December 7, 2022 - December 20, 2022 Suffolk Zone 6

On Monday, November 21, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team launched a Holiday Donation Drive, benefitting the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. The drive has five dropoff locations and will run through December 19th. Pictured from left to right: Noelle Lambert, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker. See inside for more information.

As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans.

As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans.

As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans.

Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started.

Start today. Peace of mind tomorrow.

Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started. Start today. Peace of mind tomorrow.

Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started. Start today. Peace of mind tomorrow.

(631) 588-1515

(631) 588-1515

(631) 588-1515

Serving all of Long Island with locations in:

Bohemia, Central Islip, Holbrook, Lake Ronkonkoma, Center Moriches, Port Jefferson Station, and Hauppauge.

Serving all of Long Island with locations in: Bohemia, Central Islip, Holbrook, Lake Ronkonkoma, Center Moriches, Port Jefferson Station, and Hauppauge.

Serving all of Long Island with locations in: Bohemia, Central Islip, Holbrook, Lake Ronkonkoma, Center Moriches, Port Jefferson Station, and Hauppauge.

Fine Art For The Holidays Exhibition At Mills Pond Gallery

Smithtown Township Arts Council is pleased to present Fine Art for the Holidays through December 18 at Mills Pond Gallery.

For information or directions visit millspondgallery.org or call 631-862-6575. Mills Pond Gallery hours: Wednesdays - Fridays 10 am – 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 12 pm – 4 pm. Admission

to the Gallery is free. The gallery is located at 660 NY-25A, St. James, NY. All parking in rear lot off Mills Pond Rd. (directly across from 199 Mills Pond Rd.)

This exhibit features more than 65 original works created by 29 Long Island artists, all members of the Long Island Fine Art Group Setauket Artists representing 17 Long Island communities…Centerport,

Commack, Deer Park, East Northport, East Setauket, Holtsville, Huntington, Islip, Middle Island, Northport, Oakdale, Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Selden, Setauket, St. James, and Stony Brook.

Exhibiting artists: Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Ron Becker, Sheila Breck, Joyce Bressler, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail L. Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, Margaret Governale, William Graf, Flo Kemp, John Mansueto,

Celeste Mauro, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Eleanor Tyndall Meier, Frederic Mendelsohn, Muriel Musarra, Paula Pelletier, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Irene Ruddock, Oscar Santiago, Carole Link Scinta, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, Angela Stratton, Marlene Weinstein, Patricia Yantz

Smithtown Township Arts Council Inc. is a recognized 501 (c) (3) notfor-profit organization, classified as a public charity

A Port Jefferson Fish Tale

The Port Jefferson School District takes pride in its unique club offerings for students. One – The Little Savages Fishing Club – is growing in popularity with students at Port Jefferson Middle School.

Middle School guidance counselor Keith Buehler, the club adviser, teaches students the basics of fishing while encouraging friendships and an appreciation for local waters. This year,

approximately 50 students are involved in the club, which took a recent trip on the Port Jefferson Harborbased Celtic Quest.

The catch? Porgies, sea bass, memories and new friends.

National Recognition For Port Jefferson Trio

under the Internal Revenue Code. Funding provided by Town of Smithtown and Private Donations

Jane McGraw-Tuebner-Winter Wonder Pastel

John Mansueto-Winter on the Canal Acrylic

Ross Barbera-Summer Rose Mounted Watercolor on Canvas

A PORT JEFFERSON FISH TALE - Port Jefferson School District’s Keith Buelher and sixth grader Austin Nam. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson School District

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PORT JEFFERSON TRIO - Three Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Matthew Buonomo, Luke Dickhuth and Teppei Fukuto are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry. They are among 34,000 high performers nationwide who will receive a Letter of Commendation with a congratulatory message from the National Merit Scholarship Program. From left, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students Matthew Buonomo, Luke Dickhuth and Teppei Fukuto have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson School District

Miller Place School District Gives Thanks Through Thanksgiving Food Drives

The Miller Place School District lent a helping hand ahead of this Thanksgiving by hosting food drives at each of its four schools: Miller Place High School, North Country Road Middle School, Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School and Andrew Muller Primary School.

