June 7, 2023 - June 20, 2023 Suffolk Zone 6

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for June is America’s VetDogs

www.VetDogs.org/Neighbor

America’s VetDogs is a non-profit organization that trains and provides service and guide dogs for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders with disabilities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and beyond. Their national headquarters are located right on Long Island in Smithtown, NY. This year, America’s VetDogs is celebrating their 20th anniversary!

In the early 2000s, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, founded in 1946, recognized not only the growing need for specialized service dogs that could help wounded service-members, but also that aging veterans could also benefit from a specially trained service dog. America’s VetDogs was then founded as a program of the Guide Dog Foundation and later became an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit. In 2015, first responders with work-related disabilities were added to the individuals served.

Today, the organization supports those they serve with an uncompromised commitment to excellence, from highly empathetic and certified trainers to meticulously constructed curriculum delivered during a two-week, inresidence training program, followed by a lifetime of aftercare support. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one assistance dog, but services are always provided free to the individuals served.

The dogs they train are taught specialized tasks and skills such as retrieval of dropped items, positional cues to extend their handler’s personal space when in a crowded setting, counterbalance, nightmare interruption, pressing buttons

Stephanie Ruales Nominated For Suffolk County Woman Of Distinction Award

to open doors and more. A hallmark of America’s VetDogs is the meticulous matching process to ensure that each program participant is matched with a dog that best suits their mobility, personality and lifestyle.

“The story of America’s VetDogs’ 20th Anniversary is a compilation of the inspiration and courage of the disabled veterans, active-duty personnel and first responders we serve, our extraordinary dogs who change and save lives and the generosity of thousands of caring volunteers, donors and sta ,” said John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs. “We are honored to serve so many people who have given so much of themselves for our nation, and we look forward to helping more of these heroes live without boundaries.”

The organization has many high-profile partnerships, which include NBC’s The Today Show, New York Islanders, New York Mets, Washington Capitals, Houston Texans, Contour Mortgage, Deloitte, and Voya. Their best known client was former President George H.W. Bush, who was matched with his service dog, Sully H.W. Bush, who is now a facility dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

No organization in the nation provides the depth of personalized services that America’s VetDogs o ers. They truly deliver the highest quality experience to those who served and continue to serve our nation with honor.

For information on how to apply, volunteer or donate, please visit www. VetDogs.org/Neighbor.

If your non-profit would like to be featured in this column,please email noellelambert@longislandmediagroup.com for consideration.

Neighbor

2 year old male. Chihuahua. Loving and loyal. The perfect partner to have.

LEVY 2 year old male. Terrier mix. The perfect co-pilot for all your adventures.

SMITHTOWN ANIMAL SHELTER • 410 EAST MAIN STREET, SMITHTOWN • 631.360.7575

NOMINATED FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD - Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker recognized Stephanie Ruales as her nominee for the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Award. Pictured: Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker presents a proclamation to Stephanie Ruales.

We ’ re more training

Americans to stay ahead of cyberattacks

Protecting Americans from cyberattacks requires training those most at risk. Google is providing security training, tools, and skills to help keep more Americans safe online than anyone else.

Google’s Cybersecurity Workshop for Small Businesses gives small business owners the digital skills they need to protect what they’ve built.

Google’s Cybersecurity Essentials Course for Professionals teaches core cybersecurity concepts and how to protect large organizations from potential threats.

Google for Startups provides funding and hands-on support from Google employees for innovative Black and Latinx startups in the cybersecurity industry.

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate trains Americans in the skills needed to pursue a cybersecurity career.

Explore how Google is building tools and trainings designed to keep more people safe and secure at safety.google/cybersecurity

I Trust You

By JoAnn Cilla

I received a voicemail from someone this week who is thinking about selling her house. She’s lived in her home for many years and is a little nervous about the thought of leaving it. At the end of her message, she said something that made my day, and prompted me to write this article; she said, “Please give me a call back. I trust you.”

Hearing those three magical words puts this homeowner immediately into my “Friends and Family” book. I never want to lose someone’s trust in me. It is the highest compliment I can receive from someone else, professionally, or personally. Trust is often the difference between winning and losing in business. It takes time to build, but it can be lost in an instant.

There are five simple ways to build trust every day:

1) Be open and honest. If you are, people will be more likely to trust you.

2) Follow through on your promises. If you say you will do something, make sure you do it.

3) Listen. When you listen, others will feel like they’ve been heard and understood.

June Happenings

JOANN CILLA

4) Be respectful. If you respect people, they are more likely to trust you.

5) Be consistent. When you are consistent, people will know what to expect from you, and they will be more likely to trust you.

As hard as it is to build trust, I have seen people lose it in a second. The easiest and quickest ways to break someone’s trust in you are lying, break your promise, ignore someone, be disrespectful, and be inconsistent. Once you lose trust, it’s almost impossible to get it back.

Regardless of the type of business you are in or the role you play in the company, the path to your success will be paved, repeatedly, by three simple words: I Trust You.

