December 21, 2022 - January 3, 2023 Suffolk Zone 5

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Connetquot Public Library

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

www.connetquotlibrary.org

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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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Students Spread Holiday Cheer Around Farmingville

STUDENTS SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER - On Dec. 4, 10 students with Sachem High School East’s Work Based Learning Club took the time to spread holiday cheer throughout the community. Students decorated Triangle Park in Farmingville and helped local families organize items to decorate lamp posts. The volunteers then helped Farmingville Fire Commissioner Salvatore Russo by decorating the firehouse. The club thanks the Farmingville Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this event. Photos courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Middle Country Central School District Celebrates Board Members

The Middle Country Central School District recently celebrated its Board members at their last Board meeting in honor of School Board Recognition Week. “Our Board members devote countless hours to make sure our schools have the necessary resources to ensure our students can be successful,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “On behalf of the Middle Country Central School District family, I would like to thank our School Board members for their selfless commitment to our students, our faculty and staff, and to the entire Middle Country School District community.”

Students from schools throughout the Middle Country School District attended the board meeting with their peers to present various interactive performances to highlight some of the amazing educational initiatives that Middle Country students have due to the Board’s leadership and support. For example, one group of students performed bucket drumming which is part of the STEM Celebration. The performance was coordinated by Scott Kubik, Stagecoach

Elementary School music teacher. The Centereach Robotics Team, advised by Technology teacher Nick Parrinello, coordinated a robotics student demonstration, where the Board Members had the opportunity to drive the robot.

One of the more entertaining presentations was made by the College Computer Graphics Class, taught by Jeannette Kiesling Centereach High School Computer Graphics teacher. The class designed wooden superhero emblems of Middle Country’s District Logo on the Glowforge, a 3D laser printer with a wooden copy printed for each Board member. Members of the Centereach High School Drama Club, advised by Patty Duryea, Theatre Director, presented a short performance from their latest show, Pinocchio.

Amy Pacifico, Coordinator of World Studies K-12, and Dr. Kyrie Siegal, ELA Coordinator brought in four third-grade students from Jericho Elementary School to read their essays about the importance of Super Citizens and who they are, while dressed in their outfits.

These community Super Citizens include Police Officers, Firefighters, Doctors, and School Board Members. The students learned about what Board Members do and how they are Super Citizens in education. The secondgrade students drew pictures and wrote letters, thanking the members for their hard work and dedication. Lynn McMillin, PTA Council President, and the PTA Council gifted the Board Members with Super Citizen-designed cookies.

“It takes strong schools to build a strong community and our Board members spend countless hours studying education issues, reviewing regulations, speaking with the educators in this district as well as Board members in other districts, to ensure the decisions they make are the best decisions for the children of the Middle Country School District community,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts, and Community Media Relations. “Even though we make a formal effort to show our appreciation during School Board Recognition Week, their contributions and dedication are appreciated every day of the year by all of us.”

Board Members: Dawn Sharrock, President

Robert Feeney, Vice President Arlene Barresi, Trustee

John DeBenedetto, Trustee

Doreen Feldmann, Trustee

Denise Haggerty, Trustee

Robert Hallock, Trustee

Deborah MannRodriguez, Trustee Kathleen Walsh, Trustee

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.

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

CELEBRATING BOARD MEMBERS - Students and Board Members bucket drumming together with Scott Kubik, Stagecoach Elementary School Music Teacher. Photo courtesy of the Middle Country 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

Smith Haven Mall Hosts First Of Its Kind Christmas Village Experience For The Holiday Season

Smith Haven Mall has been converted into a winter wonderland, with a state-of-the-art Christmas village for shoppers to experience at Christmas House Long Island. A tenroom portion of the shopping center will be transformed by Hollywood and Broadway set designers, utilizing the latest lighting and digital technology to depict festive and contemporary holiday scenes. This is the first year that Smithhaven Mall, one of the State’s largest shopping centers, is hosting Christmas House, which is open for visitors now through early January.

Christmas House brings guests through the holidays of yesteryear

and today, with imagery depicting various Christmas settings, ranging from the North Pole with indoor snow and Santa’s Workshop,- to sets designed to replicate iconic movie scenes from Elf, Harry Potter, and the Nightmare Before Christmas, among other films. Modern LED lighting helps guide the tours through various settings, with screens, fireplaces, and Christmas trees, where guests are encouraged to snap selfies and Christmas Pictures.

This year’s fully indoor exhibit also features two new additions to the Christmas House repertoire, including a complete replica of Blockbuster Video, where guests can relive the

memorable moments of selecting a holiday film on VHS tapes, and a Harry Potter Christmas, where guests will be brought to the halls of Hogwarts decorated for the holiday as is depicted often in the films.

For admission, guests can reserve days and times at www.ChristmasHouse LongIsland.com with adult tickets costing $24.99 and children ages three-to-ten for $19.99.