Students at Miller Place High School collected 800 canned and packaged goods through a Thanksgiving food drive hosted by the National Honor Society. Students collected canned soup, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, muffin mix, potatoes and grocery gift cards. The food was distributed to families in need throughout the community and additional items will be donated to local food pantries. As an incentive, high school homerooms compete against one another to see which homeroom will collect the most food to help fill Thanksgiving tables in the Miller Place and Sound Beach communities. The homeroom that collects the most goods wins a bagel breakfast donated by

Miller Place Bagels, a local business owned by the parents of a Miller Place High School student. This year, students in Shannon Matura’s homeroom collected the most food by bringing in 374 goods.

“All of our schools had very successful food drives this year and we’re so proud of our students for displaying compassion for those in need during this holiday season,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “What makes Miller Place so special is how we all look out for each other. Our students represent all that is good about our communities.”

At North Country Road Middle School, student government sponsors a yearlong food drive to stock the North Country Road Middle School food pantry. Each Thanksgiving, the donations are used to create Thanksgiving meal packages that they distribute to families throughout Miller Place and Sound Beach.

Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School’s School Improvement Team

(S.I.T.) Committee, run by Assistant Principal Nicole Farley and fifth-grade students, “adopted” seven families in need in the Miller Place and Sound Beach communities. The students and brought in items to put together a complete Thanksgiving meal for each family. In addition, gift cards to Stop and Shop were also distributed. The committee organized the food in decorated boxes which were sent to each family. Additional items that were collected were donated to the North Country Road Middle School food pantry. Andrew Muller Primary School held a food drive in which students donated goods and supermarket gift cards, which were distributed to local families in need ahead of this Thanksgiving. The school’s hallways were lined with boxes labeled accordingly for students to place their donations. In addition, a local catering business donated fresh turkey for families in need.

Jazz Loft Trio To Perform At Smith Haven Mall On Dec. 10

The Jazz Loft is taking it on the road on December 10 with a performance of holiday favorites at the Smith Haven Mall from 2 to 4 p.m. Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, Steve Salerno and Dean Johnson will be providing some jazzy holiday classics for shoppers. The performance is part of the Jazz Loft outreach mission to bring music out into the community. The concert is FREE!

The Smith Haven Mall is located at 313 Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove.

Bad Little Big Band’s Holiday Show

December 8 at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft presents the Bad Little Big Band’s Holiday Show, a 12-piece band, directed by composer, arranger and pianist Rich Iacona, featuring vocalist Madeline Kole.

Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party

December 9 at 7 p.m.

What better way to mark the longest hours of darkness and the rebirth of the sun, than to experience the powerful energy of Jazz with Ray Anderson’s Seasonal Solstice Party at The Jazz Loft, with Ray Anderson, trombone, vocals, sousaphone; Mark Helias on bass; Jeremy Carlstedt on drums and Steve Salerno on guitar.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show

December 10 at 1 p.m.

17-piece big band codirected by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary Henderson, trumpet is a Jazz Loft tradition. This is a wonderful concert to introduce live jazz to children and grandchildren. It’s a holiday family affair! $

Egg Nog Romp

December 10, 7 p.m.

It’s The Jazz Loft’s traditional Egg Nog Romp program featuring the Loft’s six-piece band led by Tom Manuel. This special

Saturday show makes it the perfect break from the holiday rush. The Jazz Loft’s legendary homemade egg nog will be available, as well as the usual beverages..

Nutcracker Holiday Show

December 15, 16 & 17 at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals.

Jazz Nativity

December 18 at 6 p.m.

Candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano opera Susanna Phillips. This performance will include an impressive lineup of

jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.

December 22 at 7 p.m.

Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts.

Free Car Care Guide

(NAPSI)—“Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles,” explains the nonprofit Car Care Council. For a free copy of its Car Care Guide, visit www. carcare.org.

YEARLONG FOOD DRIVES - The Student Government at North Country Road Middle School holds a yearlong food drive to stock the North Country Road Middle School food pantry. Photo courtesy of the Miller Place School District

Ward Melville High School Celebrates Blue Ribbon Status

In honor of being named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, Ward Melville High School in the Three Village Central School District held a ceremony. District administrators, Ward Melville High School

staff, local leaders and their representatives, board of education members and students gathered at the building on Nov. 28 to celebrate the accomplishment.

Ward Melville High School Student Government President Mikaeel Zohair

kicked off the ceremony by introducing wonderful performances by the school’s Camerata, Honors String Quartet and student Ava Della Pietra. Principal William Bernhard welcomed the crowd and congratulated students and staff on this honor. He thanked Ward

Melville High School teachers for their dedication to excellence in education.

