August 2, 2023 - August 15, 2023 Suffolk Zone 5

SACHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW ADMINISTRATORS

The Sachem Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of three new administrators. The board of education appointed Lori Onesto as assistant principal at Sachem High School North, Kaleigh Sidaras as assistant principal at Sagamore Middle School and Christopher Washousky as an assistant principal at the secondary level. From left, Lori Onesto, Christopher Washousky and Kaleigh Sidaras. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Sachem East Teacher Named Finalist For 2023 Presidential Award For Excellence In Mathematics And Science Teaching

Sachem High School

East teacher Dr. Scott Kennedy has been selected as a state-level finalist for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This award is one of the most esteemed honors in the nation for teachers. Those who are selected are exemplary teachers and leaders in mathematics and science education.

Dr. Kennedy is the department chair for math at Sachem High School East and teaches Advanced Placement statistics and calculus courses. Outside of Sachem, he is an adjunct assistant professor at Suffolk County Community College and the University of Bridgeport. Additionally, Dr. Kennedy spends time teaching statistics to U.S.

Military personnel at Air National Guard Base in Westhampton.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by my selection as a New York State PAEMST finalist. I feel honored to have the opportunity to teach such wonderful students from the Sachem

Legislator Sarah Anker Announces

2023 Summer Community Concerts & Movie Nights

community every year,” Dr. Kennedy said. “I work in a department of dedicated, passionate educators and I really take this recognition to heart. Thank you to the students, parents, community, and faculty and staff within Sachem for the support. I’ll continue to give my all each and every day in this career that I love.”

New York State Finalists will have their applications submitted to the PAEMST National Selection Committee. Those selected as national awardees receive a Presidential certificate, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and join an elite cohort of teachers. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker is pleased to announce the Suffolk County Summer Concert and Movie Night Series in collaboration with community organizations including North Shore Youth Council, the Longwood Alliance, the Middle Island Civic Association, the Middle Island Fire Department, the Coram Civic Association, the Coram Fire Department, and the Ridge Civic Association.

“The summer community concerts have been instrumental in providing local performances with free-admission concerts across the district,” said Legislator Sarah Anker. “I encourage our residents to attend these concerts that provide a wonderful entertainment venue for all ages. A warm thank you to the community

organizations for their partnerships with my office.”

There is no charge for admission to the concerts. For more information about the concerts, please contact the office of Legislator Sarah Anker’s office at (631) 8541600.

Concert Information: North Shore Youth Council Community Concert

Featuring: BonJourney

Date: Friday, August 4th

Time: 7:00PM

Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai

Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the Middle Island Fire Department

Featuring: Penny Lane

Date: Tuesday, August 19th

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Middle Island

Fire Dept. 31 Arnold Dr, Middle Island

Coram Civic Association and the Coram Fire Department Concert

Featuring: Southbound

Date: Saturday, August 26th (rain date August 28th)

Time: 9:00AM-9:00PM

Location: Middle Island Fire Department, 31 Arnold Dr, Middle Island

North Shore Youth Council Concert

Featuring: Mike DelGuidice on tour with Billy Joel

Date: Monday, August 28th (rain date August 30th)

Time: 7:00PM

Location: St. Anthony’s of Padua Church 614 NY-25A, Rocky Point, NY 11778

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Sachem Central School District Welcomes New Secondary Administrators

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Very pretty, friendly and playful female kitten.

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Handsome male kitten seeking BFF.

RHONDA

Playful female kitten with personality.

The Sachem Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of three new administrators. At its July 12 meeting, the board of education appointed Lori Onesto as assistant principal at Sachem High School North, Kaleigh Sidaras as assistant principal at Sagamore Middle School and Christopher Washousky as an assistant principal at the secondary level.

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Ms. Onesto has been a member of the Sachem Central School District since 2003. She began in the district as a classroom teacher and, most recently, served as principal’s aide at Hiawatha Elementary School. In this leadership role, she implemented training for new staff members, screened teacher candidates during the hiring process, ensured culturally responsive practices for learners and maintained overall operations of the building. Additionally, Ms. Onesto was a member of the

district’s five-year Strategic Planning Committee.

She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from SUNY Oneonta, a Master of Science in Education degree from Brooklyn College and is working toward New York State School Building and District Leader certifications.

Ms. Sidaras comes to Sachem from the Central Islip Union Free School District where she served as an elementary school assistant principal and Pre-K director. Through these roles, Ms. Sidaras gained experience with master scheduling, classroom observations and facilitating districtwide professional development. Prior to these administrative positions, Ms. Sidaras was a classroom teacher for eight years as well as the head girls varsity soccer coach at William Floyd High School. Ms. Sidaras holds several administration certificates, Bachelor of Science degrees in

childhood education and special education from SUNY Buffalo State College and a Master of Arts Degree in special education from Saint Joseph’s College.