Children under the age of three are admitted free of charge, for weekdays, with weekends (Fri.Sun.) priced at $27.99 for Adults and $19.99 for children. It is expected that nearly 100,000 local residents will visit Christmas House this year throughout the holiday season.

Fifty Students Inducted Into Connetquot Chapter Of Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society

The Connetquot High School chapter of the Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society inducted 50 new members into its prestigious organization during a ceremony on Nov. 30. Director of Mathematics Louise Burger and advisor Christopher Dolce welcomed the inductees and their families to the

recognition of the school’s top mathematicians, who entered an international organization that inspires keen interest in mathematics, scholarship in the subject and enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students.

Officers Tiffany Gao (president), Melissa DiBlasi (vice president), Varshith

Basa (secretary) and Kylie Martinez (treasurer) gave a presentation on the history of mathematics, prior to Mr. Dolce leading the inductees in the organization’s oath. Each student’s name was then called to receive a certificate, marking their membership into Mu Alpha Theta.

The district congratulates the following inductees:

Class of 2023: Ziwen Cui, Abigail DeMarco, Daniel DeRienzis, Edward Fieseler, Emma Gagliardi, Jason He, Matthew Hippler, Bilal Khatri, Shawn Michael Kovarik, Nicolas Gabriel Maldonado-Molina, Julia Monkan, Reagan Anne Quillo and Brooke Strafford. Class of 2024: Shayaan Ahmed, Komal Ali, Cadence Brown, Ava Catania,

Kenneth Jozwicki, Isabella Kaspiev, Matthew Kutchma, Nicholas Matthew Marotta, Mason Merlino, Alexa Oestreicher, Victoria Otero, Gabrielle Roppelt, Reese Thumann and Rhianna Waring.

Class of 2025: Zohayr Adnan, Hajra Ahmed, Minal Ahmed, Julian Antoine Bolton, Michael Boneta, Gabriela Chavez, James

Chen, Sarah Dailey, Addison Devery, Alexander DeVita, Nazveer Dhillon, John Finnerty, Marianna Isabella Furno, Valentina Gutierrez, Rubama Hossain, Akshat Kamboj, Thomas Walter Mills, Krish Naresh Patel, Shanzay Rahman, Paulina Leon Salas, Bethany Ugenti and Emma Rose Zinkowski.

LILY

S’MORES

RAMON

FIFTY STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO CONNETQUOT CHAPTER OF MU ALPHA THETA NATIONAL MATHEMATICS HONOR SOCIETY - Fifty Connetquot High School students were inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society and are pictured with (front, l-r) Connetquot Director of Mathematics Louise Burger, Mu Alpha Theta officers Varshith Basa, Kylie Martinez, Melissa DiBlasi, Tiffany Gao and advisor Christopher Dolce. Photo courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District

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 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.

631-218-8888

631-218-8888

North Coleman Road Elementary School Junior Leaders club advised by Mrs. Alicia Ferrer sponsored a week-long toy drive in

honor of a former North Coleman Road Elementary School student, Vincent Gentile.

Vincent Gentile attended

North Coleman Road from first grade through fifth grade and throughout the five years, he served as a strong example of

citizenship and consistently showed kindness and compassion to everyone. These traits followed him through his educational

journey in middle school and high school. Despite his courage and his unwavering optimism, Vincent succumbed to his battle with osteosarcoma at the beginning of his junior year while attending Newfield High School. His family was motivated by his infectious smile and enthusiasm to bring smiles to the faces of countless children to honor him.

“It’s truly heartwarming to see our North Coleman Road families come together to donate toys to honor the memory of Vincent Gentile,” said Dr. Gretchen Rodney, Principal of North Coleman Road Elementary School. “We are incredibly

grateful and honored to be able to continue Vincent’s legacy and put on smiles on many children this holiday season. Thank you to Mrs. Alicia Ferrer, Mr. Matthew Giordano, and our Junior Leaders for making this possible!”

Every day, during morning announcements, North Coleman Road Junior Leaders spoke to the students to encourage their families to donate a gift to the Vincent Gentile Memorial Foundation Annual Holiday Toy Drive to be sent out to the Cohens Children’s Hospital. North Coleman Road collected more than 8 big bags of toys.

Accessing Schooling Options

(NAPSI)—Parents are more optimistic about their children’s academic, emotional, and social development and they increasingly support school choice according to EdChoice, which

wants all K–12 students to access the schooling options—public, private, charter, homeschooling or other—best for them. Learn more at www. edchoice.org.

Heredia, and Anthony Ditata. Photo courtesy of the Middle Country Central School District

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

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THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help

Little Girls Need Clothing

Ethical Friends of Children, a free shop for Long Island children in need, is requesting donations of girls’ clothing, sizes 2 to 5.