“I stand before you today and dedicate this great recognition to the faculty of Ward Melville High School,” Mr. Bernhard said.

He welcomed the keynote speaker, Executive Vice President-Provost of Stony Brook University Mr. Carl Lejuez, who touted the school for its success.

“Only 297 schools nationally received this designation from the U.S. Department of Education. That puts your school in rare company and it’s truly amazing,” Mr. Lejuez said to the crowd. “It’s amazing because of how hard I know everyone has worked to achieve this. That’s particularly where it’s important for us to acknowledge the great students here and their parents.”

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn addressed the crowd along with

representatives from Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s offices. Local leaders presented Ward Melville High School with citations noting the Blue Ribbon designation.

After the ceremony, members of the Ward Melville High School community gathered outside the building for a flag raising. The clock tower bell rang proudly as the 2022 National Blue Ribbon School flag was lifted.

Students Attend University Violin Performance

In a partnership with Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, Port Jefferson music students experienced a nearly sold-out performance by renowned violinist Caroline Campbell.

Accompanied by Port Jefferson orchestra teacher Dr. Vanessa Salzman, the close-tohome musical collaboration engages students with innovative performances, as this concert highlighted. “She is quite a violin superstar so this was a very special event for us,” Dr. Salzman said.

Ms. Campbell, along with pianist Carlos Avila, was an engaging presence on stage and had the audience enthralled with her spectacular performance of virtuoso violin showpieces, from Hollywood film melodies to the music of Sting.

Port Jefferson orchestra students and their families are invited to attend concerts each year at the university, arranged by Dr. Salzman and Paul Newland, outreach director at Stony Brook University. Tickets are provided courtesy of Staller Center Outreach Endowment.

“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Newland and the director of The Staller Center, Mr. Alan Inkles, for providing our student musicians this incredible opportunity,” Dr. Salzman said. “We were most appreciative of the time [Ms. Campbell] took following the performance to interact with our students and share inspiration to continue pursuing their musical journeys.”

PRESENTED A CITATION - Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn presented Principal William Bernhard and Ward Melville High School with a citation. Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

CELEBRATING BLUE RIBBON STATUS - Members of the Ward Melville High School and Three Village community gathered for a flag raising outside of the school. Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

STUDENTS ATTEND UNIVERSITY VIOLIN PERFORMANCE - Port Jefferson School District students with violinist Caroline Campbell (center) Port Jefferson orchestra teacher Dr. Vanessa Salzman (left) and Paul Newland, outreach director at Stony Brook University (right). Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

U.S. Postal Service Issues New Hanukkah Forever Stamp

With the release of this vibrant new stamp, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of issuing stamps for the Hanukkah celebrations.

This joyous Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation and reconsecration of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is a time for family and friends to come together to rejoice.

A dedication ceremony for the stamp was held recently at Temple Emanu El.

“I remember looking forward to Hanukkah as a child, especially the traditional foods, gifts, and games,” said Lori Dym, U.S. Postal Service managing counsel for procurement and property law, who served as the dedicating official. “And now, on behalf of the 655,000 men and women of the United States Postal Service, I am honored to participate in the unveiling of our new stamp celebrating this joyous Jewish holiday.”

Dym was joined by Susan Krantz, president of Temple Emanu El; Rabbi Matt Cohen; Jeanette Kuvin Oren, the stamp’s designer and artist; Kathy Mulcahy, mayor of Orange Village, OH; and Darcy Hershey, congregant and administrative assistant at Temple Emanu El.

“Temple Emanu El is honored that the United States Postal Service approached our congregation to host the

first-day-of-issue ceremony for the launch of the 2022 Chanukah Stamp,” said Krantz. “We are proud that in selecting Temple Emanu El, the USPS recognized our long-standing passion for social justice which is deeply embedded in our traditions. Our congregants care about the world around us and engage in the ongoing work of helping to improve the world in which we live. Our temple is a Jewish institution of connection, gathering, learning and practicing spiritual life. Working together we bring meaning to our lives and to the lives of others.”

“The miracle of Hanukkah came early this year (kind of)!” said Cohen. “While our Hanukkah menorahs are not yet kindled, this communal celebration reminds us that despite all odds, throughout time and history, the lights of the Jewish people have miraculously continued to grow brightly and illuminate the world with wholeness, blessing, and peace. Our Temple Emanu El family is honored to host this event and to welcome our friends from the Greater Cleveland Community into our sacred home.”