Most recently, Mr. Washousky was a teacher in the Floral ParkBellerose School District, as well as the administrator of the district’s Saturday Enrichment Program. In the classroom, he created individualized learning plans for students, successfully prepared learners for assessments and created a culture of caring. In his administrative role, Mr. Washousky developed program goals to meet the needs of hundreds of students participating in the Saturday Enrichment Program. He holds A Bachelor of Science degree from Plattsburgh State University, a Master of Science in elementary education from Dowling College, as well as School District, Building Leader and Students with Disabilities certifications.

NEW ADMINISTRATORS - The Sachem Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of three new administrators. The board of education appointed Lori Onesto as assistant principal at Sachem High School North, Kaleigh Sidaras as assistant principal at Sagamore Middle School and Christopher Washousky as an assistant principal at the secondary level. From left, Lori Onesto, Christopher Washousky and Kaleigh Sidaras. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

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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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

7:00PM

SUMMER UNDER THE STARS POP CONCERT

The West Islip Symphony Orchestra presents Summer Under The Stars Pop Concert at West Islip Beach. Bring your own chairs. For more information call 631-661-8348 or visit westislipsymphony.org.

7:00PM

SUMMER BLAST SOCIAL NIGHT

Marconi Lodge #2232 Sons & Daughters of ITALY presents Summer Blast Social Night with ugly shorts contest. Full Buffet Dinner, includes beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert. DJ Rick will provide music for dancing. $30 per person. Reservations required. Call John Spiezio at 631-206-1123.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

9:30PM

NIGHT OWL CINEMA: BLADE RUNNER

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.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

7:00PM

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Amityville Fire Department Hose #4 and Kiwanis Club of Amityville presents Show Me The Money at the Amityville Fire Department. 10 games for a chance to win big money! $10 admission includes appetizers, coffee, cake and one set of cards. To reserve a spot email amityvillekiwanis@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

12:00PM

CINEMA FOR KIDS: HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS

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.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

7:00PM-8:00PM

INFORMATION SESSION: HOSPICE VOLUNTEERING

Northwell Hospice Care Network is hosting an informational session in Woodbury for those who want to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Hospice. Meet current HCN volunteers and learn about our services. Interested in attending, RSVP is needed to sallen10@northwell.edu.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

7:00PM

COMIC GEMS: COMING TO AMERICA

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.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

9:30PM

NIGHT OWL CINEMA: JENNIFER'S BODY

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.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

9:00AM-2:30PM

BLOOD DRIVE

Be a Summer Lifesaver and donate at the Bellport Community Center. To make an appointment, please call 800.966.2566 or contact Melissa at mgatto@nybc.org. Walk-ins are welcome!

12:00PM

CINEMA FOR KIDS: THE MUPPET MOVIE

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.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

6:00PM-11:00PM

FEAST OF SAINT PIUS X

Held from August 17th to August 20th. Sunday open from 4PM-10PM. 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.

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.

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, co-facilitator 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.”

King Kullen Helps Fund Summer Camp Programs For Disadvantaged Long Island Children

King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc., has donated $10,000 to benefit summer camp programs for disadvantaged children in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, a tradition begun by King Kullen more than three decades ago. The donation will be divided evenly between Family & Children’s Association (Nassau County) and Family Service League (Suffolk County).

“Camp provides a stimulating and fun environment where children can learn new activities and meet other children their age,” observed King Kullen President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph W. Brown. “King

Kullen’s gift will help fund scholarships for children whose families lack the resources for summer camp. Additionally, customers who want to make a difference can participate in our annual ‘Send A Kid to Camp’ campaign this summer by scanning $5, $2, or $1 coupons at the register at all King Kullen and Wild by Nature stores.”

Family and Children’s Association President and CEO Jeffrey Reynolds stated, “The gifts we receive from individuals and corporations like King Kullen make it possible for us to provide these wonderful experiences for Long Island’s young people. We thank King

Kullen for all their support over the years.”

Family Service League Division Director Robyn Berger-Gaston added, “We are very grateful to again receive this generous donation from King Kullen. These camps are often the highlight of the year for the children we help.”

Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, King Kullen is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as American’s first supermarket. Founded in 1930 by Michael J. Cullen, King Kullen operates 27 supermarkets and four Wild by Nature stores in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

LaLota Announces Hundreds Of Defense Jobs Coming To Suffolk County

Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) announced that hundreds of new jobs would be coming to Suffolk County after Raytheon Technologies Corporation was awarded a contract by the federal government totaling $113,628,201. The contract will cover costs for Raytheon to develop MK 15 closein weapon system (CIWS) upgrades and conversions, system overhauls, and

associated hardware. One of the manufacturing facilities Raytheon will use for this contract is located in Hauppauge, N.Y.