This outreach program, run and supported by the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island in Garden City, assists more than 2500 children and their families each year by providing them with clothing, backpacks for school and infant furniture. The service is set up like a store so people can select what they want from a wide variety of clothes. “As we’ve set up our winter store, we are finding a gap in our

supply of clothing for little girls,” says Ethical Friends of Children Director Jim LoPresti of Massapequa Park.

Ethical Friends of Children, established in 1985, is staffed entirely by volunteers and there is no charge for any services. Individuals, families, or community groups donate gently used clothing and other things children may require, such as backpacks. Any cash donations go entirely towards purchase of needed items for children, such as diapers and formula.

“Customers” are referred by many of the area’s social

service organizations and are supported by both religiously affiliated and private agencies funded by Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Volunteers are always welcome to help sort, organize and deliver clothing and goods.

To volunteer or donate, please contact office@ehsli.org

Or call the the Ethical Humanist Society of LI at 516741-7304.

People can also make a monetary contribution to EFC through https://www.ehsli.org/ social-action/ethical-friendsof-children/

516-741-7304.

LITTLE GIRLS NEED CLOTHING - Ethical Friends of Children, a free shop for Long Island children in need, is requesting donations of girls’ clothing, sizes 2 to 5. Pictured: 6-year-old Yousselyn Gomez, with her mother and brother, finds a great pair of shoes at Ethical Friends of Children. Volunteers are always welcome to help sort, organize and deliver clothing and goods. To volunteer or donate, please contact office@ehsli.org or call the the Ethical Humanist Society of LI at

Photo courtesy of Judy Rosemarin

How To Make Christmas Eve Special For Kids

North Shore Rail Trail Wins Quality Of Life Award

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and County Executive Steve Bellone announced that the North Shore Rail Trail project is the winner of this year’s American Society of Civil Engineers Quality of Life Award, which has been accepted by members from the Suffolk County Department of Public Works. Legislator Anker commented, “Since being elected as your Suffolk County Legislator, I’ve worked to facilitate this project that was envisioned 50 years ago. Thanks to the collaboration and commitment of all levels of government, our utility providers and the support of

our local community, I am pleased to have this project recognized. This path will not only provide a safer way to recreate, but it also brings the community together and provides economic support for our local businesses. I thank the County Executive, the Department of Public Works, LIPA, NV5 Engineering, DF Stone Construction and my staff who have been instrumental in the successful completion of North Shore Rail Trail.”

“Suffolk County is home to some amazing recreational attractions like our world class beaches, natural parks and countless outdoor activities that attract people from all over the

world,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I am honored that the North Shore Rail Trail has received the Quality of Life Award and I hope that it encourages more people to explore all of the exciting recreational activities Suffolk has to offer.”

The 10 mile, federally funded path provides the opportunity for biking and hiking with multiple access points throughout the corridor. The historic trail allows for an improvement in recreational options for residents as well as promote local tourism throughout Suffolk County.

Christmas Eve is viewed differently by different people, even those who live under the same Santaready roof. Adults may see Christmas Eve as crunch time when they must prepare food for the next day or set up presents for their children to open in the morning. Children, on the other hand, are focused on Santa’s visit and little else.

Parents naturally want to make Christmastime as special as possible for their children, and that may involve ensuring that Christmas Eve is just as memorable as Christmas Day. The following are some ways to impart more magic on Christmas Eve celebrations.

birth of Christ when the calendar switches over to December 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thoughtprovoking for kids and a unique experience, unlike any other.

Bake Fresh Cookies

Children like to leave out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. That makes Christmas Eve a perfect time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Explore different recipes to come up with a unique offering each year.

Read a Christmas story

mood.

Make A Batch Of ‘Reindeer Dust’

Why should Santa’s reindeer be left out when it comes to receiving treats? Reindeer dust, made from a combination of oatmeal, rice cereal, dried fruits, and glitter (if desired), is purported to attract Santa’s reindeer and provide them a nibble at the same time. Plus, it’s generally safe for other animals in the yard to eat.

Go Caroling

Attend Mass At

Midnight Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include lateevening or midnight masses that celebrate the

Watching television or looking at a tablet or mobile phone before bed can be too stimulating when it’s time for children to wind down for bed. Choose a holiday tale or tales that can be read as a Christmas Eve bedtime story. Reciting the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)” is a great way to set the Christmas Eve

Caroling may not be the norm, but some families may want to revive it. Close-knit communities can organize family-centric caroling opportunities and roam the cul-de-sacs and other pedestrian-friendly areas singing popular songs.

Christmas Eve is a great time to embrace various traditions that help to make the season even more special.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD - Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and County Executive Steve Bellone announced that the North Shore Rail Trail project is the winner of this year’s American Society of Civil Engineers Quality of Life Award. Pictured: Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and County Executive Steve Bellone celebrate the ribbon cutting for North Shore Rail Trail with supporters and stakeholders.

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