News of the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtag #HanukkahStamp. Followers of the Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the stamp story at facebook.com/usps.

Background

Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew.

The story of Hanukkah begins with the victory of the Maccabees, an army of Jewish fighters, over the forces of Hellenic emperor Antiochus IV, whose supporters had desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by building an altar to the Greek god Zeus.

After reclaiming the Temple and preparing to rededicate the holy space, the worshippers discovered that only one small jar of consecrated oil remained — enough to last one day. Rather than wait for more oil to arrive, they lit the Temple menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days.

The miracle of the oil is celebrated with the ceremonial lighting of the hanukkiah, the ninebranch candelabra used only at Hanukkah. The hanukkiah, also called menorah, holds eight candles, one for each night of Hanukkah, plus one known as the “shamash,” which means the servant

Clothing Donations Needed For Long Island Children

Ethical Friends of Children, a program helping needy families on Long Island, seeks clothing (tops, bottoms, pjs, sweaters and socks) in certain sizes. Specific sizes are: GIRLS: 3-4, 4-5 and 9-10 and BOYS: 7-8 and 9-10.

Ethical Friends of Children is an outreach

program of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island., established in 1985.

“We assist more than 2,500 children and their families each year by providing them clothing for children from newborn to size 12 as well as infant furniture at no cost,” says Pat Spencer of Port Washington. The “store” – staffed entirely by

volunteers – lets families pick out the things they need, at no cost to them.

Those interested in making contributions of clothing or gift cards, should call Ethical Friends of Children at 516-2805526 or email efoc@ehsli. org

or helper candle used to light the others.

The candle for the first night is put on the farright side of the menorah. On each subsequent night, an additional candle is placed to the immediate left of the previous night’s candle. The candles are lit from left to right, so that the lighting begins with the newest candle.

A family-centered holiday, Hanukkah celebrations usually take

place in people’s homes, with games, songs, gifts and feasting. Traditional fried foods include latkes — potato pancakes — and doughnuts called sufganiyot.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or December. In 2022, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 18.

Stamp Artwork

The stamp art features the design from an original wall-hanging. The fiber art was hand-dyed, appliquéd and quilted to form an abstract image of a hanukkiah.

The blue and purple colors are used to represent the sky, the greens and browns represent the earth. The bright yellows and oranges represent the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is also known. Along the bottom

of the stamp, the words Hanukkah, Forever and USA appear in white capital letters.

Jeanette Kuvin Oren was the stamp designer and artist. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/ shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

The Hanukkah Forever stamp is sold in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

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:

Children & Youth: Their Children & Youth services work deeply with children who are victims of child abuse and neglect or who are involved in the foster care system or child trafficking. They provide supervised visitation between noncustodial parents and their children, promote child passenger safety and offer mentors for at-risk youth.

Family & Community: EAC Network’s Family and Community programs help individuals pay bills, resolve family and business conflicts and navigate through obstacles that hinder selfsufficiency.

Senior & Nutrition Services: EAC Network is a provider of Meals on Wheels. They act as guardians for seniors, as well as mentally and/or physically incapacitated individuals, who are unable to manage aspects of daily life on their own. Their senior centers provide warm meals, exercise and social interaction to local seniors. They also offer technology classes as well as trained companions to relieve caregivers.

Vocational Services: Their Vocational Services offer a variety of programs that provide participants with skills to obtain and retain employment, particularly with at-risk populations.

Behavioral Health & Criminal Justice Services: They offer Behavioral Health programs that work in tandem with the criminal justice system to help

individuals suffering from mental health and/ or substance abuse issues obtain treatment.

They also offer programs for Anger Management, Community Service and educational intervention for domestic violence offenders, and more.

Within those five areas of service, they run a total of 103 programs and they serve over 50,000 people a year with offices in all five boroughs, Suffolk County, Nassau County and Rockland County!

There are so many ways that you can get involved with EAC Network, whether it be through an internship or volunteer position, attending an event, making a donation or fundraising. Stay tuned for next week’s article to learn more about how you can make a difference in your community.

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

The Charity of the Month for December is

CEO/President of

Network,

seniors at the EAC Port Washington Senior Center.

Insurance Tips And Information

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

Review Your Auto 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 our 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. A la carte coverage is as fickle as our craving for dessert.

