with local wine and cheese, creativity and philanthropy! Pal-O-Mine will proudly feature up and coming artists in individual “stalls” in the barn and proceeds from each sale will go towards building their new educational center and clinic.

If you are interested in finding out more about their J-STEP Program or learning about the opportunity to have your art displayed at the Stable Spirits Art Show, contact Tessa at TessaVF@pal-o-mine. org. For more general information about Pal-O-Mine, call 631-348-1389, visit their website (www.pal-o-mine.org), Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram.

Coram Civic Association Monthly Meeting

The Coram Civic Association will hold its first monthly meeting of the new year at the Coram Fire Department, Community Room, 303 Middle Country Road (one-story firehouse, next to McDonald’s) Monday, Jan. 23rd, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Come join our Community Discussion For info. visit www.

CoramCivic.org or call 631-560-7792.

“You are the key to helping our community.”

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.

Drive Safely

(NAPSI)—Age-related physical and mental changes can affect your ability to drive safely. If you’re alert to these changes and manage them carefully, you may be able to continue driving safely for some time, say the experts at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). Visit www.healthinaging. org/driving-safety for more information.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Pearl Harbor 81st Commemorative Anniversary At Airpower Museum

On Sunday, December 7, 1941 the Japanese launched a surprise military assault on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On December 8, 1941 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his famous “date which will live in infamy” speech and following that Congress declared war and the United States entered into

World War II. Eighty one years later Veterans from all branches of the service came together to commemorate the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor at the Air Power Museum in Farmingdale, New York.

Veterans from World War II ranging in age from 93 to 102 were honored and given certificates

for their service. During the ceremony a bugler played taps in memory of those that perished on that day. Color Guards were provided by the Navy Reserves and other veterans organizations.

Over 200 Veterans and family members as well as local elected officials attended the commemorative ceremony.

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a recent study found drinking tea might keep the cardiologist at bay.

The USDA reported that men and women who drank black tea for three weeks reduced their total and bad

Take Heart With Tea

cholesterol (LDL) levels by an average of 7.5 percent. Researchers concluded that drinking tea may reduce the

risk of coronary heart disease. Antioxidants called flavonoids, found in both green and black teas, are thought to

be potent weapons in the fight against heart disease.

That news may be especially important

for women, given that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined including breast cancer.

Air Force Veteran Ed Freeberg from West Hempstead in front of a Pearl Harbor Memorial Plaque.

Navy Reserves Color Guard.

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Bethpage Federal Credit Union Wins 2022 UKG Aspire Innovation Award

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 15th largest in the nation, has been awarded a 2022 UKG Aspire Innovation Award from UKG, a prominent workforce management company. Recognized for its achievements in creating meaningful and connected experiences for its members and employees, the Customer Innovation Award for HR Transformation was presented to Bethpage’s Human Capital Management System (HCMS) Team.

A tremendous recognition for Bethpage, UKG is a prominent workforce management company. Its Innovation Award celebrates customers using UKG People Technology (UKG Pro) in innovative ways to solve complex problems, create empowering workplaces and drive exceptional business outcomes.

“This is quite an achievement for our Human Capital Management Systems team,” said Melissa Feeney, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “UKG receives thousands of award nominations yearly. The impact of the UKG Pro has not only benefitted our HR processes, but has been crucial to our Employee Experience efforts, helping us invest in our teams and adapt our employees’ needs beyond work

life.”

Bethpage utilizes UKG People Technology to leverage quicker turnaround times for interviews and hiring decisions for a better candidate experience. It has also established a new digital hire program and developed a seamless compensation process, managing and digitizing HR documents.

“Bethpage strives to create a positive employee experience, beginning with the hiring process itself, continues Feeney. “It has tremendously helped us overcome many manual challenges.”

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a premier community financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees, and

the communities it serves for the past 80 years. Bethpage is the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 15th largest in the nation.

As a not-for-profit credit union, Bethpage is committed to its members and the communities it serves. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of great rates and low fees, the Bethpage Cares program invests heavily in local, highimpact community programs that serve with an eye towards creating better communities through diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Voted the Glass Door Top Place to Work for Small & Midsize companies, Bethpage is a federally chartered credit union, available to people

nationwide who open a $5 dollar membership account. Bethpage offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. Bethpage is a part of the national CO-OP network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers the best-in market rates, lowest fees and world-class service, plus a full menu of personal and commercial financial services. For more information on Bethpage’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.

Connetquot Public Library

Continued From 5

executive director Nancy Solomon will discuss her book on the boat builders and boat yards of the North Shore, South Shore, East End, and other communities on Long Island. She will share the stories she collected from traditional boat builders and boat yard managers in the region during the late 1990s to the present day. No registration required.

VIRTUAL: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body, Monday, January 30, 3:00 - 4:00 pm Get information on diet, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement for healthy aging. Presented by the Long Island Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Ancient Wisdom, Tuesday, January 31, 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. No registration required.

VIRTUAL: Thyroid Information Session,

Tuesday, January 31, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

A doctor and a registered dietician from South Shore University Hospital will be discussing screening for and treating thyroid cancer, as well as how to use the Mediterranean Diet as a preventive therapy during cancer treatment. Library members may register by visiting our website at www. connetquotlibrary.org.

Pictured left to right: Samantha Portillo, Bethpage Federal Credit Union Payroll & Benefits Specialist, Human Resources; Paula Crovatt, Senior Manager, Human Capital Management System, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Alyssa Renda, Human Capital Management System Specialist, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.