January 4, 2023 West Islip

On Monday, December 19, 2022, Noelle Lambert and The Bryn Elliott Team concluded their Holiday Donation Drive, which ran for four weeks and had drop-off locations throughout Long Island. The drive brought in countless donations, all of which were given to a local non-profit organization, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH).

“It was such a great experience and people didn’t hold back,” said Noelle Lambert, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “I received calls, texts and emails from people who heard of the drive and wanted to donate, many of which ended up giving so much that they couldn’t bring it all into a drop-off location in one trip. Although it’s a very sad reality that many individuals are experiencing homelessness and other hardships right here on Long Island, it was really refreshing to see our community come together and do something about it.”

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless 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. The organization’s distribution center where the donations were brought is located at 600 Albany Avenue in Amityville,

and is also known as their boutique. People in need can make an appointment to come to the boutique and leave with clothes and other items, such as non perishable food and personal care products for free. LICH is here to work directly with people in need, as well as with case managers, shelter staff members, school employees, church members and the like who are helping these individuals.

”This organization does so much good and it was a pleasure to contribute towards their important mission,” said Bryn Elliott, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “So many people have clothing and miscellaneous items that they aren’t using, while others are in real need; it’s just a matter of coordinating a collection. However, it’s clear that the holiday spirit helped our drive quite a bit. I want to express how thankful we are to all who donated, as well as for the businesses that allowed us to use their locations for the drive, which includes USA Auto Body in East Patchogue, The Fish Store in Bayport, Long Island Media Group in

Farmingdale and Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Smithtown and Farmingville.”

“We are so very grateful for this drive that Noelle and The Bryn Elliott Team put together,” said Bailey Riekkinen, Community Engagement Specialist at LICH. “The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless will continue to advocate and serve until we achieve our mission of ending homelessness on Long Island. In 2022, we referred over 700 households for permanent housing through Coordinated Entry, a system that ensures the most vulnerable Long Islanders are prioritized for permanent, affordable housing. Affordable housing is scarce on Long Island, and we are consistently working hard at connecting Long Island’s most vulnerable to the available resources. Additionally, we received and distributed over 10,000 pounds of food and toiletries along with countless clothing items to locals that are homeless and at-risk on the streets and in shelters through our boutique and pantry.”

Together we can make a true difference in our community.

If you would like more information about starting a donation drive with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, please contact Bailey at 631.464.4314 x125. For more information about LICH and all they offer, visit www. addressthehomeless.org or call 631.464.4314.

Assemblyman Durso Congratulates Local Students

Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) joined the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Post 1738 in West Islip in congratulating Kayla and Samantha Miller on their recent trip to New

York Girls State. Each year American Legion Auxiliaries around New York sponsor girls to attend this non-partisan political experience to learn about local and state government practices and running a mock government.

Participants are selected to attend Girls State based on academic criteria along with being interested in government affairs and demonstrate strong leadership abilities.

Donations collected from the drive

Noelle Lambert & Bryn Elliott

ASSEMBLYMAN DURSO CONGRATULATES LOCAL STUDENTS - Pictured L to Right: Kayla Miller, Assemblyman Durso, and Samantha Miller.

Students Attend Leadership Conference

Mrs. Macrelli’s Virtual Enterprise classes at West Islip High School attended the LIU Leadership Conference. Approximately 150 local students were in attendance. The conference gave students the chance to meet other students and make virtual monetary deals in advance of the November tradeshow. Students were placed in roleplaying scenarios and were asked to develop a sales pitch – including target market, price, SWOT analysis and slogan – and present their product to the judges and audience. West Islip’s John Fucci and his team won first place for the most convincing sales pitch. Photos courtesy of West Islip School District

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

www.pal-o-mine.org

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today! “Our mission has been, and continues to be, to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. “We proudly serve individuals with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished.”

Their location in Islandia offers an unequaled setting for equestrian activities, with a 20-stall barn on 13 acres, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a 100’ x 120’ indoor arena with state-of-the-art-footing and a rider hoisting system, 3 outdoor riding arenas, classrooms, accessible playground, a greenhouse and a wellness center. They offer the following programs:

Lessons: This program provides quality adaptive riding and unmounted lessons that benefit individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional and mental disabilities. Each one of their riding instructors excels in their field and continues with training and certification throughout their careers.

Equine Assisted Learning: This program incorporates horses experientially for educational and emotional growth and learning. Using unique approaches to create positive and constructive learning experiences for children and adolescents who are at risk of failing in the traditional academic setting, this program has changed the lives of countless individuals.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: This follows a model designed by EAGALA,

Inc., the leading international EAP training and certifying organization.