Do you want or need Rental Reimbursement? Towing and Labor? Low mileage discount? Did you waive Rental Reimbursement because the family had an extra car? Have you since gotten rid of that car? Or has a kid matured

into a driver of that car?

Or might someone have retired and made the need for a car superfluous?

Were you a decades long member of AAA or another motor club? Did your leased car come with roadside coverage? Have you cancelled motor club or returned the leased car and NOT added Towing and Labor to your auto policy?

Did you take a job working from home or commuting by LIRR? Did you do the opposite? Is your mileage radically different than it was before?

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

Miller Place Students Achieve Musical Excellence

Several Miller Place High School musicians will have their talents on display as members of the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All-County Jazz Festival. In addition, two Miller Place students were selected as alternates in the New York All-State Music Festival.

“We are so proud of the achievements of these very talented students. They are all exceptional musicians and very deserving of these honors,” said

Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.

Miller Place High School junior Alan Yue, a member of the MPHS Orchestra, was selected as an alternate to the New York All-State Music Festival Symphony Orchestra. Miller Place High School senior Greg Marino, a member of the Select Chorus at MPHS, was selected as an alternate to the New York All-State Music Festival Mixed Chorus.

Miller Place School

District students Maura Luby, Devin McGrath, Sean Creedon, Kyle Fehling, Greg Marino, Kai Schiera and Martin Doherty were selected to perform in the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All-County Jazz Festival.

The rehearsals will begin in the first week of November and the performances will take place on November 5 at East Islip Middle School.

Port Jefferson School District Celebrates Employees For Career Milestone

The Port Jefferson School District applauds nine employees for serving the students in its three schools with 25 Years of Service Awards. The group was honored at the Nov. 8 board of education meeting by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Robert Neidig.

Dr. Neidig reflected on several facts that occurred

in 1997, the year they each began their career in the district, before citing their strong connections with students, parents and colleagues and their evolution in meeting the challenges of the changing times. They were each gifted with pins and certificates and were thanked by Board Vice President Tracy Zamek for their continued hard work and dedication to students.

The district congratulates Christine Bokina, Anthony Butera, Marissa Shannon, Christine Wicks and Maureen Zajac from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School; Keith Buehler from Port Jefferson Middle School; and Debra Hartmann, Michael Maletta and Stephanie Miazga from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School.

PUZZLE ANSWERS:

PORT JEFFERSON SD CELEBRATES EMPLOYEES - The Port Jefferson School District applauds nine employees for serving the students in its three schools with 25 Years of Service Awards. From left, Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan, Marissa Shannon, Debra Hartmann, Christine Bokina and Anthony Butera. Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

KEN MARCUS

MILLER PLACE STUDENTS ACHIEVE MUSICAL EXCELLENCE - Maura Luby, left, Devin McGrath, Sean Creedon, Kyle Fehling, Greg Marino, Kai Schiera, Martin Doherty were selected for the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s AllCounty Jazz Festival. Photo courtesy of the Miller Place School District

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.

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.

Tis The Season For Giving

On Monday, November 21, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team launched a Holiday Donation Drive, benefitting the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that strives to end homelessness on Long Island, and to alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping others, but more specifically assisting the homeless is really important to me,” said Noelle, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “When you strip away all the excess and get down to the basics - the minimum that one should have in order to put their best foot forward every day - what remains is a home, along with food, and the like. There are countless people struggling and facing homelessness right now on Long Island and it just feels like the right thing to do to help them.”

The drive will run through December 19th and has five drop-off locations throughout Long Island. “This year the organization is desperately in need of non perishable food and personal care items,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with The Bryn Elliott Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “They’re also looking for clothing, socks and winter coats. We’re hopeful that this drive will make a difference by helping people who need it; especially during the toughest time of the year to be homeless.”

Elliott at 631.332.8899. For more information about the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, visit www. addressthehomeless.org.

About The Fish Store: The Fish Store is a family run business that opened its doors in 1978. Their market and restaurant in Bayport offers fresh food options and is beloved by many. They are the proud winners of Bethpage Best of Long Island’s #1 Best Fish Market on Long Island for 9 years in a row.

About USA Auto Body: USA Auto Body is a fullservice auto body repair shop in East Patchogue. Their trained professionals can complete your automobile restoration to manufacturerspecified standards and they are ready to make your car shine!