“I am thrilled that hundreds of high-paying defense manufacturing jobs will be coming to Suffolk County. As the son of a former Grumman Secretary and a Navy Veteran, I understand how important the defense industrial base

is to local families and Long Island’s economy,” said LaLota. “Now, as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I understand the strategic role Long Island’s defense manufacturing base plays in ensuring America’s military can deter the next conflict, or if needed, win it.

I will always work to make sure that Suffolk County maintains our important role in our nation’s defense.”

KING KULLEN HELPS FUND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS - King Kullen recently presented two checks totaling $10,000 to Family & Children’s Association and Family Service League to benefit their summer camp programs for disadvantaged children. On hand for the check presentation to Family Service League were (left to right): King Kullen Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer Bernard P. Kennedy; Family Service League Division Director Robyn Berger-Gaston; King Kullen Vice President – Corporate Strategy and Initiatives Tracey Cullen; and King Kullen President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph W. Brown.

SACHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT APPOINTS PRINCIPAL - Longtime Sachem employee Lisa Marie Johnson was appointed the principal of Sagamore Elementary School, effective July 1. Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Beyond

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience And Long Island Cares Join Forces To Combat Summertime Food Insecurity

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at Samanea New York (located at 1500 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY) is partnering with Long Island Cares (www.LICares.org) to help fight food insecurity during the summer through August 6

Long Islanders who purchase a ticket and donate one bag of groceries (containing more than one item) will receive one complimentary ticket per ticket holder to the immersive event as a thankyou for their contribution.

“Long Island has warmly welcomed Beyond Van Gogh into their community since we opened in March, and we are proud to team up with Long Island Cares to give back,” said Justin Paquin, President, Paquin Exhibitions & Theatrical, Division of Paquin Entertainment Group. “Beautiful art can change

how we see the world, and through our partnership with Long Island Cares, hopefully, we can help make sure fewer children go hungry this summer.”

Long Islanders can drop the food donations into the exhibit’s Long Island Cares collection bins during the event. This food drive aims to alleviate food insecurity, specifically for children who may not have access to school meals during the summer break. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vangoghlongisland. com.

“We’re very excited to partner with ‘Beyond Van Gogh’ to raise awareness of food insecurity on Long Island, which impacts 221,000 people, including 65,000 children,” said Paule Pachter, President & CEO of Long Island Cares, Inc.The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank. “When a family donates a bag of food and

experiences the sights and sounds of this incredible Van Gogh experience, they will come away feeling very good that they were able to help their neighbors in need.”

To donate to Long Island Cares, ensure that all non-perishable items are unexpired and unopened. Acceptable donations include canned soups, tuna, vegetables, fruit, pasta packages, crackers, juice boxes, canned proteins, juice bottles, cereals, and granola bars. We welcome the generosity of our visitors and ask that they consider a donation of at least two or more items.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, produced by Paquin Entertainment Group, is on Long Island for a limited engagement. This immersive experience features more than 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s

Lightning Warriors To Host 4th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon

Lightning Warriors, a notfor-profit youth triathlon team, will be hosting its 4th annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon on Sunday September 17, 2023 at 7:00 AM at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, New York.

This year’s Mini Maniac event will be geared toward triathletes of all levels between the ages of 7 and 17. While all racers will be participating in a youth triathlon, races will be divided into three separate age groups with swimming, biking and running distances varying accordingly. Younger athletes are also encouraged to register to participate in the Splash & Dash event, which is a 50-meter swim and a quarter-mile run for athletes between the ages of 5 and 7.

“I am excited to see the smiles and accomplishments as each athlete crosses the finish line and for those

first timers being called a triathlete,” says Lightning Warriors Head Coach Noah Lam.

All Mini Maniac participants will be able to take part in training clinics with the Lightning Warriors team in the months leading up to the triathlon. Favor bags will also be distributed to each racer, as well as medals for all finishers, awards for the top male and female finishers and postrace refreshments.

Participating in youth triathlons help build positive physical activity habits in children. According to Lam, “Every child should be able to swim, bike and run as those are lifetime skills… We’ve also seen that physical activity can provide immense benefits for mental health, more selfesteem, a sharper focus on achieving goals and a better ability to connect with other kids.”

iconic artworks and takes the art lover into a threedimensional world that exhilarates the senses.

To help get the food drive started, King Kullen, ShopRite of Bay Shore and ShopRite of Massapequa

are each donating 250 pounds of food to help fill the collection bins that will be on site for four weeks.

Athletes’ individual skills will also be enhanced by being a part of a team in a healthy competitive and supportive space. “You get to find new ways to overcome adversity in a safe environment,” Lam states. These skills will thus motivate them to exuberate confidence and conquer their goals, both inside and outside of racing.

The Mini Maniac event is the largest sanctioned kids triathlon on Long Island with 135 participants in 2022, and an expected attendance of 200 racers this year. To register for Mini Maniac, visit www.runsignup.com/ minimaniac. Registration ends on September 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM EDT.

