December 21, 2022 - January 3, 2023 Suffolk Zone 6

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Amber Corrigan Graces The Staller Center Stage In Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker

On December 17th19th, Amber Corrigan graced the Staller Center stage (Stony Brook, NY) in Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker. She appeared as a First Soloist in the roles of Snow Queen and Doll. Her elegant lines, exquisite turns, and magnetic stage presence were a delight for all. She illuminated the stage by demonstrating her unparalleled technique, gifting the audience with an exceptional performance. Amber is a Long Island local, but this past year moved to New York City to attend the prestigious Institute for American Musical Theatre a two-year conservatory for serious and talented artists. Additionally, she trains with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in their pre-professional program. Gifted with merit scholarships at both institutions, her name is one to keep an eye out for, as her future shines bright for a career in the arts. Photo

Allied Foundation Diaper Bank Celebrates 2 Million Diapers Donated To Families In Need And Their Babies

The Allied Foundation Diaper Bank, Long Island’s only diaper bank, recently hosted a special event at Allied Pediatrics of Rocky Point to mark the distribution of 2 million diapers. Several families in need received diapers and other baby essentials at the special December 6, 2022 event. Town officials from Brookhaven were present including Supervisor Ed Romaine, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Councilman Neil Foley and Councilman Kevin LaValle. The Town of Brookhaven also officially declared December 6th as Allied Foundation Day.

“Reaching this extraordinary milestone and impacting the lives of so many families in need is a testament to our hardworking team, volunteers and partners. Without them, none of this would be possible,” said Allied Foundation Executive Director Heather Edwards. “In 2022 alone we have given out over five hundred thousand diapers to families during Diaper Need Awareness Week this past September. Today, we celebrate providing more than 2 million diapers to families and our mission to

raise awareness about this issue.”

The Allied Foundation has impacted the lives of over 125,000 low-income families across Long Island and regionally in 2022 and this event marks our 2 millionth diaper distributed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the U.S., one in three families experience diaper need, the inability to afford a sufficient supply of diapers to keep their babies clean, dry and healthy. Diaper need is a public health issue, exacerbated by inflation and the rise in cost of basic needs. Anytime there is an increase in the cost of basic necessities, it impacts people living in poverty and those who lack the money necessary to meet their basic needs. Disposable diapers can cost up to $100 per month, per baby. Clean diapers are critical for ensuring good health and to prevent illness, infection and skin irritations. There are no existing federal or state child safety-net programs that allocate dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.

“The pandemic, inflation and rising costs are making it even harder for families to afford diapers. Diapers

are a basic need that no baby should ever have to go without. Babies and children in low-income families across Long Island are at greatest risk of suffering the effects of diaper need because they simply cannot afford them,” explained Scott Svitek, MD, Chair, Allied Foundation Board and Partner, Allied Physicians Group.

Infants require up to 12 diapers a day and toddlers need about eight, making the cost as much as $100 per month, per baby. The Allied Foundation Diaper Bank addresses the diaper gap by providing an emergency supply of diapers, free of charge to families facing the difficult decision of buying diapers for their baby or other basic needs including food and housing.

The Allied Foundation is a for-impact, 501C3 organization founded by Allied Physicians Group, based in Melville, NY, which distributes diapers to families in need across Long Island and beyond. To learn more about the Allied Foundation and the Allied Diaper Bank of Long Island, please visit https://alliedfoundation.org/ give/donate-diapers/ or call (631) 386-4185.

Credit: Dimitri Papadakos

2 MILLION DIAPERS DONATED TO FAMILIES IN NEED - Pictured in the back row, left to right are Supervisor Ed Romaine; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Scott Svitek, MD, Chair, Allied Foundation Board of Directors, pediatrician at Commack Pediatric Associates (an Allied practice); Heather Edwards, Executive Director, Allied Foundation; Kerry Fierstein, MD, President and CEO, Allied Physicians Group and Adjuvant.Health, Member, Allied Foundation Board of Directors; Dawn Lang, Founder, Long Island Lending a Helping Hand; Kelly McCauley, Secretary, Long Island Lending a Helping Hand; Councilman Neil Foley; Councilman Kevin LaValle; Kevin Edwards, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Adjuvant.Health; Front Row, left to right are, Yessenia, her daughter Dulce and Geneses; Maria with her daughter Mariana.

LIPA Announces New Community College Scholarship

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Maria Conzatti,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nassau County

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

Suffolk County

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

Queens County

· The Rockaways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocky Point Master Teachers Honored By Senator

Three Rocky Point Union Free School District educators were lauded by New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo for each being named a New York State Master Teacher. Rocky Point High School math teachers Janece

Alfredson and Jenessa Eilers and Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School teacher and Grade 3-5 Science Chairperson Michael Friscia were presented with certificates at a recent board of education meeting.

Rocky Point Middle School science teacher Audra Hallock was also recognized as a Master Teacher Emeritus. Hallock was also the district’s first teacher in the prestigious statewide program.

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

MASTER TEACHERS HONORED BY SENATOR - From left, Rocky Point School District’s Director of Math, Science and Technology Jachan Watkis, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School teacher and Grade 3-5 Science Chairperson Michael Friscia, Rocky Point High School math teachers Jenessa Eilers and Janece Alfredson. Photo courtesy of the Rocky Point School District

Port Jefferson Middle School Collaborates With Stony Brook University

The Port Jefferson School District collaborated with Stony Brook University’s Middle School Engineering Program for a hands-on engineering experience. Sixth and eighth grade teachers Mr. Robert Farenga, Mrs. Linda Moran and Mrs. Megan Roth-Ueno introduced their coding and technology classes to two graduate students from SBU’s Department of Electrical and Computer

Engineering to create a smart nightlight with several modes of function.