About Long Island Media Group: Long Island Media Group is a locally owned and operated media company that has been publishing since 1953. Today they publish the South Bay’s Neighbor, Neighbor Newspapers, Seasons Magazine, along with many other specialty products. They also offer digital marketing services.

About Douglas Elliman Real Estate: Douglas Elliman leads the New York real estate market by sales volume, and ranks as one of the nation’s largest independent residential real estate brokerages by the same measure. From sales, rentals and new development to mortgages and title insurance, their agents are relentless advocates for their clients.

Together.

Pictured above from left to right: Noelle Lambert & Bryn Elliott

There’s not a better place to be than together. Start thinking of your winter get - togetherings now to ensure you can celebrate at America’s BEST Family Resort (USA Today - 2019, 2021, 2022!)

WOODLOCH.COM | 800.WOODLOCH

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S

NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

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 you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S

NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

Handyman, Carpent er, Contra ctor 40 Ye ars Experience Specializing In Bathrooms, Kitchens, Fini shed Ba sement s, Extensions , Windo ws, Doors, Si ding, Decks, Power Washing Sheetrock, Spackle and Painting Family Owned & Operated. We Care. Lic#4168 5 Ins. 631-838-1223

Landscaping

COMPLETE LANDSCAPING

TREE SERVIC ES Fall Clean-ups, New Lawn In stallation Sod, Top Soil , Seed Mulch, Aeration Fall Flower Bed, Tree / Shrub Plan ting, Pruning & Trimming Complete Tree Service Any Style Fence Installation /Repair Driveways, Pati os, Pavers, Cobblestone Retaining Wa lls Power Washing (Cedar Houses, Siding, Decks, PVC Fences) LG Guevara Landscaping & Tree Service licensed/insured Call Leno 631 365 5853

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S?

Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you

HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?

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

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING? Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276

LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

HEARTBROKEN

(Black, White, Tan)

Goes by the name Baby Boo/Cookie Boo. She is 2 Years Old. She has a collar with 2 hearts on it in purple and pink. She is chipped. Loves purple. I travel with her and was in a couple of different spots such as Lindenhurst by Aldi, Levittown, Farmingdale and also near Coolidge Ave. and Montauk Hwy. in Copiague. Call Dana 631-339-5579

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

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

How To Protect Yourself From Holiday Shopping Scams

Online scams cost Americans nearly $7 billion throughout 2021, according to the FBI, and with the holiday shopping season ramping up, it’s vital that people understand how to avoid falling victim to scams.

“Scams often increase with consumer spending, making the holidays ripe for scammers trying to take advantage of the season’s sense of urgency and scarcity,” said Amy Maliga, a financial educator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt

management agency. “It’s not enough to be aware of scams, though. You have to learn how to watch for and avoid them so your happy holidays don’t turn into a nightmare.”

Maliga shares several things to do and watch out for to avoid falling prey to holiday shopping scams: Use secure payment methods: Be wary of websites or sellers that request unusual payment methods like wire transfers, cashier’s checks or apps. Stick to secure payment options such as major credit cards or

PayPal.

Check for site security: Look for ‘https’ at the front of the site’s URL and the small lock icon in the browser window. These indicate that the website is secure, ensuring any data you share (such as credit card numbers or shipping details) will be encrypted when you submit it.

Watch for spelling and grammatical errors: If you notice a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes on a website, social media posts or other promotional materials, you likely want to shop elsewhere.

Pay attention to reviews: Reviews can reveal much about online retailers and sellers. Are there lots of poor reviews from buyers who didn’t receive what they purchased? Or are there numerous glowing reviews that all read alike? Either may indicate the site isn’t what it claims to be.

Watch for ‘phishy’ confirmation emails: If you receive a confirmation email for an order you didn’t place, ignore and delete it. Knowing people are likely making several orders, scammers will send

a phishing email disguised to resemble a confirmation notice from legitimate retailers. If it appears legit, try manually searching the order number on the retailer’s website instead of clicking on any included links.

Don’t let scammers steal your money or your holiday cheer. If a deal or website appears too good to be true, it likely is.

For additional resources to combat financial scams and ensure holiday shopping success, explore Take Charge America’s Budget Tools.

About Take Charge America, Inc.

Founded in 1987, Take Charge America, Inc. is a nonprofit agency offering financial education and counseling services including credit counseling, debt management, housing counseling and bankruptcy counseling. It has helped more than 2 million consumers nationwide manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more, visit takechargeamerica.org or call (888) 822-9193.