Mini Maniacs is also seeking volunteers for this event. Anyone who is interested may sign up at www.runsignup.com/Race/ Volunteer/NY/MountSinai/ MiniManicYouthTriathlon.

BEYOND VAN GOGH - (L-R) LI Cares President & CEO Paule Pachter, Beyond Van Gogh General Manager Gerold Picard.

BEYOND VAN GOGH FOOD DRIVE - Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at Samanea New York (located at 1500 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY) is partnering with Long Island Cares (www.LICares.org) to help fight food insecurity during the summer through August 6. (L-R) LI Cares President & CEO Paule Pachter, Beyond Van Gogh General Manager Gerold Picard, LI Cares Community Events & Food Drive Manager William Gonyou

2023 Sandcastle Contest To Be Held At Hither Hills State Park

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the 2023 Sandcastle Contest at Hither Hills State Park. The contest will be held each Thursday through August 31, 2023 . Sand sculptors may use sand, water, and any other natural materials native to the beach.

Prizes are provided by the Natural Heritage Trust, the program’s sponsor. Each week’s prizes will be awarded for the best sculptors and castles in several categories.

Registration is held each Thursday 9:30AM at Hither Hills State Park Visitors Center. A $10.00 Vehicle Use Fee will be in effect.

Event Schedule:

Registration-9:30am

Build Time-9:30 am-10:30 am

Judging-10:30 am

Awards Ceremony-11:00 am -12pm

For further information, please call Hither Hills State Park at (631) 668-2554.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which in 2022 were visited by record 79.5 million people. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www. parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

2023 SANDCASTLE CONTEST AT HITHER HILLS STATE PARK - New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the 2023 Sandcastle Contest at Hither Hills State Park. The contest will be held each Thursday through August 31, 2023. For more information, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

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Free Parenting Classes Help Suffolk County Parents Promote The Health Of Their Babies And Toddlers

The Parent Cafe, a free program providing young families in Suffolk County with research-backed advice and guidance for promoting the health of their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will run in Selden, Bay Shore, Bohemia, and Riverhead through September, paired with virtual programming during that period.

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The initiative, called “The First Five Years: Improving the Health of Mothers and their Babies Through Parent and Nutrition Education,” is hosted by the Community Education Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk), with funding from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

Expert presenters include parent educators, nutrition educators, lactation consultants, and others providing parenting advice in a supportive environment over a light breakfast.

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The next Parent Cafes will be held at the Middle Country Public Library in Selden:

September 8: Nutrition for Your Toddler (2–3 years)

September 15: Nutrition for Your Preschooler (4-5 years)

September 22: Feeding Families on a Tight Budget

September 29: Breastfeeding

Q&As

Additional in-person Parent Cafes will be held at the Family Service League in Bay Shore, the Connetquot Public Library in Bohemia, and CCE Suffolk headquarters in Riverhead. Free childcare is available at all in-person Parent Cafes. The initiative also offers virtual programming via Zoom.

“Parents are primarily responsible for raising healthy, competent, and responsible members of society,” said Vanessa Lockel, Executive Director of CCE Suffolk. “Yet many lack support and receive conflicting parenting advice. The Parent Cafe allows educators to build a space where parents can connect, enjoy breakfast, and benefit from the latest in parenting education.

“This innovative program offers a holistic, educational approach incorporating parenting, nutrition, and breastfeeding education,” Lockel added. “The setting also provides a safe and welcoming environment for addressing the challenges that pregnant women and new moms often face.”

Ms. Lockel expressed gratitude to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for underwriting the Parent Cafe program.

“It’s important for parents to find supportive environments where they can share their concerns and learn valuable, child-rearing skills,” said Kerri Reda, Human Development Specialist with the CCE Suffolk Community Education Program. “Staffed by sensitive experts in parent education, this program and its resources are invaluable to young families of Suffolk County.”

According to CCE Suffolk, today’s parents are in particular need of research-based information, skill-building, and support because many traditional supports – such as extended families, cohesive neighborhoods, income security, and community services – have often been in decline. In addition, various demographic, cultural, and societal dynamics have often intensified the challenges

facing many parents.

The National Parenting Education Network says that parenting education supports the health, safety, well-being, and economic success of children through adulthood.

A report from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families states that parent education reduces the risk of child abuse and neglect by encouraging parenting practices that promote safety, well-being, and permanency for children and families.

A study by Oregon State University found that parent attendees reported higher school grades, fewer behavior problems, less substance abuse issues, improved mental health, and greater social competence.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is one of the country’s largest foundations and the largest foundation focused exclusively on healthcare across New York State. The organization provides grants to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services.

Inquiries about the Parent Cafe can be directed to Christina Nadolne at cmn89@ cornell.edu.