The five-week program was an intensive and interactive process in which the students learned about circuits, the engineering design process, simulations, programming and basic Python coding skills to operate a simple 3D-generated nightlight. Along the way, they

learned how to make and control circuits while incorporating code to give instructions to the circuits. They also worked together through circuit and coding issues, understood what each line of code meant, the purpose of a photoresistor, open and closed circuits and the final step of programming microcontrollers on a breadboard.

Distracted Driving Dangers

Tenth graders at Ward Melville High School in the Three Village Central School District hit the “road” to practice safe driving. As part of the chemical substance unit in their health curriculum, the Town of Brookhaven visited the gymnasium to show students the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

The Brookhaven Highway Department set up a simulation for students to drive through using electric go-karts. The program replicates the impairment caused by drinking and other distractions. Students first went through the course with no distractions. They were then asked to send texts to while behind the

wheel. During the final exercise, students wore Fatal Vision goggles, which altered their vision to simulate a blood alcohol content of three times the legal limit.

The activity is a valuable experience for students, allowing them to practice the rules of the road and see the dangers of distracted driving firsthand.

Port Jefferson Students Host Cards For Cops Campaign

NO DISTRACTIONS - Students first navigated the simulation with no distractions. Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

SECOND ROUND - During the second round, students drove while sending and receiving text messages. Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

THE FINAL ROUND - The final round of the exercise challenged students to drive while wearing Fatal Vision googles, which simulate a blood alcohol content of three times the legal limit. Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

HANDS-ON ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE - The Port Jefferson School District collaborated with Stony Brook University’s Middle School Engineering Program for a hands-on engineering experience. Pictured: Stony Brook University graduate students (center) Marija Iloska and (left) Theodore Leon with Port Jefferson Middle School science teacher Megan Roth-Ueno (right). Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

CARDS FOR COPS CAMPAIGN - Students in Christine Wicks and Kym Rambazis’ class at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School spearheaded a Cards for Cops initiative and shared the idea throughout the school. Dozens of creative cards with heartfelt messages will be delivered to Beyond the Badge, a nonprofit organization that was created by two local law enforcement officers that raises mental health awareness in the law enforcement community. Pictured: Kym Rambazis and fifth grade students at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

NAfME Honors For Rocky Point Senior

Rocky Point High school senior Vivian Dorr was selected for the 2023 National Association for Music Education AllEastern Honor Band. In April, Vivian will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with students from NAfME’s Eastern Division, which includes

the New England and Northeastern states, Washington, D.C., and Europe. The AllEastern rehearsals and performances will take place from April 13-16, 2023.

“This is an incredible accomplishment,” music teacher

said. “Vivian is a very talented young trombonist and an excellent student. She continues to impress me with her dedication to her academics, music and athletics. I’m sure she will make Rocky Point proud at this weekend’s All-State festival and the All-Eastern Festival in April.”

NAfME HONORS FOR ROCKY POINT

SENIOR - Rocky Point High School

Principal Jonathan Hart, senior Vivian Dorr and music teacher Amy Schecher. Photo courtesy of the Rocky Point School District

Amy Schecher

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.

Students Share Joy And Music At Dickens Festival

Members of the Port Jefferson School District music and fine arts department joined in the festivities of the annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson Village Dec. 2-4.

Music students and teachers entertained the spectators with seasonal songs during various

performances throughout the village. Students in the district’s Drama Club assisted Santa at the Village Center in the elf workshop and served as background actors in the Stony Brook University film crew taping of the event.

“They did a fantastic job of interacting with the

villagers and students and children just waiting to see Santa,” Drama Club adviser Tony Butera said.

The unique event was another opportunity for teachers and students to share their Port Jefferson School District awardwinning talents in a public setting.

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 from my love of my Gen X childhood, whether that be vintage toys, movie quotes, thrift shopping or collecting. Each project differs, but I 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.

8 year old Lhaso Apso and 5 year old Yorkie mix. Bonded pair. The best of friends.

RAMON 9 year old male. Pomeranian. Confident. Extroverted and inquisitive.

OREO

2 year old male. MinPin. Clever, spirited, and a bit comedic. Loyal and devoted.

S’MORES

10 year old female. Pomeranian. Sweet girl with an open personality.

LILY & HERMAN

STUDENTS SHARE JOY AND MUSIC AT DICKENS FESTIVAL - Port Jefferson School District students with music teacher Edward Pisano (right). Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson 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.

Positive Messages Shared Through Power Of Music

Students at Setauket Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District were visited by Jared Campbell, an award-winning singer and songwriter. Through song, Campbell shared messages

of responsibility, respect and antibullying. Students were engaged throughout the presentation, singing and dancing along.

Campbell put on two different performances, one for kindergarten

through second grade, and another for third through fifth grade. Both shows focused on kindness and compassion while encouraging students to be leaders and to live their life with purpose.

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.

POSITIVE MESSAGES SHARED THROUGH POWER OF MUSIC - Musician Jared Campbell visited Setauket Elementary School to share songs and positive messages. The interactive presentation engaged students across all grade levels. Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

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How To Make Christmas Eve Special For Kids

Christmas Eve is viewed differently by different people, even those who live under the same Santa-ready 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.

Attend Mass At Midnight

Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include late-evening or midnight masses that celebrate the birth of Christ when the calendar switches over to December 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thought-provoking 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

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 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

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.