Currently, Pal-OMine Equestrian has 7 Licensed Mental Health Professionals and 11 Equine Specialists who are certified in this model. Groups that are participating focus on the following issues: grief, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse, addiction and codependency.

Speech & Occupational Therapy: Clients respond well to therapy incorporating activities with animals, and a variety of therapy goals can be addressed using this treatment strategy. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists run this program to provide therapy services with the assistance of wonderful animals.

Military: For more than four thousand years, horses have been an integral part of warfare. Today, horses are still playing an important role in war, this time in the recovery of military veterans who have suffered emotional and/or physical injuries. This program is an EAGALA designated Military Program and offers individual, group and family sessions to help people heal.

Corporate Leadership: The way individuals interact and react with horses is very similar to the way they interact with their clients, customers, peers and work groups. People interpret horse behavior/emotions through the lens of their personal perception. How they interpret horses can often be a metaphor for their work, attitudes and relationships. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is proud to offer a Corporate Leadership program.

For more information about this organization and all they offer, please call 631-348-1389 or visit www.pal-omine.org. Don’t miss next week’s article to learn about how you can get involved and help others in your community.

If your nonprofit would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.

Supporting

Businesses

Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a big-box store or a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.

Did You Know?

You can protect your finances and your reputation if you act fast when you encounter credit card fraud. For more information on credit card fraud, as well as other personal finance advice, visit www.ValuePenguin. com.

for Babies - Preschoolers:

Read 30 books with a grown -up between January 9 and February 17.

for Grades K - 6: Read for 6 hours between January 9 and February 17.

The more you read, the more badges and tickets you’ll earn, the better chances you’ll have to win some great raffle prizes!

Head to westisliplibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack app to begin.

Login to your existing Beanstack account or create a new one if you’ve never joined our online reading club before!

TO BE CONTINUED

Grades 1 - 4 WIJ025

Mondays, January 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ 4:00 PM

Listen to a chapter book story with Miss Kerri while you lounge on pillows and enjoy an after-school snack with friends.

VIRTUAL BINGO WITH MRS. SULLIVAN

Grades K - 6 WIJV14

Friday, January 13 @ 4:30 PM

Friday, February 3 @ 4:30 PM

Don’t have time to come down to the library? That’s okay, join us for Zoom Bingo! Zoom information will be sent via email.

Love ABC Mouse? Try our newest online resource, Miss Humblebee’s Academy, an award-winning online and offline curriculum that prepares children ages 3 to 6 for kindergarten readiness. Keep track of progress using your free library account.

Links can be found on our children’s webpage or through this QR code:

Family Connect Nights at Your Library

Tuesdays, January 10 & February 7

The library has got you covered! Come on down and grab a movie, craft, switch game, book, or even playa board game and spend some fun family time together as you explore new things and share quality time with those you love!

BELL BUTTON ART WIYA 210

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE FOR TEENS WIYA 222

Thursday, January 19th @ 4PM

Are you taking ASL as your language in school? Have you always been interested in learning ASL for practical use? Take this c lass in American Sign Language to brush up on your skills! All levels welcome. WI Teen Residents only.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS WIYA 224

Saturdays, January 21st and February 18th @ 1-4PM Are you more of a warlock or a druid? Let your imagination run wild as you take part in one of the most famous tabletop fanta sy games of all time! Players of all skill levels welcome. Register for one or both sessions. WI Teen Residents only.

SET YOUR CLOCK FOR SUCCESS (ZOOM) WIYA 211

Monday, January 23rd @ 7PM

Join Dr. Dominque Padurano from Crimson Coaching as she teaches you techniques for managing your time to complete assignments and achieve realistic long-term goals. Teens will receive 1 hour of community service for attending. Zoom link will be emailed. WI Teen Residents only.

can be tricky! Learn how to achieve the perfect blow -out with these easy techniques using the Revlon blow dry brush! Registration not required.

Monday, January 23rd @ 5PM

Create a beautiful bell all made out of buttons to ring in the New Year! WI Residents only.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Saturday, January 7th or February 4th @ 9:30AM-3:30PM Save 10% on your auto insurance. This class may reduce up to 4 points off your license. Bring your driver’s license along with cash, check or money order made out to Empire Safety Council the day of the class. You must arrive 10 minutes prior. To register, call 631-664-0652. $30 non-refundable fee.