Health Screenings

Health screenings are a vital component of preventative health care. Specific screenings for older adults can help them stay healthy. Healthline and WebMD recommend older adults schedule these routine tests. The frequency of the screenings may depend on individuals’ health histories, so each test should be discussed with a physician during adults’ annual checkups.

· Blood pressure check

· Blood test to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels

· Colorectal cancer exam starting at age 50

Weight screening to check for gains or losses

· Prostate cancer screening for men age 70 and older

· Breast exam and mammogram for women, starting at age 40

· Pap smear and HPV tests at recommended intervals advised by a doctor

· Hearing test

· Osteoporosis test

· Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines

· Eye exam

· Periodontal exam yearly

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

6:00PM

RUNWAY FOR A CAUSE

Ooh La La Boutiques will be hosting their Runway for a Cause event at Overlook Beach on Ocean Parkway benefiting the BBCC and the Shannon Romanchuk Saturno Foundation. Food and beverage provided by the Salt Shack. $100 per person, call the office for information at 631-893-4110.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

9:00AM-1:00PM

AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET

This farmer's market will be returning every Saturday until October 14th at the 9/11 Park in Amityville. For more details you may contact the BVCA at bayvillagecivic@aol.com or the market manager at amityfarmersmarket@ gmail.com.

11:00AM-3:00PM

WHEELS OF WISDOM CAR SHOW

Brought to you by The Daughters Of Wisdom and held at the Church of St. Mary in East Islip. All classes of cars are welcome. Pre-registered cars are $20 and $25 on the day of the show. Trophies awarded in all classes. For more information call 631-277-2660, ext. 17.

1:00PM-5:00PM

FAMILY FUN DAY

The Long Island Chapter of Tourette Association of America is hosting their Family Fun Day at McKenna Elemetary School in Massapequa Park. For more information please visit www. longislandtourette.org.

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

7:00PM-11:00PM

MUSIC THRU THE DECADES

Dance and swing into spring! The Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Grace Council 11968 presents Music Thru The Decades. $25 per person includes drinks and food. Ticket sales are limited, reserve your tickets early. For information and tickets call Rob 631-747-0147 or Dave 631-422-3341.

7:30PM OUT OF THE DARKNESSSEE YOUR TRUE COLORS

A concert of Broadway and works by LGBTQ+ composers and artists for National Pride Month. Held at St. Peter's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church. To purchase tickets please visit www. babylonchorale.org or email info@ babylonchorale.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

1:00PM-7:00PM

BLOOD DRIVE

AMVETS Ladies Auxillary 18 will be hosting a blood drive at the AMVETS Post 18 in East Islip. Contact New York Blood Center 1-800-933-2566 to schedule an appointment.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

11:00AM

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

Free program held at Simpson UMC in Amityville. Parents are required to stay. For more information call Mary at 516-991-8098. Their newly refurbished thrift store will be open from 10:00AM to 1:00PM, downstairs in their Fellowship Hall.

2:00PM-7:00PM

LAPS FOR LOVE WALK

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition will be holding the Laps for Love Walk at Babylon Town Hall. Take a lap around the lake and shop their vendors. Individuals $20, Team of 5 $30. Call the office for information at 631-893-4110.

7:00PM

SUPERMARKET BINGO

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is hosting a Supermarket Bingo, held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Bellmore. Admission is $10. There will be free coffee and cake. Call Jackie at 516-781-7846 for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

10:00AM-4:00PM

45TH ANNUAL KINGS PARK DAY

Held at the Library Municipal Parking Lot Main Street in Kings Park. Rain or shine. For more information call 631846-1459.

1:00PM-4:00PM

SEAFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Seaford Historical Society Museum is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from now until November. There will be activities for children. Entry is free. Email mapfannon@ verizon.net for more information.

4:30PM

LUMIÈRE BALLET

Lumiere Ballet presents Alice in the Garden of Flowers and Other Dances at Studio Theatre's Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Admission is $25, children under sixteen is $15. To purchase tickets please call 631-275-5990.

PSEG Foundation To Grant $1 Million To Local Organizations

The PSEG Foundation announced the 2023 request for proposals for the annual Neighborhood Partners Program, with grants available ranging from $500 to $15,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey and Long Island, New York are encouraged to apply. Applications will be evaluated and grants awarded based on demonstrated program effectiveness, depth, breadth and overall alignment with the PSEG Foundation strategic pillars, which are environmental sustainability, social justice and equity and economic empowerment.

“We’re pleased to make $1 million in grant funding available through our very popular Neighborhood Partners Program, where we see local heroes making a difference in the lives of others throughout PSEG’s service

territories,” said Calvin Ledford Jr., PSEG Foundation president. “We seek to partner with people who have a track record of success and who present viable plans for addressing today’s largest challenges including those of sustainability, equity, social justice and economic empowerment.”

Last year the PSEG Foundation awarded more than 300 Neighborhood Partners Program grants. For example, America’s Grow-a-Row received funding for its fresh produce initiative. This program provides nutritious produce to regional hunger relief agencies and at local free farmers markets in communities that lack reliable access to affordable fresh produce. In Long Island, Habitat for Humanity used its grant for the Reuse, Reduce, Repurpose Program to help

divert more than 3 million pounds of waste from local landfills that were repurposed and sold at a fraction of the cost to benefit its clients, families and the local community.