APPS FOR KEEPING YOUR NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTIONS WIA 153

Wednesday, January 11th @ 7PM

This year, let’s keep our New Years’ Resolutions! These apps will help you develop better habits and track new goals.

TAX PLANNING & STRATEGIES WIA 100

Tuesday, January 17th @ 7PM

Tax planning involves more than filing early to secure a much -needed refund. It means taking advantage of all the adjustments, deductions and credits the IRS code allows. Join Certified Public Accountant Daniel G. Mazzola for this informative discussion on plans and strategies to help ease the higher tax burdens and help you plan for the future.

HOW TO BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS (ZOOM) WIA 152

Thursday, January 19th @ 7PM

Discover unique and natural ways to beat the winter blahs. Make your home warm, cozy and comfortable with hygge inspired ideas. Lift your spirits by connecting with nature and learn all about essential oils and diffuser blends that help lift your mood during the season.

90’S MOVIE TRIVIA WIA 101

Saturday, January 21st @ 2PM

How many movies can you remember from the 90s? Join us for adults only trivia game as we think back to the decade that brought cinematic hits such as Clueless, Braveheart, The Mummy, Ace Ventura Pet Detective and more! Prizes will be awarded to winning teams. West Islip residents only.

A PENNY POSTCARD VIEW OF LONG ISLAND WIA 102

Tuesday, January 24th @ 7PM

First introduced by the US Government in 1893, postcards can tell us much about Long Island ’s past. Postcards examine nostalgic scenes, historic moments, and the ever changing Long Island landscape. Join us to view, discuss, and learn about Long Island through postcards with historian Noel Gish.

COMPUTER KINDERGARTE N WIA 154

Saturday, January 28th @ 1PM

This is a slow-paced, user-friendly class for first-time computer users. Using Windows computers, this unique class covers the basics in a way that even the most inexperienced user will understand. We will cover turning the computer on, the desktop, using the mouse, opening and closing programs, understanding windows elements, getting out of trouble, and turning the computer off. All versions of Windows will be addressed.

100 YEARS OF WARNER

BROTHERS

Monday, January 30th @ 7PM

(ZOOM) WIA 103

Celebrate Warner Brother’s 100th Anniversary in 2023. Learn more about the history and future of Warner Brothers, their films and filmmakers, as well as their impact on entertainment and pop culture.

EVENING BOOK DISCUSS ION: UNCULTURED BY D

Monday, January 30th @ 7PM

ANIELLA MESTYANEK

YOUNG WIA 160

Join our librarian Michaela for a discussion on this biographical account about a woman who escapes from the religious cult The Children of God also known as The Family. Young was denied an education and was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused. She escaped to Texas, enrolled in high school, and graduated as valedictorian of her class. She then entered the army, achieving the rank of captain and became one of the first women to conduct ground combat operation. In the military, though, she found an atmosphere remarkably similar to that of her cult upbringing. This is a page -turning memoir with much to discuss!

vote for their favorite piece. Winner will be announced March 1st

All artwork must be returned by Monday, January 30th While supplies last. West Islip residents only

SENIOR SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesdays, January 24 & February 28 @ 11AM

West Islip Public Library is proud to announce a Senior Support Group facilitated by our social work intern Kathleen Willig. Come join our discussion circle to talk about important topics, make new friends, and share your story. No registration required.

DR. G DOES FEEL GOOD OLDIES WIA 140

Sunday, January 22 @ 2PM

Dr. G is an acoustic trio that performs great songs from the 1960’s. This era brought us the music of the Beatles, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, and so many more. Tap along with the tambourine and join us for an afternoon of great tunes.

Thank you for your patience as we complete this construction!

When Remodeling A Home

When remodeling a home with the ultimate goal of making it more attractive to prospective buyers, homeowners can benefit from taking stock of current trends, including the style of home that’s most popular. According to a 2020 Homes.com survey of more than 5,000 adults across the United States,

modern farmhouse is the most favored house style. The survey asked participants to choose from a selection of styles, including mid-century modern ranch, Spanish colonial/southwest, bohemian craftsman, Italianate, French chateau, and Tudor. The modern farmhouse style was the most popular

choice in 42 of the 50 states, proving that home style preference is not beholden to geography. Respondents gave a host of reasons for favoring the modern farmhouse look, including that the style is “aesthetically appealing but not boring” and that it looks “simple, cozy, and not too busy.”

631-226-2636, press “2” A

TO place an

in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A

representative will be happy to assist you

631-226-2636, press “2”

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