“PSEG is the perfect example of corporate social responsibility in action. Their commitment to feeding those faced with hunger and food insecurity runs deep throughout their organization. From the countless hours PSEG employees have invested by volunteering in the fields, to helping underwrite a portion of our farming expenses,” said Chip Paillex, president and founder, America’s Grow-a-Row. “We could not be more grateful for PSEG and the PSEG Foundation’s support that allowed us to positively impact approximately 100,000 people in need last year.”

“In nearly 10 years since the inception of the program, the PSEG Foundation has made great strides with affecting change in the communities it serves,” said Maria Spina, manager, PSEG Foundation. “Through the Neighborhood Partners Program, the PSEG Foundation aims to partner with organizations that are transformative, leading change on issues impacting our communities and working toward collaborative solutions.”

To apply by the June 30, 2023 deadline, please visit our application website that opens June 1, 2023. Award announcements are scheduled for mid-September 2023. For more information about the program, visit https:// pseg.com/neighborhoodpartnersprogram. For questions about the program, please contact CorporateCitizenship@pseg.com.

Stop The Cycle Of Stroke By Raising Critical Funds To Further Research And Education

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association - the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invites Long Island companies, communities and individuals to stop the cycle of stroke by raising critical funds to further research and education through CycleNation.

CycleNation is scheduled for Thursday, June 8 at Push Fitness Club of

Melville, 515 Broadhollow Road in Melville. Check-in begins at 3:00pm and the ride starts at 4:00pm.

“It’s a great honor to chair the 2023 Long Island CycleNation event,” said Mr. Hudson. “The CycleNation experience helps us raise funds to support critical, lifesaving research to help defeat stroke in our community.”

As 2023 CycleNation chair, Jason Hudson, Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Land Abstract

will lead a team of top Long Island executives that will work to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the CycleNation movement. The efforts will culminate on June 8 where teams will ride to raise awareness and funds to further the work of the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association.

“What’s exciting about the CycleNation movement is, it’s not just a one-day

event,” said Mr. Hudson. “Participating companies and organizations become part of something bigger. We’re not only making a significant impact on the overall health of our community through our fundraising efforts but, this initiative is designed to improve employee engagement, wellness and overall workplace health”.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of

disability in older age. Each year approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke. While approximately 80% of those who have a stroke will survive, the majority of these will remain with some degree of physical impairment or disability. Research shows that up to 80% of strokes may be prevented. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and

muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression.

This year Long Island CycleNation is sponsored by our Life is Why sponsor Mount Sinai South Nassau. For more information about the 2023 Long Island CycleNation campaign or to get your company involved please visit cyclenation.org/li or contact Darby Hall at darby.hall@heart.org.

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Fence Installation & Repair Driveways, Pati os, Pavers, Cobblestone

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Advance Care Plans

The United States population is rapidly aging.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, comprising

roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population.

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your care. Unless you have a plan in place, the burden will fall on your family. Protect your loved ones from having to make life and death decisions on your behalf by developing an advance care plan today.

BLANKETS FOR VETS

- The Daughters of the American Revolution made and donated blankets and wraps for Veterans. Gary Glick New York State Commander for The Jewish War Veterans Post 652 picked up the donations. The blankets and wraps were delivered to Veterans in the The Long Island State Veterans Home in Stonybrook

EW Howell Construction Group was honored at the St. Johnland Annual Golf Classic held at St. George’s in East Setauket on May 22. EW Howell was the builder of St. Johnland’s new Medicaidfunded Assisted Living facility in Kings Park. The 100-bed facility was completed ontime and on-budget thanks to the dedicated team at EW

EW Howell Construction Group Honored At St. Johnland Annual Golf Classic

Howell. The event raised much-needed funding for programs and services offered to residents of both the Nursing Center and the Assisted Living facility.

About St. Johnland

St. Johnland, is a community-based, not-forprofit organization serving the elderly, traumatic brain injured and individuals with

medical and rehabilitation needs. Their mission is to create a caring and supportive environment committed to the highest standards of quality health care. It seeks to uphold the principles of human dignity and worth, and affirms the right of every individual to maintain the optimum quality of life.

Founded in 1866, St. Johnland has been providing care and services for the less fortunate in the community. Since the 1970’s, it has provided the highest quality nursing care with specialties in Alzheimer’s/

dementia care, Head Injury Rehabilitation, Subacute Care for Short-Term Rehabilitation and Adult Day Health Care.

The newly-opened Medicaid-funded Assisted Living facility provides a

home where Medicaideligible individuals can receive the care they need while maintaining their optimal level of function and freedom. It will be serviced by St. Johnland’s new Licensed Home Care Service Agency.

Golfers practice on putting green at St. George’s Golf & Country Club

EW Howell Construction Group was honored at the 2023 St. Johnland Annual Golf Classic. Pictured (l to r) John Finamore, Paul Maffeo, Kevin McKenna and Giuseppe Iulicci